🔗 Share this article

After the latest Ryder Cup success, the national golf association is urging UK authorities to underwrite its bid to stage the Solheim Cup in the country for the very first occasion.

This prestigious tournament pitting the leading female golfers of Europe and America has been held twice in Scotland and in Wales yet never on English territory. A bid has been prepared to hold it at The Grove within Hertfordshire in 2030.

However organizers need thirty million pounds to finance the bid and at present only £10m has been secured. England Golf is pressing for government funding to cover the funding gap.

Funding Requirements and Timeline

Talks to acquire public funding started earlier this year however a resolution regarding if it will be forthcoming is required quickly. The rights for the 2030 event belong to the International Management Group who require an answer by the end of this month.

According to the proposal papers, the organizing committee maintains that winning the hosting rights "provides substantial returns for the country".

Executive Perspective

"We are convinced currently it's fitting for the Solheim Cup should be hosted in England," declared England Golf's chief executive.

He continued: "We've provided multiple athletes historically and maintain this tradition, including Charley Hull, national team members, or rising stars."

Economic Benefits and Impact

Regarding the advantages to the taxpayer, the executive noted: "We've just seen the kind of impact that huge golf events can have with regards to economic development."

He continued: "That's certainly what we believe can happen from a Solheim Cup perspective, whether it's the spend that would happen in and around the competition or the job creation."

• Economic benefits for communities
• Work opportunities
• Visitor attraction
• More players taking up the sport

Women in Sports Dimension

"Women's sports is exactly right where we should be focusing at present, making sure that sports become fair environment for both genders," he stressed.

"We've seen what the Ryder Cup helps golf. Evidence demonstrates what the Ryder Cup impacts the men's game."

Venue Details

The proposed location is located close to London and is well placed to attract spectators from the London catchment area.

The venue has organized premier competitions and boasts accommodation options commensurate with the needs for hosting a competition of this caliber.

Funding Details

To organize a Ryder Cup in Europe would cost over four hundred million pounds but for the women's event the cost is approximately £30m.

"We are seeking circa £20m from the government to guarantee it," the spokesperson confirmed.

"And that's supplementing existing substantial funding from The Grove and England Golf and potentially further investors we plan to put money in."

Time Sensitivity

The executive declined to confirm that talks have stalled, but confirmed: "Undoubtedly there is a quandary currently concerning whether or not the government can finance such tournaments."

"They have shown, whether it be major athletic events, including women's sports events, that they are ready to invest public money for selected competitions."

"In my opinion if we could get favorable response soon, it would enable us to secure the hosting rights to be staged in England."

He concluded: "I don't have the money right now; the hosting attempt stalls. The situation could transform tomorrow if I got support, however the timeline is urgent."

Official Position

Official pre-election commitments during the campaign stated commitment to staging international events and looking for new opportunities to motivate the next generation of players and supporting sports participation.

When approached for a statement, a representative for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport commented: "The United Kingdom enjoys global recognition for staging premier tournaments and we want to preserve this status."

"Organizing competitions within the country motivates communities, promotes involvement and strengthens regional development."

"We have an impressive schedule of events in the near future, including cricket events in 2026 including backing proposals to host the Fifa Women's World Cup in 2035."

"Backing for future bids will depend on various elements such as how well they produce community and financial advantages to the nation."