The Solheim Cup trophy has made its first public appearance in Scotland since the country was awarded the right to host the world’s biggest women’s golf event at Gleneagles in 2019.
The stunning trophy, made from Waterford Crystal, has wowed crowds at the Scottish Golf Show at the SECC in Glasgow with appearances on both the VisitScotland and Gleneagles stands.
The trophy, won in dramatic fashion by Juli Inkster’s American team in Germany last September, was present during all three days of the Scottish Golf Show allowing golf fans to see an historic piece of golfing memorabilia in the flesh ahead of the event at Gleneagles in 2019.
The event was secured for Scotland following a successful bid led by VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, which beat off competition from other European nations including a strong Swedish bid.
VisitScotland, a sponsor of the Scottish Golf Show for the last 11 years, attended the show to encourage golf fans to get out and support the wonderful portfolio of golf events across the country in 2016 and beyond as well as promoting golf tourism in Scotland.
There are no fewer than nine top class professional golf events taking place in Scotland this year, including four full European Tour events, the most of any country in Europe.
These include The 145th Open at Royal Troon and the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie as well as annual events such as the Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s and Ladies Scottish Opens at Castle Stuart and Dundonald respectively; the Paul Lawrie Match Play at Archerfield Links; the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns; the SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge at Spey Valley; the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Seniors Open at Archerfield Links and the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Qualifier at Moray GC.
The Solheim Cup trophy made an appearance at the show alongside other famous trophies such as The Claret Jug, the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open trophy and the Senior Open Championship trophy.
Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “This is the first time the Solheim Cup trophy has been on public display in Scotland since we were successful with our bid to take it to Gleneagles last October.
“We hope it will generate a real buzz of anticipation for the event among Scotland’s golfing public and capture the imagination in the same way as The 2014 Ryder Cup, when the whole country came together to celebrate the event. It was great to see such interest in the trophy at the Scottish Golf Show and I’m sure attendees enjoyed seeing such a magnificent and historic trophy alongside the other great exhibitors at the event.
“This is a tremendous time to be a golf fan in Scotland with a world-class portfolio of events across the country in 2016 and for many years to come. We would urge as many golf fans as possible to get out and support these events and show the world why Scotland truly is the Home of Golf.”
Gary Silcock, Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, added: “It’s a real coup for Gleneagles, and Perthshire, to have the opportunity to host another high-profile golfing event. The Solheim Cup has an audience in the hundreds of millions, globally, and it will bring thousands of spectators to the area.
“After hosting a successful Ryder Cup in 2014, we are really focusing on bolstering Gleneagles’ reputation as a flagship European golfing venue. Our ambition is to build on the great tradition of golf at Gleneagles, which dates back to 1919, by developing events across the entire spectrum, including men’s, ladies’, junior and senior tournaments for both professionals and amateurs.”
VisitScotland, Scottish Development International and Scottish Golf, the Scottish Government is committed to continuing to support the growth of the game in this country. This includes; supporting economic and business growth within the Scottish economy, driving increased participation in the sport and helping to nurture the next generation of Scottish golfing stars through the Clubgolf programme of junior golf activities.
VisitScotland www.visitscotland.com
Scottish Development International www.sdi.co.uk
Scottish Golf www.scottishgolf.org
Clubgolf www.clubgolfscotland.com