Golf body tells government to put its money where its mouth is in Solheim Cup bid
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A Solheim Cup 2030 campaign is in the works by one governing body – but they’re up against it financially…
The UK government has been asked for financial support to host the Solheim Cup.
Like the Ryder Cup, the biennial showdown between the finest European and American players in the women’s game is held every two years, alternating on each side of the Atlantic. Unlike the Ryder Cup, only the next two venues have been confirmed – with Bernardus in the Netherlands hosting in 2026 and Valhalla two years later.
Of the nine times the Solheim Cup has been held on European soil, Scotland has hosted three times, Sweden twice, and Wales, Ireland, Germany and Spain once each.
There is one notable exception – and it’s the country that has provided more Solheim Cup players than any other.
England Golf would like to change that.
The governing body’s proposal would see The Grove, near London, host the 2030 Solheim Cup – though it is currently around £20 million short in required funding.
According the Sky Sports, the International Management Group – which holds the rights to the tournament – wants a decision made within weeks, which has put more urgency on the campaign.
England Golf’s chief executive, Jeremy Tomlinson, told them it “would be a miss” if the country missed out on hosting a Solheim Cup.
“It’s sporting events like this that continue to inspire and drive participation,” he added.
In its election manifesto, the UK government made a commitment to “delivering international events and seeking new opportunities to inspire the next generation of talent”.
Tomlinson added: “I think we do need to really test the government with regards to the words when they say that they want to truly back women in sport. I don’t see too much investment over the next few years.
“We believe we have a bid that the golfing stakeholders will be able to do the majority of the heavy lifting – it does feel like a no-brainer. With regards to where the venue is, we know we could get incredible crowds there.
“It would be great if the government could come up with this money. We do believe it’s amazing value compared to so many other bids that are put in front of them. We could secure an incredible sporting event and a wonderful golf event.”
He continued: “I think you only have to look on the back of what just happened in the Ryder Cup in New York. It’s an incredible sporting showcase and that’s really what we’re trying to promote with golf.
“The fact that it’s not this stuffy old sport that it’s sometimes and historically has been referred to – it is an energized sport that is very inclusive. Whether you’re into the game or not into the game, it can really get your blood going and you can really the support going.
“We want to inspire girls and anybody, women of any age. These events are special and they truly do inspire people to want to pick up the game, or even if they’re playing the game already, inspire them to want to become as good as they can be.”
The Grove has previously hosted the British Masters, as well as the 2006 American Express Championship, in which Tiger Woods beat Ian Poulter and Adam Scott by eight shots for the 12th of his 18 WGC titles.
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The Grove, near London, is England Golf's preferred host venue of the 2030 Solheim Cup.
