BERNARDUS, NETHERLANDS ANNOUNCED AS PARTNER & HOST OF THE 2026 SOLHEIM CUP

15th November, 2022

Bernardus, located in Cromvoirt close to Eindhoven and ‘s-Hertogenbosch in Southern Netherlands, was revealed today as partner and host venue for the 2026 Solheim Cup.

Bernardus opened in 2018 and the already acclaimed Championship course, designed by renowned American golf course architect Kyle Phillips, has hosted the Dutch Open on the DP World Tour on two occasions (2021, 2022) and will host it again in 2023.

Built as a heathland golf course with tricky water hazards and a compact layout with an architecturally stunning clubhouse and world-class practice facilities, Bernardus is open to everyone, with a focus on experience and enjoyment. The only rule is ‘there are no rules’ – it’s a place to relax, play a world class golf course and enjoy the off-course just as much as the on-course experiences, including a Michelin-star restaurant, spa and lodge accommodation.

The Bernardus Solheim Cup bid is supported by the forward-thinking Royal Dutch Golf Federation (NGF) and together with the LET and IMG, the ambition is to deliver a world-class Solheim Cup and create a benchmark in women’s sports events and leave a long term positive legacy for Bernardus, Dutch golf, the Netherlands and local community.

Robert van der Wallen, the owner of Bernardus and a shareholder and investor in more than thirty companies as well as the Chairman of PSV Eindhoven, commented: “We are very excited to be hosting the Solheim Cup in 2026 and to partner with the Royal Dutch Golf Federation, IMG, the LET and LPGA. The opportunity to host such a globally significant sports event is a huge honour for our whole team. Experience is what we are all about at Bernardus and our preparations are already underway to ensure we play our part in providing the stage to host a best-in-class Solheim Cup experience in September 2026.”

With more than 420,000 golfers, golf is the fourth most popular sport in the Netherlands and this number is still growing. Caroline Huyskes, president of the NGF and president-elect of the EGA, commented: “I am proud that the Solheim Cup is coming to the Netherlands. This event contributes to the NGF strategy aimed at attracting women and rejuvenating the sport in our country. The fact that we have been able to bring one of the largest women’s sports tournaments in the world to the Netherlands is a re­flection of our ambition and drive.”

This will be the first edition run in partnership with IMG who were appointed by the LET as the delivery partner of the European Solheim Cup for an initial commitment from 2026 through to the end of 2038.

The appointment of IMG came on the back of delivering the most successful European Solheim Cup to date in 2019 in partnership with Visit Scotland seeing over 90,000 spectators attend the match at Gleneagles and millions watching the broadcast around the world.

Ross Hallett, SVP and Head of Golf, EMEA at IMG, commented: “This is the first event of our partnership with the LET JV and in Robert and the team at Bernardus and the NGF, we believe we found the ideal partners. They share our vision, commitment and passion and I know the partnership will deliver success as well as continue to build the Solheim Cup for future years.”

IMG’s credentials in women’s golf events are deep rooted – IMG’s global golf team currently either owns, manages or supports two LPGA Majors as well as eight LPGA regular Tour events, one of which is LET co-sanctioned.

Alexandra Armas, Chief Executive of the Ladies European Tour, representing the LET JV, commented, “Working with IMG, we believe that in Bernardus and the NGF, we have identified the ideal partner for the 2026 Solheim Cup in what will be the 20th edition of the match. Their vision and commitment align perfectly with ours and the course and facilities, as well as the NGF’s inclusive ambitions for the nation, will deliver a fantastic experience for players, community and fans alike.”

John Solheim, Executive Chairman of PING added, “We are delighted to welcome Bernardus to join us for the 20th edition of the Solheim Cup in 2026. Bernardus and NGF will play an incredibly important part in the success of this great competition. We are confident that Bernardus will be an excellent partner with a wonderfully rich stage and environment to showcase the ladies’ incredible shot making.”

The 2023 Solheim Cup will take place in Finca Cortesin, in Spain on Sept. 22-24, and the 2024 Solheim Cup, Sept. 10 - 15, at the Robert Trent Jones course in Virginia, US. The 2026 Solheim Cup are still to be confirmed.