History
The Solheim Cup has been offered since 1990 for biennial match-play competition between teams of women professional golfers representing the United States and Europe.
The trophy is named for Karsten Solheim, founder of the Karsten Manufacturing Company, now PING, a manufacturer of golf clubs and putters.
The three-day event originally featured four four-ball and four foursome matches on each of the first two days of play, with 12 singles matches on the third and final day.
Beginning in the year 2000, there are eight foursome matches on the first day, followed by six four-ball matches on the second day, and the 12 singles matches on the final day. The new format was adopted to maximize available daylight and ensure the completion of play each day.
Matches are held in mid-September. The 12-player teams are selected based on tour results for the previous year of play in the LPGA and the European Ladies Professional Golf Association.
Beginning in 2003, Solheim Cup play has taken place in odd-numbered years to avoid conflict with the Ryder Cup, which switched to even-numbered years in 2002.