THE countdown to the first Solheim Cup on Irish soil is down to days and the man who invited the best lady golfers in the world to County Meath can’t wait.

THE greatest week in the history of Irish ladies’ golf has arrived with the 12th Solheim Cup clash of the United States and Europe set for the Jack Nicklaus-designed Killeen Castle near Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, on Friday.

SUZANN PETTERSEN struck a blow for Europe seven weeks out from the Solheim Cup with victory in the Ladies Irish Open at Killeen Castle yesterday.

DARREN CLARKE’S stirring British Open success can act as an inspiration to European golf’s top ladies when they face a seemingly invincible American side at Killeen Castle next month.

PORTUGUESE Ladies champion Leona Maguire and her twin sister Lisa, the current Spanish Ladies champion, will lead the Irish challenge at the inaugural Irish U-18 Strokeplay Championship at Knightsbrook Hotel Spa and Golf Resort in Co. Meath next weekend.