MORE THAN 100 golf clubs have signed up to the Scottish Golf Club Ambassador scheme to help promote the 2019 Solheim Cup.
The event will be held at the prestigious Gleneagles hotel in Auchterarder, Perthshire from September 9-15.
Yesterday, VisitScotland marked the special milestone of 100 days until the first tee shot is struck at the biggest event in women’s golf.
VisitScotlands’ pet-pal Otto – a miniature dachshund- met with Gleneagles resident dog, Henry the Labrador to check the out the world-famous PGA Centenary Course was up to scratch.
Both dogs wore official Solheim Cup tartan designed by Lochcarron of Scotland to mark the occasion.
Hosted by the national tourism organisation, The 2019 Solheim Cup aims to be the biggest ever European edition of the event and the most family-focused golf event in history, with around 100,000 spectators expected at Gleneagles in September.
With 100 days to go, more than 100 clubs have signed up to the Scottish Golf Club Ambassador Scheme promoting the event within golf clubs around the country.
In the last six months Scottish Golf has seen 15 Junior Golf Sixes leagues start up across the country and Women and Girls Golf Hubs will be launched soon with additional investment coming from Sportscotland.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “With just 100 days to go, we are looking forward to welcoming both golf enthusiasts and those looking to have a fun family day out at Gleneagles in September.
“There will be something for everyone, particularly on the opening ceremony day with a programme of family activities planned and an opening concert.
“The Solheim Cup will be screened to more than 600 million homes worldwide with the match-play format aiming to engage both the traditional golf audience as well as wider sports fans, raising the profile of women’s golf both in Scotland and internationally.
“With such a spotlight firmly fixed on Scotland, this is a momentous opportunity for us to showcase our Scottish spirit and world-class hospitality within a breadth-taking backdrop. The impact of this will be felt throughout Perthshire and beyond.”
Golf tourism is a key part of Scotland’s visitor economy, worth more than £286 million on an annual basis with a target to grow that to £325 million by 2020.
Research shows that golf tourists spend around 3.5 times more than a ‘regular’ tourist and with half of all female golfer visitors to Scotland describing themselves as either ‘luxury’ or ‘holiday’ golfers, this indicates a willingness for a high-spend and to undertake a variety of other activities during a golf trip, visiting multiple regions.
VisitScotland Coo Vans – Morag, Hamish and Heather – have also been travelling the length and breadth of Scotland handing out Solheim Cup goodies and visiting over 50 events, helping to promote the biannual event.
The 2017 Solheim Cup took place on August 14-20, at Des Moines Country Club in Iowa, United States.
The U.S. Team retained the coveted Waterford Crystal trophy by 16 ½ to 11 ½ points.
Tickets are priced from just £10 for adults with children under-16 admitted free of charge. For more information visit www.solheimcup2019.com
