Plan your trip to the Solheim Cup 2028 in Louisville, Kentucky. Discover Valhalla Golf Club, dates, history, winners, hotels, flights and things to do in Louisville.
For golf fans, the Solheim Cup 2028 promises to be one of the highlights of the international sporting calendar. The world's best female golfers from the United States and Europe will meet in one of America's most prestigious golf destinations: Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
If you are considering turning the Solheim Cup into a memorable golf holiday, Louisville is an excellent choice. The city combines top-class sport with bourbon, American history, good restaurants, museums and a lively downtown.
Solheim Cup 2028: Where and when?
The 2028 Solheim Cup will take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10, 2028.
The tournament programme is scheduled as follows:
| Date | Competition |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, September 6 | Practice sessions |
| Thursday, September 7 | Practice sessions & opening ceremony |
| Friday, September 8 | Foursomes & Four-ball |
| Saturday, September 9 | Foursomes & Four-ball |
| Sunday, September 10 | 12 singles matches & closing ceremony |
The official event information confirms Valhalla Golf Club as the venue, with the traditional three-day competition format.
Ticket information for 2028 is expected to become available during fall 2026, so golf fans who want to attend should start following the official Solheim Cup channels well in advance.
Why Valhalla Golf Club is such a special venue
Valhalla Golf Club is one of the most famous golf courses in the United States. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and his design team and opened in 1986.
Its tournament history is impressive:
- 1996: PGA Championship – Mark Brooks
- 2000: PGA Championship – Tiger Woods
- 2004: Senior PGA Championship – Hale Irwin
- 2008: Ryder Cup – USA
- 2011: Senior PGA Championship – Tom Watson
- 2014: PGA Championship – Rory McIlroy
- 2024: PGA Championship – Xander Schauffele
- 2028: Solheim Cup
The 2028 Solheim Cup will therefore add another major international team competition to Valhalla's impressive résumé.
For visitors, this makes the tournament more than simply three days of women's golf. You are visiting a genuine piece of American golf history.
The history of the Solheim Cup
The Solheim Cup is the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup. It was first played in 1990 at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.
The competition is named after Karsten Solheim, the founder of the golf equipment company PING. The event brings together the best players representing the United States and Europe.
The first edition in 1990 ended with a convincing 11½–4½ victory for the United States. Europe recorded its first victory two years later in Scotland.
Over the years, the Solheim Cup has developed into one of the biggest events in women's golf. The atmosphere is particularly special because players compete as a team rather than individually.
The 2023 edition in Spain was particularly historic because it ended in the first 14–14 tie in Solheim Cup history. The United States won again in 2024, while Europe reclaimed the trophy in 2026 in the Netherlands with a 15–13 victory.
That makes the 2028 meeting in Louisville especially intriguing: will the USA defend home advantage, or can Europe win the Solheim Cup on American soil?
Travelling to the Solheim Cup 2028
Recommended airport: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
For international visitors, the most convenient airport is Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).
The airport is located within Louisville itself, making it a practical arrival point for a Solheim Cup trip. Numerous Louisville hotels also provide airport shuttle services.
For travellers from Europe, however, it is worth comparing flights to Louisville with flights to larger U.S. hubs such as:
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Detroit
- Charlotte
- Dallas/Fort Worth
A connecting flight to Louisville can sometimes be considerably cheaper than flying into a smaller U.S. airport directly.
Should you rent a car?
Yes, preferably.
For a Solheim Cup holiday, a rental car provides considerably more freedom. Valhalla Golf Club is located on the eastern side of Louisville, while many attractions and restaurants are in or around downtown.
A car makes it easy to combine the tournament with sightseeing, bourbon distilleries and day trips in Kentucky.
Hotels near Valhalla Golf Club
Accommodation will undoubtedly become more expensive as the tournament approaches, so booking early is advisable.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Louisville NE/Old Henry Rd
A practical option for golf fans, approximately 2.4 miles from Valhalla Golf Club. It offers free parking and breakfast and is particularly suitable for visitors who want a straightforward mid-range hotel close to the course.
Residence Inn by Marriott Louisville Old Henry
Located around 2.7 miles from Valhalla, this is a good choice for a longer stay. Suites with kitchen facilities make it attractive for visitors staying several days.
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville East
Around 3.8 miles from Valhalla, this is another comfortable option in the eastern part of Louisville.
Hampton Inn & Suites Louisville East
A practical mid-range choice in the eastern part of the city, offering a good compromise between the golf course and Louisville's other attractions.
Stay downtown
Another possibility is to stay in central Louisville and drive to Valhalla each day.
Interesting options include:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Louisville Downtown by IHG
- Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Downtown
- Hampton Inn Louisville Downtown
- Hyatt Regency Louisville
Downtown is particularly attractive if you want your trip to be more than just golf.
What else can you do in Louisville?
A Solheim Cup trip can easily become a 7–10 day holiday.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Louisville is famous for its baseball bats. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is located in the city's Museum Row and is one of the city's best-known attractions.
Bourbon Country
Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon. Several famous distilleries are within driving distance of Louisville.
For visitors interested in food and drink, a bourbon tour is an excellent way to spend a day away from the golf course.
Downtown Louisville
Take time to explore the historic centre, restaurants, cafés and bars. Louisville is also an interesting destination for American food lovers, with everything from traditional Kentucky cuisine to modern restaurants.
Kentucky countryside
If you rent a car, consider adding a day or two in the surrounding countryside. The rolling landscapes and famous bourbon distilleries make the area ideal for a road trip.
A perfect Solheim Cup travel itinerary
For European golf fans, I would recommend approximately 8 nights in Louisville.
Day 1 – Arrival
Fly to Louisville, collect your rental car and check into your hotel.
Day 2 – Louisville
Explore downtown, Museum Row and the waterfront.
Day 3 – Practice day
Visit Valhalla and experience the atmosphere before the competition begins.
Day 4 – Solheim Cup
Watch the opening day's foursomes and four-ball matches.
Day 5 – Solheim Cup
Another full day of team golf and an excellent atmosphere around the course.
Day 6 – Final day
Watch the crucial singles matches and discover who will lift the Solheim Cup.
Day 7 – Bourbon Country
Take a scenic drive through Kentucky and visit a bourbon distillery.
Day 8 – Louisville
A relaxed final day for shopping, sightseeing and enjoying the city's restaurants.
Day 9 – Departure
Return the rental car and fly home.
Book early for 2028
The Solheim Cup attracts a large international following, and Louisville has already demonstrated that it can host major golf events successfully.
With the 2024 PGA Championship, the 2008 Ryder Cup and now the 2028 Solheim Cup, Valhalla has firmly established itself as one of America's premier championship venues.
For European visitors, the combination of world-class women's golf, American sports culture, Kentucky bourbon, good food and a fascinating city makes Louisville an excellent destination for a golf-themed holiday.
My recommendation
If you are planning to attend the Solheim Cup 2028, I would not limit the trip to the three tournament days. Make it a one-week or longer Kentucky holiday.
Book the flight and hotel separately, rent a car and stay either close to Valhalla for maximum convenience or in downtown Louisville if you want more restaurants, nightlife and sightseeing within easy reach.
The big question for September 2028 will be simple:
Can Team USA use home advantage to win back the Solheim Cup – or will Europe produce another famous away victory?
Golf fans will have to wait until Louisville to find out.
