Iowa to Host 2017 Solheim Cup

September 24, 2013

Biennial golf tournament the Solheim Cup have announced their 2017 event will be played at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, LPGA announced Monday.

The contest between teams of European and American golfers was held in Colorado last month with Europe winning 18-10.

The Solheim Cup, which features 12 golfers on each team in a match-play format, will be in Germany in 2015 before going to Iowa.

LPGA commissioner Michael Whan said that Iowa’s history of supporting major golf events — most notably the 250,000 fans the course drew for the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 1999 — played a key role in its selection.

“I believe in 2017, we’re going to blow the standard out of the water of what a Solheim Cup should be,” Whan said. “That’s going to come from a course. That’s going to come from a city. That’s going to come from a state. Most importantly, that’s going to come from a people that respect the game and respect the country.”

The Solheim Cup will be arguably the most prestigious golf tournament ever held in central Iowa.

In addition to the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 1999, Metro Des Moines has hosted a Champions Tour event, the Principal Charity Classic, since 2001.

“We look forward to getting to know you much better, and we’re really excited about the fact that you’re coming back in 2017. I’m delighted that our state will be the home of the 2017 Solheim Cup,” Iowa governor Terry Branstad said. “Iowans are well-known for their generosity, their strong sense of community and their welcoming attitude.”