Rich Harvest Farms, 50 miles west of Chicago, has been selected as the site for the 2009 Solheim Cup.

The course was built in 1989 by architect and sole owner Jerry Rich and has already received numerous accolades.

In 1999, it was named the fifth-best new private course in the United States by Golf Digest and in 2003 made its debut on Golf Digest's Top 100 American Golf Courses.

The course represents a true links-style set-up with players heading out for nine holes and then back in for the remaining nine. The par-72 design can be played from 6,334 to 7,600 yards.

Ladies Professional Golf Association commissioner Ty Votaw said: "The LPGA is excited to bring the Solheim Cup to such a challenging and beautiful venue.

"We look forward to not only showcasing some of the best players in one of the most spirited competitions in the world, but also to showcasing one of the finest courses in the country."

Beth Daniel, who has competed in seven Solheim Cups, is already looking forward to the event.

She said: "It is a fantastic facility and one of the best golf courses I have ever played.

"Players are the finest from the United States and Europe, and this course will challenge them to bring their best game."

The Solheim Cup is the most prestigious team event in women's professional golf.

It is a biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition featuring the best US-born players from the LPGA and the best European-born players from the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour.

The US team leads the competition 5-3 and has never lost on home soil, but in 2003 Europe regained the trophy they lost a year earlier.

The 2005 Solheim Cup will be played from September 9-11 at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana, while the 2007 Solheim Cup will return to Sweden and be played at Halmstad Golf Club.