Course maintenance and customer service hits superlative levels at this testing course on the Costa del Sol which has clearly been selected by the European Tour as one suited for Match-Play competition. Three later versions of their now defunct World March-Play Championship (initially played at Wentworth for over 40 years) were played at Finca Cortesin, as will be the Solheim Cup in 2023. However I am not aware that a Tour event over the more conventional 4 round Stroke-Play format has ever been held here.

Having just played Finca I understand why. The opening and closing holes on this immaculately groomed layout are relatively easy even for the average amateur golfer whereas the middle stretch from 7 to 15 are a severe test, a perfect mix for elite match-play. Of the earlier holes I particularly liked the wide-open first, the dogleg fourth from a raised tee around the edge of a lake to a green which is driveable by big-hitters of the golf ball, and the rough-and-tumble downhill fifth.

The middle holes include some highly difficult challenges none more so than the sharply uphill 8th which played much more than its 540 yards into a strong breeze, another long drag at 11 and a beast of a par four at 15. The golf course had thoroughly beaten me up by this stage, but the final three holes provided good scoring opportunities and I was pleased to end with some welcome par scores.

A final memory is of the amazing practice facilities, delightful clubhouse and extremely helpful staff, even if the up-and-down nature of the course and hefty green fee would not make me rush back.