🔗 Share this article

After the latest men's golf championship triumph, England Golf is calling on the government to underwrite their proposal to organize the Solheim Cup on English soil for the first time.

This elite contest pitting the leading female golfers from Europe and the United States has been held on two occasions in Scotland as well as once in Wales yet never on English territory. A bid has been assembled to stage it at the Grove venue within Hertfordshire in 2030.

But organizers are seeking thirty million pounds to finance this proposal and currently only £10m is in place. England Golf is requesting government funding to guarantee the funding gap.

Funding Needs and Timeline

Talks to obtain Treasury backing commenced in early spring however a resolution on whether backing will be granted is time-sensitive. The hosting rights for the 2030 match are held by IMG who require an answer by the end of this month.

As stated in the official documentation, England Golf believes that winning the hosting rights "represents substantial returns for England".

Executive Perspective

"We maintain at this moment it's appropriate that the Solheim Cup should be hosted on English soil," stated England Golf's chief executive.

He continued: "We have produced so many players historically and maintain this tradition, whether it's Charley Hull, national team members, or Lottie Woad."

Economic Benefits and Impact

Regarding the benefit for public funds, the chief executive clarified: "Recent events show the significant influence that huge golf events can generate concerning economic development."

He expanded: "Undoubtedly what we expect can happen with the Solheim Cup, including the investment that would be generated throughout the event or whether it be employment opportunities."

• Economic benefits for communities
• Job creation
• Visitor attraction
• More players taking up the sport

Women in Sports Aspect

"Female athletics is just bang on our priorities lie at present, guaranteeing that athletics provides fair environment for men and women," he emphasized.

"We have witnessed how the Ryder Cup does for golf. Evidence demonstrates what the Ryder Cup impacts the men's game."

Location Details

This prestigious venue is situated in Hertfordshire and is ideally positioned to attract spectators from the capital region.

This facility has previously hosted a World Golf Championships tournament and boasts lodging amenities suitable for the needs to stage an event such as this caliber.

Financial Breakdown

To organize the men's equivalent on European soil would cost significant investment however for the women's version it is around £30m.

"We are seeking approximately twenty million pounds from the government to guarantee it," the representative stated.

"And that's supplementing already a significant investment from both venue and ourselves including further investors we intend to put money in."

Time Sensitivity

The representative would not state that talks are at a standstill, but acknowledged: "Certainly there exists a quandary at the moment with regards to whether or not the Treasury can support events like this."

"The government has proven, whether it be from a world athletics perspective, or women's sports events, that they are prepared to invest public money for specific tournaments."

"In my opinion should we receive supportive decision within the next month, it would enable us to win the tournament to come to England."

He finished: "We currently lack the funding at present; the hosting attempt doesn't move forward. The situation could transform soon if I got approval, however the timeline is urgent."

Government Position

Previous policy statements before the last election declared support to staging global tournaments while pursuing new opportunities to motivate future athletes of competitors while promoting sports participation.

When approached for comment, an official from the relevant ministry commented: "Britain has a world-leading reputation for hosting major sporting events and we intend to maintain this."

"Hosting tournaments within the country inspires people, increases engagement and strengthens local economies."

"There exists a strong pipeline of tournaments in the near future, including cricket events two years from now up to assisting efforts to stage the football world cup in 2035."

"Support for hosting attempts will consider multiple factors including how far they generate public and economic returns to the nation."