Countdown to Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle

Every visit to Killeen Castle further enhances the view that the Meath venue is a world class golf club. Last Thursday's visit to the 2011 Solheim Cup course by European captain Alison Nicholas underlined that growing reputation. This was her first site-visit to Killeen Castle which is gearing up to host the 2011 Solheim Cup, the biggest event in ladies professional golf. The visit allowed her experience, first-hand, the magnificent challenges that await the world's top players both at the Solheim Cup in 2011 and the Ladies Irish Open in August of this year. The captain's appearance also marked the announcement of Volkswagen's partnership with the tournament in Ireland. Along with becoming 'Official Car' of the Solheim Cup in September next year, Volkswagen will support this year's AIB Ladies Irish Open from Friday, 6th to Sunday, 8th August. Nicholas' visit is seen as a key step in Europe's quest to overcome the American's next year and retrieve the famous Solheim Cup, which the USA won 16-12 in Illinois last year. Ladies golf is the fastest growing segment in golf worldwide and with the standard of the game higher than ever it is receiving more attention throughout the world and especially in Ireland. The 15-year-old Maguire twins from Cavan, who have relations in Meath, have been named on the Curtis Cup team. Nicholas captivated the media at Killeen Castle on Thursday and after holding court with the press for almost an hour, over an informal breakfast ,she fielded questions about her hopes for 2011. "The important thing is to let the public know about the enormity of this event. We want to get the people here in Ireland, in the UK and from around Europe to get here to support Europe because that will be massively important," said the European captain. "I'm sure that when the people come here for the Solheim Cup they will have a fabulous week because the competition is full of passion and excitement. You will have a lot of fun at the competition and I encourage everyone to come and join us, that would please me very much. "It would be better if there was an Irish player on the team. I can claim to be part-Irish because my mum's side of the family are from Newry. That might be stretching it, but this competition is about women's golf.. "There may well be an Irish player on the team. Rebecca Coakley is working hard on her game and you never know what will happen over the next year. This is a huge event for Irish ladies golf and Irish sport. "I know Ireland is a very proud nation. You will want to put on the best show you can and to achieve that you will need the support of the Irish people. "The course has some very tough holes, but it is a very good golf course. It is in great condition, has some very challenging holes. "This is a fantastic venue and the support that Roddy Carr and the people here at Killeen Castle have given us has been superb," concluded the Yorkshire born European captain.