England Golf has reignited its campaign to secure the Solheim Cup for English soil and is now appealing to the national government for financial assistance to back a bid for the 2030 edition. Although the Solheim Cup has visited seven different European nations, England has never been a host, and the venue for the 2030 tournament—the next time the event will be staged in Europe—remains undecided. Several courses have signalled interest, with The Grove in Hertfordshire among the most prominent contenders.
However, any successful application will require public funding, as private investors have not yet stepped forward to underwrite the entire cost. England Golf’s chief executive, Jeremy Tomlinson, stresses that the biennial competition could deliver "immeasurable good" for the sport if it were brought to the country.
"The Solheim Cup is in a really good place and it's going to get bigger," Tomlinson told Sky Sports. "I honestly think if we bring the Solheim Cup to England we can double, maybe even treble the crowds." He added that multiple clubs are eager to put forward bids and that, with a modest amount of government support, England could finally host the event for the first time. "We are working with clubs, with IMG, with the Ladies European Tour, and we have ongoing talks with UK Sport.
I don’t want to reveal too much, but we feel very optimistic and would love to see the Cup on English soil," he said. Financially, staging a Solheim Cup costs less than one‑tenth of what is required for a Ryder Cup, the male counterpart. Tomlinson hopes the government will guarantee part of the budget and help create a historic moment for English golf. "It’s always easier when an entrepreneur comes forward and can underwrite the whole event, but we haven’t had that yet," he explained.
"We are somewhat dependent on government stepping forward. Our discussions so far have been positive and constructive." The expense is substantial, yet Tomlinson believes the return on investment will be significant in terms of national pride, media exposure, and the promotion of women’s sport. "It’s a lot of money, but we truly believe – and I think the government feels the same – that the returns in terms of a feel‑good factor and the promotion of an incredible sport could be dynamic," he asserted. Europe’s team recently reclaimed the Solheim Cup with a 15‑13 triumph at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, a match that attracted a full house of spectators and featured three English players on the winning side.
That victory underscores the growing popularity of women’s golf in the UK. Tomlinson pointed out that golf participation has surged since the pandemic.
"We have over 12.5 million people in England who, in one way or another, engage with golf," he said. "There are countless women who enjoy playing golf outside of traditional courses.
We want more women and girls to come onto the courses, but they need role models and inspiration." He argued that hosting the Solheim Cup would provide those role models and could act as a catalyst for increased female participation. "We at England Golf truly believe that securing the Solheim Cup would do immeasurable good for the game and for women in sport. It would be a very, very proud moment," he concluded. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has not yet responded to Sky Sports News’ request for comment.
The next Solheim Cup after 2028 will be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky from 8‑10 September 2028, while the 2030 European venue remains to be determined. England Golf’s renewed push reflects a broader ambition to position the UK as a premier destination for elite women’s golf events, leveraging the tournament’s growing global profile to inspire the next generation of players and fans.
If successful, the bid could also stimulate local economies, boost tourism, and generate media rights revenue, mirroring the economic impact seen from other major sporting events. Moreover, the visibility of a high‑profile women’s competition on English soil could encourage sponsors to invest more heavily in women’s golf, further strengthening the sport’s infrastructure and pathways for emerging talent. In summary, England Golf is seeking a partnership with the government to finance and promote a 2030 Solheim Cup bid, arguing that the event’s modest cost relative to a Ryder Cup, combined with its potential to inspire women and girls, makes it a worthwhile public investment. The organization remains in active dialogue with clubs, governing bodies, and government officials, hopeful that a collaborative effort will finally bring the prestigious tournament to England for the first time.