30th April 2010 - Volkswagen announces ‘Official Car’ sponsorship of The Solheim Cup & AIB Ladies Irish Open  

Europe’s Solheim Cup Captain Alison Nicholas today paid her first site-visit to Killeen Castle which is gearing up to host The 2011 Solheim Cup, one of the biggest events in ladies professional golf. The captain’s appearance 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, also being staged at the stunning Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship Course at Killeen Castle in County Meath.

Nicholas’ site 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 with the 15 year old Maguire Twins being named on the Curtis Cup team later this year. The partnership with Volkswagen is testament to the continued popularity and integrity of the game.

Volkswagen’s support will tee off at this year’s AIB Ladies Irish Open, taking place from the 6th to the 8th of August at Killeen Castle. It will give the Irish public a taste of what is ahead with many of the world’s top female golfers from both sides of the Atlantic already committed to play in order to sample the challenging course at Killeen Castle.

Commenting on the partnership, Adam Chamberlain, Head of Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen said: “Volkswagen is delighted to support ladies golf and to be involved in such a prestigious global event. We are greatly looking forward to seeing some of the world’s best golfers on Irish soil and to support both tournaments in a number of innovative ways. Volkswagen’s involvement in sport has grown significantly and we are proud to add ladies golf to our current involvement in rugby and hurling through our sponsorships and ambassadors.”

Roddy Carr, Director, The 2011 Solheim Cup, added, “Volkswagen is an international brand name in itself with a strong female fan base. We are delighted that VW Ireland is supporting The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle which will deliver the greatest women golfers in the world, competing for the most prestigious international prize in women's golf.”