The late Karsten Solheim was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001 through the Lifetime Achievement category. His influence on the game as founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, makers of PING golf equipment, and as a pioneer in the club manufacturing business, has been felt by golfers around the world for years.

His impact goes beyond his business, however, and because of the support of his family and his company, fans of women’s golf have enjoyed an event that exudes spirit, passion and patriotism.

The LPGA and Ladies European Tour developed a concept of a women’s match-play event between the United States and Europe, similar to the men’s Ryder Cup, and in 1990 approached Karsten and Louise Solheim about the possibility of becoming the founding sponsor.

By mid-March the Solheims had their answer – they would step forward with sponsorship for the first 10 venues if the competition would be called The Solheim Cup.

The first biennial competition took place in 1990 at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Fla and 2007 marks the 10th playing of the event.

During that span the competition has evolved into one of the most prestigious in women’s golf and is the premier women’s professional golf team event in the world.