Solheim Cup Volunteer Success

Almost 1,000 volunteers have been contacted this week to offer them a volunteering role at the 2019 Solheim Cup, taking place at Gleneagles from 9-15 September 2019.

More than 1,900 people from 27 countries worldwide applied for volunteering positions and the opportunity to be a part of the team in helping Scotland host the most successful Solheim Cup to date.

Now, the first tranche of notifications will be issued offering more than 900 volunteers the opportunity to help welcome thousands of people to the Perthshire venue in September next year.

Liz Taylor, Head Volunteer for The 2019 Solheim Cup, said: "The response has been amazing both locally and internationally. I feel like the response we’ve had is representative of the energy and passion that is running through the whole event and as the event draws closer and we grow our team, this can only escalate".

"I would urge anyone who applied to be a volunteer to keep an eye on the email they used during the application process and if they have been offered a position to respond to use as soon as possible."

The volunteer programme was launched with the goal of encouraging more women and younger people to volunteer for the 2019 Solheim Cup, and for the first time ever, the number of women applicants has outweighed the men; 54% of applications for the myriad of volunteer positions available have come from women. The focus on attracting younger volunteers has also been successful, with almost 20% of those applying aged 30 or under. Local interest has been strong with 83% of applicants from the UK. Of the 17% of overseas applications, the US makes up the biggest number as 6% of the overall number of applicants.

The Scottish Government’s Sport Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: "It is great to see that The 2019 Solheim Cup Volunteer Programme has proven so popular, especially among women and young people."

European Captain and VisitScotland Ambassador, Catriona Matthew, is looking to return the trophy to Europe in 2019 after an inspired US team retained their trophy by 16 ½ to 11 ½ points in front of record crowds in Iowa. 

"I have always believed volunteers are one of the most important ingredients of any successful golfing event."

Catriona continued: "Hearing that we are already over-subscribed is very exciting as it demonstrates the gathering enthusiasm for the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles even with 10 months to go."

A Volunteer Support fund is in place to help the volunteers who needed extra help to participate in the volunteer experience. Volunteers who have not been successful in the first wave of acceptances will be placed on a reserve list with further opportunities expected down the line.

Themes of equality, innovation and experience are threaded through all the event’s communications as The 2019 Solheim Cup aims to engage both the traditional golf audience and the wider sports fan, raising the profile of women’s golf both in Scotland and internationally.

The Scottish Government and VisitScotland have been long-time supporters of the women’s game having partnered with the Ricoh Women’s British Open and the recently significantly enhanced Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, which took place as a co-sanctioned LET and LPGA event for the first time last year.

The 2019 Solheim Cup will not only showcase the stunning assets of Scotland, the Home of Golf, but also build on the legacy of the successful 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. It will underline that Scotland is the perfect stage for major golf events as it seeks to help inspire a new generation of children to take up the game invented in their home country.