England Golf Urges Government to Back 2030 Solheim Cup Bid

£20m shortfall stands between England and historic women’s golf event at The Grove

England Golf has called on the UK government to underwrite a £20 million funding gap in its bid to host the 2030 Solheim Cup, which would bring the prestigious women’s team golf tournament to English soil for the first time in history.

Although Scotland and Wales have both previously staged the competition between Europe and the United States, England has never hosted the Solheim Cup, despite producing some of the sport’s biggest names.

A formal bid to host the event at The Grove in Hertfordshire is already in place, but only £10 million of the required £30 million budget has been secured. Urgent talks with the UK Treasury are underway, with a tight deadline set by IMG, the rights holders, who want clarity by the end of October.

“It’s Right and Proper the Solheim Cup Comes to England” – Tomlinson

England Golf CEO Jeremy Tomlinson believes that staging the Solheim Cup would not only honour England’s contribution to women’s golf, but also deliver major economic and social returns.

“We’ve provided so many players through the years… Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Lottie Woad,” said Tomlinson.

“We believe this tournament can mirror what the Ryder Cup did — not just for the local economy, but for the whole nation.”

Tomlinson emphasized that the Ryder Cup’s global impact demonstrates the potential of hosting major golf events. He said the Solheim Cup’s legacy could help inspire a new generation of women athletes, aligning with national goals to promote gender equity in sport.

Government Funding Talks Enter “Crunch Period”

Tomlinson described initial talks with government officials as “positive” but stressed that the bid now faces a make-or-break moment.

“If we could get a positive answer within the next month, we would be able to secure the Solheim Cup for England.”

The £20 million government contribution would complement investments from the venue, England Golf, and prospective partners.

While the Treasury has yet to make a formal commitment, a spokesperson for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport stated:

“We have a strong pipeline of events over the coming years… Support for future bids will be based on social and economic benefits.”

Why The Grove?

Located near Watford, The Grove is a world-class venue that previously hosted a World Golf Championship and offers premium facilities suited to the global scale of the Solheim Cup.

The course’s London catchment appeal, coupled with strong sustainability credentials and luxury accommodation, makes it a strategic choice for attracting both fans and international media.

Value for Money?

While staging a men’s Ryder Cup would cost upwards of £400 million, the women’s version would cost around £30 million—a relatively modest investment with potentially massive returns in exposure, tourism, and sports participation.

“Compared to other sporting investments, this is incredible value,” Tomlinson added.