🔗 Share this article

After Europe's recent men's golf championship success, England Golf is urging UK authorities to guarantee their proposal to host the premier women's golf event in the country for the first time.

This elite competition between the best female golfers from Europe and the United States has been held twice in Scotland as well as once in Wales but never in England. A bid has been put together to hold it at The Grove within Hertfordshire eight years from now.

But organizers require thirty million pounds to back this proposal and currently just ten million pounds is in place. England Golf is pressing for Treasury support to cover the shortfall.

Funding Requirements and Timeline

Talks to obtain Treasury backing commenced in early spring yet an answer on whether support will be provided is required quickly. The rights for the 2030 match are held by IMG who require an answer before month's end.

According to the bid document, England Golf asserts that winning the hosting rights "represents huge value to the nation".

Executive Viewpoint

"We maintain at this moment it's right and proper that the Solheim Cup should be hosted in England," stated the CEO of England Golf.

He continued: "We've provided so many players historically and maintain this tradition, such as top English players, Georgia Hall, or rising stars."

Economic Advantages and Effects

When asked the advantages to the taxpayer, the executive noted: "We've just seen the type of effect that major tournaments can have regarding not just local economies."

He elaborated: "That's certainly what we believe will occur through hosting this event, including the expenditure that would be generated during and surrounding the tournament or whether it be job creation."

• Boost to regional economy
• Work opportunities
• Enhanced tourism
• Sports participation growth

Gender Equality Dimension

"Women in sport is precisely right where our priorities lie right now, making sure that we make sport the most equitable platform for all athletes," he highlighted.

"We have witnessed what the Ryder Cup does for golf. We've seen how the Ryder Cup impacts men's golf."

Venue Information

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

The venue has staged major golf events and boasts lodging amenities commensurate with the needs to organize a tournament like this magnitude.

Financial Breakdown

To host the men's equivalent in Europe requires over four hundred million pounds however for the women's version it is around thirty million pounds.

"We're looking for circa £20m from the government to guarantee it," the spokesperson confirmed.

"And that's supplementing already a significant investment from both venue and England Golf and potentially further investors that we'd look to contribute."

Urgent Timeline

The spokesperson declined to confirm that negotiations have reached an impasse, but confirmed: "There is definitely a challenge currently with regards to if the government can fund such tournaments."

"They have shown, from major athletic events, whether it be women's sports events, that they are willing to provide funding for selected competitions."

"I think if we obtain supportive decision in the coming weeks, we would be able to obtain the hosting rights to be staged in England."

He concluded: "We currently lack the funding currently; the bid cannot proceed. This could alter tomorrow if I got the thumbs up, but it really is on a tight time frame."

Government Position

Previous policy statements prior to the recent election stated commitment to organizing international events and seeking fresh possibilities to inspire future athletes of talent and supporting sports participation.

When approached for response, a spokesman from the relevant ministry stated: "The United Kingdom enjoys global recognition in organizing premier tournaments and we want that to continue."

"Organizing competitions on home soil inspires people, increases engagement and strengthens community prosperity."

"We have a robust calendar of events over the coming years, such as women's sports in 2026 through to backing proposals to stage major tournaments in 2035."

"Funding for future bids will be based on multiple factors such as how well they generate community and financial advantages to the nation."