Golf:The Ladies European Tour (LET) has confirmed that next year's Ladies Irish Open will be staged once again at Killeen Castle, marking its third successive year at the venue. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course in Meath plays host to this year's Solheim Cup, which starts on Friday.

“We are delighted that Killeen Castle has agreed to host the 2012 Irish Open,” said LET executive director Alexandra Armas at today’s announcement at the course.

“Since the event moved here in 2009 it has taken on a new lease of life with large crowds coming to see the world’s best lady golfers in action. The Jack Nicklaus signature course at Killeen Castle is one of the finest courses on the European Tour and I want to thank Killeen Castle for their continued support for the Ladies Irish Open.”

Killeen Castle general manager, Barry O’Connor, said that he was delighted that they would once again be hosting the event.

“We are very ambitious for this wonderful golf course and hosting The Solheim Cup this week is evidence of that but we are also anxious to host other big events and the Ladies Irish Open fits right in with that plan,” said O’Connor.

“Since we opened in 2009, the course and the golf club have gone from strength to strength. We are working to achieve continued growth in the coming years at Killeen Castle and the 2012 Ladies Irish Open will play a role in achieving this growth.”

A host of Solheim Cup Stars competing this week have become regular Irish Open participants including America’s Christina Kim and England’s Laura Davies.

The past two champions, Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson (2010) and world number two Suzann Pettersen from Norway, who shot a course record 63 this year, also compete for Europe in the event.