OFFICIALS from The Oxfordshire Golf Club were last night refusing to comment after losing their bid to host the 2011 Solheim Cup to a course that is still being built.

Representatives at the Ladies European Tour (LET) yesterday announced the Jack Nicklaus-designed Killean Castle in County Meath, Ireland, had beaten off applications from six other countries.

The Oxfordshire, near Thame, were confident of landing the 'women's Ryder Cup' and their bid was boosted by securing a new tour event, the Ladies European Masters, from 2007.

LET executive director Alexandra Armas said: "We were delighted to receive bids from seven different countries - England, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Spain.

"Each bid was strong, with good courses, sound financial structure and some receiving considerable government support.

"We have chosen Ireland and Killeen Castle for a number of reasons. The first of which is the superb way the whole nation supported the Ryder Cup in September.

"The second is that we believe modern Ireland is a young vibrant society compatible with the image we wish to promote for ladies golf.

"It is true that Ireland does not have a great history in ladies golf, but we firmly believe the decision we have taken to come to Ireland will help to change that.

"We have been greatly impressed by the people at Failte Ireland and Killeen Castle. The course and facilities will be excellent."

The course itself, is not scheduled to open until autumn 2008, with the hotel opening in 2009.

Designer Nicklaus said: "I am proud to be part of what is happening at Killeen Castle. It is phenomenal, what with the castle as a focal point.

"You have wonderful facilities to stage the Solheim Cup or the Ryder Cup in the future. It is a very strong course and will be nicely matured for 2011.

"I congratulate the Ladies European Tour and the Solheim Cup organisers for picking Killeen Castle."

Killeen Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Fingal, sits in a wooded estate in 500 acres in Dunsany, Co. Meath.