IMG tees up the Solheim Cup

The world leading sports, media and events organisation firm IMG will partner with the Scottish Government to deliver The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.

Appointed by VisitScotland on behalf of the government, IMG will bring its vast expertise and experience to ensure the competition will be one of the best in the tournament’s history.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement at Dundonald Links Golf Course in Ayrshire where the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open tees off tomorrow. She said:

“This partnership brings together two of the world-leading brands within the global golf industry and will allow Scotland to realise the many benefits of hosting one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet.

“IMG’s vast experience in staging major events will ensure that Scotland stages the best-ever Solheim Cup when it visits Gleneagles in 2019 and delivers a spectator experience that is second to none.

“They share our vision of an open and inclusive event and will work alongside us to show that in Scotland golf is a family-orientated game that is open to everyone. We want to use The 2019 Solheim Cup to encourage greater participation among women, young people and families and IMG’s strong track record in the women’s game will help us to achieve this.”

The Solheim Cup is the biggest event in women’s golf, pitting European and US teams against each other in a team format which mirrors that of The Ryder Cup. Scotland was awarded the right to host The 2019 Solheim Cup in October 2015 following a successful bid led by VisitScotland on behalf of The Scottish Government.

Paul Bush, Director of Events at Visit Scotland said:

“IMG is one of the most experienced sports events organisations in the world and, having worked with them over the years on various projects, we are confident their professional and innovative approach will help us to deliver the best Solheim Cup to date and one of the best sporting occasions to be hosted in Scotland.”

IMG operates in more than 30 countries and its Golf Division has staged more than 750 golf events, including 30 tournaments staged annually around the globe – two of them are women’s Majors.

Guy Kinnings, Global Head of IMG Golf said:

“We are delighted to have been chosen to partner with Visit Scotland to deliver the 2019 Solheim Cup.

“It is a fantastic challenge to deliver a Solheim Cup in Scotland following the success of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Our team can’t wait to get started on this exciting project and we look forward wholeheartedly to working with the considerable resources within the Scottish government to ensure that this Solheim Cup delivers in every aspect.”

Ivan Khodabakhsh, Chief Executive of the Ladies European Tour said:

“We welcome the appointment of IMG to partner with Scotland on the staging of The 2019 Solheim Cup. We are confident it is in excellent hands and look forward to an event that will continue to enhance the reputation of the women’s game on an international stage and inspire many more women and juniors to get involved in the sport.”