🔗 Share this article

In the wake of Europe's recent men's golf championship triumph, England Golf is calling on UK authorities to underwrite its bid to stage the premier women's golf event on English soil for the first time.

This renowned competition pitting the leading women players from Europe and America has been held twice in Scotland and in Wales yet never in England. An official proposal has been prepared to hold it at The Grove in Hertfordshire in 2030.

But planners are seeking £30m to support this proposal and at present only £10m is in place. The organizing body is urgently seeking government funding to cover the shortfall.

Funding Requirements and Timeline

Negotiations to obtain government support started in early spring however a resolution on whether support will be provided is required quickly. The rights for the 2030 tournament are owned by IMG who want a decision before month's end.

Per the proposal papers, the organizing committee maintains that a successful bid "offers huge value for the country".

Executive Viewpoint

"We believe at this moment it's fitting for the Solheim Cup should be hosted on English soil," declared the head of the golf association.

He added: "We have produced multiple athletes historically and continue to do so, such as Charley Hull, national team members, or Lottie Woad."

Economic Advantages and Effects

Concerning the benefit to public finance, the spokesperson clarified: "The Ryder Cup demonstrated the significant influence that premier competitions can create regarding economic development."

He expanded: "This is definitely what we expect may transpire from a Solheim Cup perspective, whether it's the investment that would happen throughout the event including new positions."

• Local economic stimulation
• Employment generation
• Tourism increase
• Sports participation growth

Women in Sports Dimension

"Female athletics is just exactly where our priorities lie right now, making sure that athletics provides equal environment for both genders," he emphasized.

"Recent examples show what the Ryder Cup benefits golf. Evidence demonstrates the effect of the Ryder Cup supports the men's game."

Location Details

The proposed location is located in Hertfordshire and is ideally positioned to draw fans from Greater London.

The venue has organized premier competitions and offers accommodation options appropriate for the needs to stage a tournament like this magnitude.

Funding Breakdown

To stage the men's equivalent in Europe requires over four hundred million pounds but for the Solheim Cup the requirement is about thirty million pounds.

"We're looking for circa £20m from the government to support the bid," the representative confirmed.

"This amount supplementing existing substantial funding from the host location and ourselves including other partners we intend to invest."

Time Sensitivity

The representative refused to say that talks are at a standstill, but confirmed: "Certainly there exists a dilemma at the moment regarding if the government can support premier competitions."

"The government has proven, including international sports, whether it be female competitions, that they are willing to invest public money for specific tournaments."

"In my opinion if we could get a positive answer within the next month, we could to obtain the hosting rights for England."

He concluded: "There is no the funding currently; the bid doesn't move forward. It could change quickly if I got the thumbs up, but it really is urgent."

Official Stance

Previous policy statements before the last election declared support to organizing global tournaments and seeking new opportunities to motivate young people of talent and supporting exercise and healthy living.

Following inquiries for response, a spokesman from the relevant ministry commented: "The UK maintains international standing in organizing major sporting events and we want to maintain this."

"Hosting tournaments within the country inspires people, increases engagement and enhances community prosperity."

"We have an impressive schedule of events over the coming years, including cricket events in 2026 through to assisting efforts to stage major tournaments in the future."

"Backing for upcoming proposals will depend on multiple factors including how far they produce public and economic returns to the nation."