Ladies professional golf is counting down to the biggest event on their calendar – The 2011 Solheim Cup. In September, Ireland will stage the biggest international sporting event of 2011, when Europe takes on the USA for The 2011 Solheim Cup in Killeen Castle, county Meath this September 23rd to 25th.

A host of Solheim Cup candidates took advantage of the Ladies Irish Open, supported by Fáilte Ireland, which was also played on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle.

To mark the occasion England’s Melissa Reid took on American Stacy Lewis in an unusual golf challenge in Grand Canal Dock, Dublin. The top professionals pitched out into a floating target in the water in front of lucky spectators who then got to attempt the shot for themselves. In an early victory for Europe, Reid won the dual in sudden-death. Reid and Lewis are making a big splash on their professional tours this year and are certainties to return to Ireland in September for The 2011 Solheim Cup. The event is set to attract thousands of international visitors and Fáilte Ireland has estimated it will be worth some €35 million to the Irish economy, providing a welcome boost for the tourism sector.

Head of Golf Tourism for Fáilte Ireland, Keith McCormack commented, “For Ireland to stage both the Ladies Irish Open and The Solheim Cup in one year is a major boost for Irish golf, the Irish Economy and indeed the Boyne Valley region. Today’s event will bring The Solheim Cup to life as we mark 50 days to go. Both tournaments will showcase some of the best talent in the world and we would encourage the public to support these two world-class events being staged on our doorstep.”

For the latest information, and to purchase tickets for The 2011 Solheim Cup, visit - www.solheimcupeurope.com.

For the latest team information, visit www.solheimcupeurope.com/players.php