🔗 Share this article England Golf Urgently Requests Government Funding for 2030 Women's Golf Showcase Hosting Proposal The most recent European vs US women's golf contest taking place in Europe took place in Spain last year, with the next edition set for Holland four years from now. In the wake of Europe's recent men's golf championship success, the national golf association is calling on the government to underwrite its bid to stage the Solheim Cup in the country for the very first occasion. This prestigious tournament pitting the best female golfers of Europe and America has taken place twice in Scotland and in Wales yet never on English territory. A bid has been prepared to organize it at The Grove within Hertfordshire eight years from now. But coordinators need £30m to finance the bid and currently only £10m has been secured. England Golf is requesting Treasury support to cover the shortfall. Funding Needs and Timeline Negotiations to obtain Treasury backing started in early spring yet an answer on whether backing will be granted is urgently needed. The hosting rights for the 2030 event are owned by the International Management Group who want a decision by the end of this month. Per the bid document, the organizing committee maintains that winning the hosting rights "provides huge value for England". Leadership Perspective "We believe currently it's right and proper for the Solheim Cup should be hosted in England," stated the CEO of England Golf. He further stated: "England has developed multiple athletes historically and still do today, including top English players, Georgia Hall, or rising stars." Economic Advantages and Impact When asked the advantages for public funds, the executive clarified: "The Ryder Cup demonstrated the significant influence that major tournaments can create concerning economic development." He continued: "That's certainly what we expect can happen with the Solheim Cup, including the investment that would occur during and surrounding the event or whether it be employment opportunities." Boost to regional economy Job creation Tourism increase More players taking up the sport Women in Sports Aspect "Women in sport is precisely bang on we need to be currently, guaranteeing that we make sport the most equitable opportunity for both genders," he stressed. "We have witnessed what the Ryder Cup does for golf. We've seen what the Ryder Cup impacts men's golf." Location Information The Grove is situated in Hertfordshire and is well placed to bring in visitors from the London catchment area. The location has staged a World Golf Championships tournament and boasts accommodation options commensurate with those required to organize an event such as the Solheim Cup. Financial Breakdown To organize the men's tournament on European soil would cost significant investment but for the women's version the cost is approximately thirty million pounds. "We require approximately twenty million pounds in public funding to guarantee it," the representative stated. "And that's to add to already a significant investment from both venue and ourselves as well as further investors that we'd look to contribute." Time Sensitivity The executive declined to confirm that discussions have reached an impasse, but acknowledged: "Undoubtedly there is a quandary at the moment regarding whether or not public authorities can finance premier competitions." "They have shown, whether it be major athletic events, whether it be female competitions, that they are willing to invest public money for specific tournaments." "I believe if we obtain favorable response soon, we would be able to secure the tournament to be staged in England." He summarized: "There is no the financial backing right now; our proposal cannot proceed. It could change soon should we receive the thumbs up, but it really is urgent." Government Stance Official pre-election commitments during the campaign declared support to organizing international events while pursuing additional chances to motivate the next generation of competitors while promoting sports participation. When approached for response, a spokesman for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport commented: "Britain enjoys global recognition in organizing premier tournaments and we want to maintain this." "Hosting tournaments on home soil inspires people, encourages participation and boosts community prosperity." "We have an impressive schedule of tournaments soon, from the Women's T20 World Cup two years from now through to assisting efforts to organize major tournaments in the future." "Funding for upcoming proposals will be based on multiple factors particularly how effectively they help create social and economic benefits for the UK."