The women’s game’s equivalent to the Ryder Cup will be held at the venue in County Meath after it beat off rival bids from courses in England, Italy, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Spain.
Alexandra Armas, executive director of the LET also revealed a new five-year agreement with Failte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, to stage the Irish Ladies Open on the LET calendar as of 2008.
Armas said: “The Solheim Cup has grown rapidly over the last few years never more notably than in 2003, when it was held at Barseback in Sweden. Sweden was an outstanding success for us with over 100,000 spectators, live TV coverage in Europe and the US.
“Swedish companies were also generous with their sponsorship. Such was the acclaim of Sweden in 2003 the LET decided to take the Solheim Cup back there in 2007. So we at the LET were faced with choosing a venue for 2011, one which could build on the great achievement of Sweden.
“To demonstrate the interest that has now built up around The Solheim Cup we were delighted to receive bids from seven different countries. All good courses, sound financial structure and some receiving considerable government support. We have chosen Ireland and Killeen Castle for a number of reasons. 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.”
