🔗 Share this article

After the latest Ryder Cup success, England Golf is pressing the government to guarantee its bid to stage the Solheim Cup on English soil for the very first occasion.

This prestigious tournament between the top female golfers from Europe and America has been held on two occasions in Scotland and in Wales yet never in England. A bid has been put together to hold it at the Grove venue within Hertfordshire eight years from now.

However planners require £30m to support this proposal and currently just ten million pounds has been secured. England Golf is urgently seeking Treasury support to guarantee the remaining amount.

Funding Requirements and Timeline

Negotiations to acquire Treasury backing began in early spring however a resolution on whether support will be provided is required quickly. The hosting rights for the 2030 event belong to IMG who want an answer by the end of this month.

Per the proposal papers, the organizing committee asserts that securing the event "offers substantial returns for England".

Executive Perspective

"We believe currently it's fitting for the Solheim Cup should take place in England," commented the CEO of England Golf.

He added: "We've provided so many players through the years and maintain this tradition, whether it's top English players, national team members, or rising stars."

Economic Benefits and Effects

Concerning the returns to public finance, the chief executive explained: "Recent events show the significant influence that huge golf events can create with regards to not just local economies."

He continued: "This is definitely what we believe will occur through hosting this event, including the spend that would happen in and around the tournament or the job creation."

• Economic benefits for communities
• Work opportunities
• Enhanced tourism
• Increased golf engagement

Women in Sports Dimension

"Female athletics is exactly right where our priorities lie right now, guaranteeing that we make sport equal opportunity for both genders," he emphasized.

"Recent examples show what the Ryder Cup does for golf. Evidence demonstrates the effect of the Ryder Cup impacts the men's game."

Location Details

The proposed location is located close to London and is well placed to draw fans from the capital region.

The venue has previously hosted premier competitions and offers accommodation options suitable for those required to stage a competition of the Solheim Cup.

Financial Breakdown

To stage a Ryder Cup in Europe requires significant investment however for the Solheim Cup the cost is approximately thirty million pounds.

"We are seeking approximately twenty million pounds in public funding to guarantee it," the representative confirmed.

"This amount supplementing existing substantial funding from both venue and England Golf as well as other partners that we'd look to invest."

Time Sensitivity

The executive would not state that negotiations have stalled, but confirmed: "There is definitely a quandary currently regarding if the government can fund events like this."

"The government has proven, including international sports, or female competitions, that they are ready to invest public money for specific tournaments."

"In my opinion should we receive supportive decision within the next month, we could to secure the tournament to come to England."

He finished: "I don't have the financial backing at present; the hosting attempt cannot proceed. It could change tomorrow if I got support, however the timeline is urgent."

Official Position

The government's manifesto during the campaign stated commitment to staging global tournaments and looking for fresh possibilities to motivate young people of players while promoting sports participation.

When approached for a statement, an official from the government commented: "The UK maintains international standing for hosting significant competitions and we intend to maintain this."

"Organizing competitions on home soil captures imaginations, promotes involvement and boosts regional development."

"There exists an impressive schedule of competitions soon, such as women's sports two years from now up to assisting efforts to stage the football world cup in the future."

"Funding for hosting attempts will depend on multiple factors particularly how effectively they produce community and financial advantages for the UK."