West Des Moines Lands Solheim Cup in 2017

The LPGA announced Monday that it is bringing its biggest tournament – the Solheim Cup – to West Des Moines in 2017.

The biennial contest between teams of American and European golfers will be held at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, according to an announcement Monday by the LPGA. It will be the first 36-hole course in the United States to host the event, which will allow the PING Junior Solheim Cup to b played simultaneously. That event features the top 12 girls from the United States against those from Europe.

In 1999, the U.S. Senior Open Championships drew a record 252,800 spectators to the same course.

In an announcement in Des Moines Monday, LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan said the support the metro area has shown for golf events was a strong factor in the decision to bring the Solheim Cup to Iowa.

“Based on the incredible welcome that we’ve already seen from the city, state, and local organizers, I have no doubt that the 2017 Solheim Cup is already on track to be the best event we’ve ever staged,” Wahn said. “From the very first time we met the Des Moines Golf and Country Club leaders, we realized that we were able to think big, rally the support of the community, and facilitate corporate and fan experiences that will take The Solheim Cup to a new level.”

“The Board of Directors and Membership at Des Moines Golf and Country Club could not be more excited and ready to again showcase our wonderful facilities and Community with this event,” Jeff Bodin, president of Des Moines Golf and Country Club, said in a news release.. “We have a great history of excelling at everything we do and will see to it that we exceed the strong traditions of The Solheim Cup as we host it with honor in 2017.”

Tournament Chair Suku Radia said Iowans are known for their love of golf, their generosity, their strong sense of community, their extraordinary work ethic and a genuine welcoming attitude and “that is why we will host the best Solheim Cup ever.”

The 2013 Solheim Cup was held in Colorado and will move to Germany in 2015. The European Team, which prevailed last month, will enter the competition holding the Cup and will need 14 points to retain it, with the U.S. Team needing 14½ points to regain the coveted Waterford Crystal prize. The U.S. squad holds an 8-5 lead in the series, which began in 1990.

The Solheim Cup combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with passion for one’s country. This biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition features the best U.S.-born players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the best European members from the Ladies European Tour (LET).