Valhalla Golf Club will host the 2028 Solheim Cup as course chiefs heralded the prospect of the event heading to Kentucky - as course officials reflected on the controversy over Scottie Scheffler's arrest there this year.
The tournament will represent the first time that the Louisville setting will be the venue for a major women's contest. Previously, Valhalla has hosted the PGA Championship on four occasions - including the event earlier this year - alongside the Ryder Cup back in 2008.
The course was thrust into the limelight for unexpected reasons too this summer during the PGA, with the detainment of world number one superstar Scheffler at the event shocking the sporting world. He was accused of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic on May 17.
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However, these charges were later dropped , with the authorities confirming that the American superstar would not be facing any punishment. Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell later said: "Mr Scheffler's characterisation that this was a big misunderstanding is corroborated by the evidence."
Now, Valhalla co-owner Junior Bridgeman has insisted that the incident did not factor into discussions with the LPGA over hosting the Solheim Cup. He said: "I think that most people realize that sometimes things happen out of your control and you just have to continue to do what you’re doing and try to do the best you can and everybody here did that."
Meanwhile, LPGA Commissioner Marcoux Samaan spoke excitedly about the prospect of the Kentucky venue playing host in 2028. She said: "I think this community will be truly awed by the talent they see of our athletes. So, we’re really excited to do this together."
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The Louisville course will be only the fourth to have played host to both the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup in history, joining Greenbrier, Muirfield Village and Gleneagles in that regard. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus , the storied venue opened back in 1986, first hosting a major in 1996.
Valhalla co-owner Jimmy Kirchdorfer said: "We are thrilled to be selected to host the 2028 Solheim Cup. Valhalla has a history of providing compelling finishes and we are excited to add this event to our championship lore. We look forward to welcoming golf fans from around the globe back to our Kentucky home for what promises to be an unforgettable week of competition and camaraderie.
"From the rough height to the green speeds, I know our staff definitely learned a lot from the PGA which will help us in creating a great fan experience as well as a fantastic player experience in 2028."
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