Coming to the 2009 Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms is more than just seeing a professional golf tournament. The Kids Golf Foundation, along with program partners, wants to make it a destination and shared experience for program sites, families and kids, youth groups and high school golf teams in the area! It will be something program partners and the Foundation will be proud of!

The Kids Golf Foundation, along with the LPGA, is offering Girls High School Golf Teams in Illinois a special opportunity to come to the 2009 Solheim Cup, August 17-23, 2009. Over fifty teams from around the state will be participating in this special program. Some teams plan to attend one day of the tournament, while others plan to spend multiple days. During the event, student-athletes and coaches will be able to watch the professionals up close during practice rounds, have an opportunity to seek autographs, learn about the history of the event, purchase a memento from the merchandise tent and more.

“We appreciate the unparalleled opportunity being provided to our high school golf teams by the LPGA and the Kids Golf Foundation,” said Sue Hinrichsen, Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). “It makes what is exciting in the Solheim Cup belong also to our student-athletes.”

The Foundation, with the help of the IHSA, has reached out to High School Golf Teams in the state of Illinois by encouraging coaches to bring their girls out to experience the 2009 Solheim Cup. The Solheim Cup is the perfect illustration of tradition, prestige, passion for one’s country and passion for the game of golf. For two years, players from both sides of the Atlantic work to compete in The Solheim Cup – not for monetary gain or individual achievement, but for the unique opportunity to play the sport they love as a member of a team and, most importantly, for the honor of representing their respective countries.

“I believe it [The 2009 Solheim Cup] will expose the girls to new levels of golf and golf culture that they have never seen before,” said Pat Wagner, Girls Golf Coach at Glenbrook North High School. “How the professionals practice, play, conduct themselves, and how they manage the game, as well at the other highlights like the Solheim Cup FORE Kids Pavilion will be a great learning experience.”

There a variety of fun, educational and interactive opportunities during The Solheim Cup, including the Solheim Cup FORE Kids Pavilion, open daily August 17-23, 2009. This is an activity area dedicated to kids of all ages, their families and youth groups who attend the premier golf event. The purpose of Solheim Cup FORE Kids is to provide spectators with an area to visit and spend time in during tournament week.

“We are thrilled with the success of our High School Golf Team Program,” said Jerry Rich, Founder of the Kids Golf Foundation and Owner of Rich Harvest Farms. “The student-athletes and coaches can expect to have an incredible experience here at Rich Harvest Farms.”

The Kids Golf Foundation hopes that the high school golf teams who participate in The Solheim Cup recognize the wonderful opportunities available to them through the sport of golf. It is through these types of efforts that the Foundation hopes to grow and develop the game.

“I was fortunate to participate on my high school golf team at Regina Dominican and through that was given tremendous opportunities at a young age,” said Holly Alcala, Director of the Kids Golf Foundation. “Those opportunities paved the way for my future. I hope that through their experience at The Solheim Cup, the student-athletes are inspired to follow their dreams and pursue their goals.”

With the 2009 Solheim Cup just around the corner, high school golf teams are now planning to come out to this premier golf tournament and celebrate. The Foundation has encouraged High School Golf Teams to show their USA spirit by creating and bringing posters to support their favorite Ladies Professional Golf Association Player and stopping by the Solheim Cup FORE Kids Pavilion for a free patriotic tattoo and American flag. Teams are also encouraged to dress in their team uniforms to the event to show their own team unity.

“The Solheim Cup gives my girls the opportunity to see and mingle with some of the best female golfers in the world. This can only help energize our girls for the upcoming season,” said Ken Lewis, Girls Golf Coach at Hononegah High School.

Please visit www.solheimcup.com for more information about the 2009 Solheim Cup. We look forward to seeing you in August at Rich Harvest Farms!