(Sugar Grove, Illinois – 23rd August 2009) -- Golfing twins Lisa and Leona Maguire raised the flag of Ireland at The 2009 Solheim Cup closing ceremony at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois on Sunday, marking the countdown to The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle in County Meath.
The dynamic duo from County Cavan, who carried the Ryder Cup onto the stage at the K Club in 2006 to be presented to triumphant European captain Ian Woosnam, represented Europe at The 2009 PING Junior Solheim Cup at Aurora Country Club ahead of the main tournament.
After an electrifying Solheim Cup contest with 120,000 fans in attendance, Louise Solheim and John Solheim, PING chairman and CEO, presented the beautiful Waterford Crystal Trophy to the triumphant United States team captain Beth Daniel.
At the closing ceremony, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports and on the Golf Channel, Keith McCormack, Head of Golf Tourism, Ireland, commented: “What a magnificent couple of days, what a fabulous course and what fantastic golf fans. Congratulations to everybody involved in this amazing golf event.”
Ireland will host The 2011 Solheim Cup on September 23-25, at Killeen Castle, which has been restored to its original splendour and dates back over 800 years to 1181.
“It is a wonderful honour for Ireland to host this wonderful event. Wow! It is going to be tough to top this week, but I am sure the Irish public and the guys at Killeen Castle will look at the golf fans here in Rich Harvest Farms and use this week as a source of inspiration.
“The magnificent Killeen Castle is a Jack Nicklaus designed course and is set in the historic grounds of one of Ireland's oldest and finest 12th century Norman castles: a stunning venue and a fitting backdrop for this prestigious event.”
Roddy Carr, director at Killeen Castle, added: "From the moment the Irish Flag is raised in Chicago on sunday night by the Maguire Twins, Ireland and Killeen Castle are the host venue for The 2011 Solheim Cup. We are very proud and looking forward to welcoming 100,000 people to the event on September 23-25."
The 2011 Solheim Cup will mark the 12th staging of the event, which was started by Karsten and Louise Solheim, founders of PING and Karsten Manufacturing Corporation in 1990. PING has sponsored The Solheim Cup since its inception and is now a Global Partner of The Solheim Cup along with AIB Group and Rolex.
About Killeen Castle
Killeen Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Fingal, sits in a wooded estate in 600 acres in Dunsany, Co. Meath. Set in the historic grounds of one of Ireland's oldest and finest 12th century Norman castles, the estate at Killeen Castle is home to a unique development of supreme quality residences discreetly positioned among the natural woodlands of the demesne and throughout which the magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course winds.
Jack Nicklaus, course designer at Killeen Castle, said: “As the course designer, I am proud to be part of what is happening at Killeen Castle. It is phenomenal, what with the castle as a focal point. You have wonderful facilities to stage The Solheim Cup or the Ryder Cup in the future. It is a very strong course and will be nicely matured for 2011.”
Located just north of Dunshaughlin in the heart of Royal Meath overlooked by the ancient Hill of Tara, Killeen Castle is just minutes from the picturesque hamlet of Dunsany. Killeen Castle offers all the joys of true country living, yet it is only 35 minutes from Dublin International Airport and 45 minutes from Dublin city centre.
The golfing facilities are augmented by a 30,000 sq ft stand alone modern purpose built clubhouse, with parking facilities in an old wall garden setting for 260 cars. In the context of holding The Solheim Cup, the venue provides ample room (500 acres) for public village and hospitality facilities, a television compound, grandstands and spectator traffic flow, all adjacent to the dramatic 18th hole. Killeen Castle is soon to be complemented by a luxury hotel and spa. For more information, visit the club's website, www.killeencastle.com.
Topics: Solheim Cup
