Leona Maguire is expecting the Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalucia, Spain to provide a test both mentally and physically as she prepares for her second appearance for Europe in the Solheim Cup.
The par-72, 6,903-yard course offers a bit of everything: elevation changes, more than 100 bunkers and views of the Estepona Mountains. Players from both the United States and Europe have said that Finca Cortesin is in fine shape but know what awaits them when the competition begins on Friday.
Two years ago, Cavan native Maguire became the first ever Irish player to feature at the Solheim Cup and went onto play a starring role, contributing a rookie record of four-and-a-half points from five matches as Europe won on US soil for just the second time at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
This time round, the two-time Olympian, who has earned two wins on the LPGA Tour since 2021, is anticipating that Finca Cortesin will put both sets of players through their paces.
"It's going to be just as much of a physical test this week as a mental test," said Maguire.
"We have a lot of practice, a lot of media, a lot of things this week, a lot of dinners, so managing energy throughout the week is going to be key to make sure we still have plenty in the tank for Sunday."
Maguire added that she was already feeling plenty of Irish support, having seen several people from Ireland on her flight to Spain as well as fans who arrived at the course on Tuesday.
"Really excited and nice to have the fans cheering along and everybody so excited for us to be here," she said. "Hopefully we can give them some things to cheer about."
France's Celine Boutier, who also played with Maguire at Duke University, is heading into her third Solheim Cup.
"I've been, you know, trying to rest as much as I could," she said.
"I feel like everyone kind of prepared us ahead of time saying that it was going to be a very physical course, so I think just trying to prepare the best you can and at the same time save some energy for the actual tournament."
The United States is looking to reclaim the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017 and avenge the 15-13 defeat from two years ago at the Inverness Club.
Their members, too, have had a chance to walk the course in practice and know what they are up against.
"It's obviously in spectacular shape," said Ally Ewing, who is playing her third Solheim Cup.
"I don't know how much play there's been recently or, you know, over the course of the year, but it's in really good shape.
"It's really hilly. You're going to hear that from a lot of players and caddies. So the recovery off the golf course is going to be really important. It's a long week as it is, so taking care of our feet and our bodies off the course is going to be really important."
For Lexi Thompson, in her sixth Solheim Cup competition, Finca Cortesin presents both opportunities and challenges.
"Yeah, the course is unbelievable. It's in great shape," she said. "I don't know if there's been much play, but I feel like I'm the first divots out there. But it's a tricky golf course. At the same time, it's a really good layout and risk-reward golf course as well. But I think we're all very excited to go out there. It's not an easy walk, so making sure that we pace ourselves along the week.
The captains - Suzann Pettersen of Europe and Stacy Lewis of the United States - have yet to announce the pairings.
"Anytime you get to wear the red, white and blue and represent your country at any level of competition, it's a big honour," American Danielle Kang said.
"My entire team, and I can speak for, you know, everyone, that we come out here to represent it as best as we can and we've been preparing for this, so just excited."
Follow the 2023 Solheim Cup with live updates on RTÉ Sport Online and the RTÉ News app
