IMG, a global leader in sports, events and media, has been appointed as the delivery partner of the European Solheim Cup for an initial commitment through to the end of 2038.
The joint venture between the LET and Ladies European Golf Venture Ltd, (LET JV) formed in 2020, sought to appoint an experienced partner to assist their strategic planning and delivery of future European editions of one of the world’s most exciting sporting contests to help build and grow the European Solheim Cup in the coming years. The partnership will also align the European and US editions of the Solheim Cup closer than ever before, to add further growth opportunities for the Solheim Cup.
IMG, in partnership with VisitScotland, delivered the most successful European Solheim Cup to date in 2019, seeing over 90,000 spectators attend the match at Gleneagles and millions watching the broadcast around the world. IMG’s credentials in women’s golf events are deep rooted – IMG’s global golf team currently either owns, manages or supports two LPGA Majors as well as eight LPGA regular Tour events, two of which are LET sanctioned.
This partnership will involve all aspects of delivering a minimum four editions of the Solheim Cup in Europe, starting in 2026, while the LPGA will continue to deliver the US Matches. This will include identifying and securing suitable host countries and venues, all commercial activities, licencing, operational aspects and delivery, marketing and communications and legacy initiatives in market.
Alexandra Armas, Chief Executive of the Ladies European Tour, representing the LET JV, commented, “In our opinion, no other commercial organisation understands the global landscape of women’s golf better than IMG. We were incredibly impressed with IMG’s leadership and organisational efforts, together with our partners VisitScotland, on the 2019 Solheim Cup – everything from the initial planning to the final delivery was carefully planned and executed and the final presentation was undoubtably our strongest to date. We feel sure that in forming this partnership, with an aligned vision and mission, we are securing the future and growth of the Solheim Cup and ensuring that it will continue to be one of the most important events on the international sport calendar.”
Ross Hallett, SVP and Head of Golf, EMEA at IMG, commented, “We are delighted to be given this opportunity by the LET JV. We are great believers in the power of women’s sport and we are excited to draw on our 50 years of experience in women’s golf to continue building upon the Solheim Cup’s legacy. We thank both the LET and LPGA for placing this valuable event in our hands and we are excited about shortly launching our search for future host venues and partners to align with our vision.”
