Meath castle to host 2011 Solheim Cup

Ireland will host the 2011 Solheim Cup after Killeen Castle in Co Meath was awarded the biennial event between Europe and the United States.

It is a major coup for the country and follows on from the success of the first Ryder Cup to be held in Ireland at the K Club in Dublin in September.

The Irish bid to stage the competition at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course was preferred to ones from England, Italy, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Spain.

“Each bid was strong. We have chosen Ireland and Killeen Castle for a number of reasons,” said Ladies European Tour (LET) executive director Alexandra Armas.

“The first of which is the superb way the whole nation supported the Ryder Cup in September. The second is that we believe the modern Ireland is a young vibrant society compatible with the image we wish to promote for ladies' golf.

“It is true that Ireland does not have a great history in ladies professional golf, but we firmly believe that the decision we have taken to come to Ireland will help to change that.”

The LET has also announced a new five-year agreement with Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, to stage The Irish Ladies Open from 2008.