Solheim build-up continues as local clubs lock horns

With The 2011 Solheim Cup just under five months away, Meath Tourism and Meath County Council, in conjunction with Failte Ireland, are rolling out their latest initiative in the build-up to the prestigious ladies' golf event, which takes place at Killeen Castle in late September. 'The Road to Solheim Sunday' is a series of open mixed two-person stableford qualifier events which are taking place in 12 golf clubs right across the Boyne Valley during May, June and July. The event will culminate with the winning team from each club squaring up to each other on Sunday 14th August at Killeen Castle, the last chance to play the spectacular Jack Nicklaus signature course before The Solheim Cup. Speaking at the first event in the series at Bellewstown Golf Course on Bank Holiday Monday, Kevin Stewart, director of services (economic development and innovation) at Meath County Council, said: "This competition is an opportunity for every golf club in the Boyne Valley to become involved with The 2011 Solheim Cup. "It is important that local golf clubs, which are really small local businesses, and which contribute significantly to the local economy, get the chance to be involved in this major international event. It is a condition of entry that the sponsored prizes are sourced locally so local retailers will also benefit." He said Meath Tourism and Meath County Council are delighted to partner with Failte Ireland in the initiative and hoped it is a success for all the clubs involved. "We look forward to meeting the winners for the grand final in August. We would like to acknowledge the support of the 2011 Solheim Cup event organisers Twenty Eleven and also Killeen Castle in supporting this initiative," Mr Stewart said. Participating clubs in the 'Road to Solheim' series include Headfort Golf Club, Royal Tara Golf Club, Bellewstown Golf Club, Kilcock Golf Club, Ashbourne Golf Club, Navan Golf Club, Moyvalley Golf Club, Knightsbrook Golf Club, Seapoint Golf Club and Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club. The Road to Solheim Sunday series is designed to whet the appetite of the region for The 2011 Solheim Cup when the best female players on the planet descend on Killeen Castle from 23rd to 25th September. Accommodation bookings in the region are very strong with over 70 per cent of all accommodation in Meath already filled. This biennial transatlantic team matchplay competition pits the top 12 European players against their rivals from the United States. There will be extra spice to the event as the European team attempt to win back on home turf the famous Waterford Crystal Trophy won by the United States at Sugar Grove in Illinois in 2009. With attendances in the region of 80,000 to 100,000 expected, the action kicks off with practice sessions commencing from Monday 19th September. The sixth Ping Junior Solheim Cup takes place at Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort from 20th to 21st September when the cream of European and US golfers aged 12 to 18 take each other on. For more information on 'The Road to Solheim Sunday' series, see www.solheimcupmeath.ie