Bank of Scotland announced
today its sponsorhip of The Solheim Cup at Loch Lomond Golf Club from October
6-8, 2000.
The leading Scottish bank,
which has been the Patron Sponsor of the Loch Lomond World Invitational for the
past four years, joins a list of distinguished companies that will be supporting
what is the premier event in women's professional golf.
"Bank of Scotland is committed
to developing sport in Scotland and is a keen supporter of golf at all levels,"
said Iain Feddis, Director of Group Community Relations, Bank of Scotland.
"The Solheim Cup offers
an excellent opportunity to see ladies' golf at its very best and we are particularly
delighted to be involved in bringing the competition back to Scotland - the traditional
'home of golf'."
In addition to its involvement
with The Solheim Cup, Bank of Scotland also works closely with the Scottish Golf
Union to encourage the development of young golfers in Scotland through its sponsorship
of 'The Bank of Scotland Junior Masters'.
"Bank of Scotland has a
deserved reputation as one of the leading supporters of golf in Scotland and
we are delighted that the Bank has agreed to sponsor The Solheim Cup in the millennium
year," said Tim Howland, Chief Executive, LET.
"Women's professional golf
has been enjoying a resurgence in Europe over the past season thanks to the support
of businesses such as Bank of Scotland. "Golf holds a special place in the hearts
of the Scottish public, while many leading professionals consider Loch Lomond
to be one of the finest venues in Europe. I am confident the 2000 Solheim Cup
will be the most successful yet."
The Solheim Cup, which alternates
between venues in Europe and the USA every two years, features the 12 leading
women professionals from Europe versus their counterparts from America. Although
American currently leads Europe by four victories to one, the world rankings
suggest that the European team has an excellent chance of redressing the balance
later this year.
The 2000 European team will
be led by four-time Solheim Cup player Dale Reid, who has chosen fellow-Scot
Pam Wight to be her vice-captain. Both Reid and Wright can draw on the experience
of having already competed in the event.
Scotland's Janice Moodie
and Catriona Matthew, who both played in the 1998 Solheim Cup, have a good chance
of representing Europe once again, although competition for places this year
will be greater than ever.
