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By Carole Keily
The 2024 Solheim Cup is coming to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville Sept. 10 through 15. The 19th playing of the international team competition brings together the best female golfers from the United States and Europe for a celebration of athleticism and patriotism.
This will be the first major women’s competition held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. The club, which opened in 1991, was founded and designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., who considered the layout to be one of his finest designs.
Economic Benefits
Hosting an event like the Solheim Cup is known to have substantial economic benefits. Prince William Living asked Trevor Johnson, Assistant Director, Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism about the economic impact that Prince William County and the surrounding Northern Virginia region are expecting to experience because of this event.
Johnson said, “The 2021 Solheim Cup garnered more than $40 million in economic impact for the Toledo, Ohio local community, and we are expecting to meet that mark not only for Prince William County, but also for the surrounding Northern Virginia region.”
Pre-Event Activities and Community Engagement
Since the impact of such an event often goes beyond the tournament itself, we asked Johnson about plans for pre-event activities and community engagements that residents and visitors can look forward to leading up to the Solheim Cup in 2024.
He said, “This tournament further cements Prince William County as a destination in the Greater Washington, D.C. region, and we are working closely with our tourism team to support businesses, including our hospitality industry such as hotels, restaurants, and retail, to get engaged and educated now.
“Prior to the four days of match play during the Solheim Cup next year, our region will host events and activations to welcome and celebrate visitors from around the globe—the economic impact will be tremendous.”
Involving Local Businesses
Local businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, will have opportunities to get involved and make the most of this event. Johnson talks about how the LPGA is involving local businesses, and about volunteering at the event.
“In addition to lunch and learn sessions with the business community this summer, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is working with our team on engaging the strong Prince William County business community.
“The time for businesses to get involved is now. In addition to reserving VIP tickets for clients and customers, companies can work with the LPGA to customize visibility and hospitality packages.
“The LPGA is recruiting several hundred volunteers, including adults and juniors, but lists are filling up fast. Adult volunteers are required to work a minimum of three shifts lasting between four and six hours, depending on committee assignments and roles.”
Informing Local and Global Audiences
The international nature of the Solheim Cup means huge visibility for Prince William County and Northern Virginia. Johnson discusses the opportunities available:
“Our team is leveraging this opportunity to promote the county, boost the local economy, and move the needle on our perception in the Northern Virginia market—and beyond.
“We are sending ambassadors to the Solheim Cup 2023 in Finca Cortesín [in Spain]to promote Prince William County as a destination and attract visitors for next year.
“But our goals are to increase economic impact for our residents, generate awareness of our business community, and promote Prince William County as a premier destination for golf and business.”
Buy your tickets for the 2024 Solheim Cup here.
Carole Keily is Prince William Living‘s Online Editor.
