Looking Back: The 2019 Solheim Cup
Suzann Pettersen’s amazing 8-foot putt to beat Marina Alex on the 18th hole gave Europe a 14.5-13.5 victory. Just how timely and clutch was the putt? Well, had she missed, it would have been a tie and the Americans would have retained the Cup.
As we all know, to say Scotland’s weather is unpredictable would be a vast understatement. Luckily, the conditions were relatively mild on Friday and Saturday. While Saturday was windy and chilly, it was sunny and the crowd was invigorated to cheer loudly for their respective teams.
A Bucket Lister
More than a few of our guests commented that playing golf in Scotland and watching the Solheim Cup was the ultimate golf experience. “A definite bucket lister, that’s for sure,” said one of our guests.
Tee it High, Watch it Fly
Our guests played some fantastic golf courses before attending the Solheim Cup, including Kingsbarns, Castle Course, Jubilee Course, Crail and the Kings Course at Gleneagles. Shari Lindsey, the LPGA Professional –Head Teaching Professional at The Oaks Club in Osprey, Florida, hosted a group of 16 golfers with handicaps ranging from 12 to 24.
We’re not sure why but it seemed like this was the “Year of the Daffodil”. Arguably in the running for the best costume at the Solheim Cup was a group of wonderful ladies who donned beautiful Daffodil outfits.
One of the most charming and fun aspects of the Solheim Cup is the creativity and energy fans dedicate to their costumes. This year the spectators seem to take it to another level. In fact, some members of our Premier/Women’s Golf Travel group were featured in their colorful regalia on The Golf Channel.
No visit to Scotland is complete without a whiskey tasting, right? Enjoying a single malt is one of the great simple pleasures when visiting Gleneagles.
From the sumptuous food at the planned dinners to the superb restaurants along the way, our guests returned with lots of culinary memories. A definite group favorite was The Grange Inn Restaurant in St Andrews, a beautiful 17th century converted farmhouse with stunning views looking out over the village and St Andrews Bay. Some of the delicacies included poached lightly smoked salmon, pan seared Hake and Roast Guinea Fowl Supreme.
Captain, Oh Captain
Highly respected Captain Juli Inkster is somewhat of an institution at the Solheim Cup. Prior to the loss at Gleneagles, she led our team to victories in Germany and Iowa. Unfortunately, Inkster has decided she will not captain the American team at the next Solheim Cup. During the post Solheim Cup media conference at Gleneagles she stated emphatically “No” to leading the team in 2021. She did say, however, she’ll be on-site to cheer them on.
2021 Solheim Cup
The historic Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, Ohio will host the 2021 Solheim Cup. Designed by Donald Ross, the Inverness has a major golf championship pedigree by hosting four U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships. Off the course, Toledo is a hidden gem tourist destination with a highly acclaimed Toledo Zoo, Toledo Botanical Garden and the magnificent Toledo Museum of Art, where you can view Rembrandts and Rubens paintings and an array of beautiful glassworks.