For Whom Is the Solheim Cup Named?

Question: For Whom Is the Solheim Cup Named?

Who put the "Solheim" in Solheim Cup? The tournament's namesake is of the major players in golf from the second half of the 20th century.

Answer: The "Solheim" in "Solheim Cup" is Karsten Solheim, the founder of Ping.

Solheim was already involved in sponsorship of women's golf through Ping. But, the World Golf Hall of Fame says, he was one of the "driving force(s)" behind the creation of the Solheim Cup, wanting a Ryder Cup-style showcase for the best women golfers.

The Ladies European Tour approached the LPGA Tour in early 1990 about creating a Ryder Cup-style competition for women's golf. But the tours needed a major sponsor. As noted, Ping was already involved in sponsorship of women's golf, so the tours pitched the idea to Solheim. Solheim signed Ping up as sponsor, insisting on a 10-tournament (or 20-year) commitment. And the competition became known as the Solheim Cup.

And late in 1990, less than a year after first proposed, the competition was played for the first time.

Solheim died in 2000, and was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

Return to Solheim Cup FAQ index