The last Solheim Cup held on European soil took place in Spain in 2023, with the next tournament scheduled for the Netherlands four years from now.
In the wake of the latest men's golf championship triumph, England Golf is pressing UK authorities to underwrite its bid to host the Solheim Cup in the country for the very first occasion.
This renowned tournament between the best women players of Europe and America has taken place on two occasions in Scotland and in Wales yet never in England. A bid has been put together to organize it at the Grove venue within Hertfordshire in 2030.
However planners require £30m to finance this proposal and at present only £10m has been secured. The organizing body is requesting government funding to guarantee the remaining amount.
Negotiations to secure government support began earlier this year however a resolution regarding if support will be provided is urgently needed. The hosting rights for the 2030 event are held by the International Management Group who want a decision before month's end.
According to the proposal papers, England Golf maintains that winning the hosting rights "offers significant benefits for England".
"We believe at this moment 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 numerous competitors over time and still do today, including Charley Hull, national team members, or rising stars."
Concerning the returns for public funds, the spokesperson clarified: "Recent events show the significant influence that major tournaments can create regarding not just local economies."
He elaborated: "That's certainly what we expect can happen with the Solheim Cup, whether it's the expenditure that would be generated in and around the event or whether it be new positions."
"Women's sports is precisely exactly where our priorities lie right now, ensuring that athletics provides fair environment for both genders," he highlighted.
"Recent examples show the impact of the Ryder Cup benefits golf. Evidence demonstrates what the Ryder Cup does for men's golf."
The Grove is situated close to London and is ideally positioned to attract spectators from the capital region.
The location has staged premier competitions and offers accommodation options commensurate with the standards to stage an event such as the Solheim Cup.
To stage a Ryder Cup on European soil would cost over four hundred million pounds however for the Solheim Cup it is around thirty million pounds.
"We're looking for circa £20m through Treasury support to guarantee it," the executive declared.
"And that's supplementing existing substantial funding from both venue and our organization as well as further investors we plan to put money in."
The representative declined to confirm that negotiations are at a standstill, but admitted: "Undoubtedly there is a challenge currently regarding whether public authorities can finance premier competitions."
"Previous examples demonstrate, whether it be major athletic events, including from the women's rugby perspective, that they are ready to invest public money for selected competitions."
"I believe if we could get favorable response in the coming weeks, we would be able to win the tournament to come to England."
He concluded: "We currently lack the funding currently; our proposal cannot proceed. It could change quickly if I got support, but it really is time-sensitive."
Previous policy statements during the campaign promised dedication to delivering premier competitions and looking for fresh possibilities to motivate future athletes of talent and supporting exercise and healthy living.
After requests for response, a spokesman for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport commented: "The United Kingdom maintains international standing in organizing premier tournaments and we want that to continue."
"Staging events on home soil captures imaginations, promotes involvement and strengthens regional development."
"There exists a robust calendar of competitions soon, such as women's sports two years from now up to supporting a bid to organize the Fifa Women's World Cup in the future."
"Support for future bids will consider a range of criteria including how far they help create public and economic returns for Britain."
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Jack Sanchez
Jack Sanchez
Jack Sanchez
Jack Sanchez
Jack Sanchez