🔗 Share this article

After Europe's recent Ryder Cup success, England Golf is calling on the government to underwrite its bid to stage the premier women's golf event in the country for the very first occasion.

This renowned competition between the leading female golfers of Europe and America has been held on two occasions in Scotland as well as once in Wales yet never in England. An official proposal has been assembled to organize it at The Grove within Hertfordshire eight years from now.

Yet coordinators require thirty million pounds to finance the bid and currently just ten million pounds has been secured. The organizing body is requesting government funding to cover the shortfall.

Funding Needs and Timeline

Discussions to secure Treasury backing began in early spring however a resolution regarding if it will be forthcoming is time-sensitive. The rights for the 2030 tournament are held by IMG who require an answer within the current month.

As stated in the bid document, England Golf asserts that a successful bid "offers huge value to the nation".

Executive Viewpoint

"We maintain currently it's appropriate for the Solheim Cup should be hosted in England," declared the CEO of England Golf.

He added: "We've provided numerous competitors historically and still do today, including top English players, Georgia Hall, or rising stars."

Economic Benefits and Effects

Regarding the returns to public finance, the spokesperson noted: "We've just seen the significant influence that premier competitions can have concerning not just local economies."

He expanded: "That's certainly what we believe will occur through hosting this event, whether it's the expenditure that would occur during and surrounding the event or whether it be employment opportunities."

• Local economic stimulation
• Employment generation
• Visitor attraction
• Increased golf engagement

Gender Equality Dimension

"Women's sports is just bang on we should be focusing currently, guaranteeing that athletics provides fair opportunity for men and women," he highlighted.

"We've seen the impact of the Ryder Cup helps golf. Evidence demonstrates how the Ryder Cup supports the men's game."

Location Information

The proposed location is situated near Watford and is well placed to bring in visitors from the London catchment area.

The venue has organized a World Golf Championships tournament and boasts accommodation options commensurate with the needs to stage an event such as this caliber.

Funding Details

To stage the men's equivalent in Europe needs significant investment however for the women's event the cost is approximately thirty million pounds.

"We're looking for approximately twenty million pounds in public funding to guarantee it," the spokesperson stated.

"And that's to add to current financial commitments from The Grove and England Golf as well as other partners that we'd look to invest."

Time Sensitivity

The spokesperson refused to say that negotiations have reached an impasse, but acknowledged: "There is definitely a dilemma presently with regards to if the Treasury can finance events like this."

"The government has proven, from international sports, or from the women's rugby perspective, that they are prepared to provide funding for specific tournaments."

"In my opinion if we obtain supportive decision within the next month, we would be able to secure the Solheim Cup for England."

He summarized: "There is no the funding at present; the hosting attempt doesn't move forward. It could change tomorrow should we receive the thumbs up, but it really is time-sensitive."

Government Position

Official pre-election commitments before the last election promised dedication to organizing premier competitions and seeking fresh possibilities to encourage future athletes of competitors while promoting sports participation.

When approached for response, an official for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport stated: "Britain maintains international standing in organizing major sporting events and we intend to maintain this."

"Staging events on home soil captures imaginations, encourages participation and strengthens community prosperity."

"We have an impressive schedule of events in the near future, such as women's sports in 2026 up to supporting a bid to host major tournaments in the future."

"Backing for upcoming proposals will be based on various elements such as how well they help create social and economic benefits for Britain."