NEXT YEAR'S SOLHEIM CUP WILL NOT BE MOVED

The 2021 Solheim Cup will not be moved despite the news that this year's Ryder Cup has been rescheduled to the same month.

The Ryder Cup was due to take place from 22-27 September 2020 until the coronavirus pandemic forced the event to be postponed. Instead, it will take place from 21-26 September 2021 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, less than three weeks after The Solheim Cup.

When The 2001 Ryder Cup was postponed for a year, because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, The 2002 the Solheim Cup was pushed back a year and its cycle of even-years changed to suit the men's event. But, nearly two decades later, the situation is different. The Solheim Cup has evolved and is now the biggest event in women’s golf.

In the last few months, the LPGA Commissioner, Mike Whan, has been adamant that the Solheim Cup will keep its 2021 dates, believing the event stands on its own merit and does not need to alter its schedule to avoid being played in the same year as the Ryder Cup. Back in April, when speculation about a possible postponement of the Ryder Cup started, Whan said:

"Nothing drowns out a Solheim Cup. We wouldn’t change our Solheim Cup if the Ryder Cup changed theirs"

Three months on Mike Whan is still sticking to his word. In response to the news that the 2020 Ryder Cup will move to next September, Whan said:

"2021 is shaping up to be an incredible year for golf," 

"The LPGA looks forward to staging the Solheim Cup over Labor Day weekend at Inverness Club in Ohio, and the Ryder Cup just a few weeks later at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin will cap an amazing month for golf fans in the Midwest." 

"We are excited for this doubleheader opportunity to celebrate all the great golfers, male and female, who play for the USA and Europe."

The Ladies European Tour CEO, Alexandra Arma, added:

"Together with the LPGA, we are moving forward with plans for the Solheim Cup on 4-6 September."

"This year, we have all faced challenges we need to adjust to, and as part of the changing landscape of global sports events we will be assessing the long term impact of these changes on future Solheim Cup dates."

So, put the dates in your diary. It's now official. The Solheim Cup will not be moved by the Ryder Cup.