\n<\/p>\n
Tomlinson insists that initial talks with government have been “positive” but now the process is entering a crunch period.<\/p>\n
“With a good level of public support here, it could really help the government understand that this would be a right and proper action to take,” he added.<\/p>\n
The Grove is located near Watford and is well placed to draw fans from the London catchment area.<\/p>\n
The venue has staged a World Golf Championships tournament and boasts hotel facilities commensurate with those required for hosting an event such as the Solheim Cup.<\/p>\n
Tomlinson refused to say that talks have reached an impasse, but admitted: “There is definitely a quandary at the moment with regards to whether or not the government can fund events like this.<\/p>\n
“They have shown, whether it be from a world athletics perspective, whether it be from the women’s rugby perspective, that they are prepared to put their hands in their pocket for certain events.”<\/p>\n
To stage a Ryder Cup in Europe would cost around \u00a3100m but for the women’s version it is around \u00a330m. <\/p>\n
“We’re looking for circa \u00a320m from the government to underwrite it,” Tomlinson said.<\/p>\n
“And that’s to add to already a significant investment from both venue and ourselves and potentially other partners that we’d look to put money in.<\/p>\n
“We’d like to think that it provides incredible value compared to other sporting investments that are a lot more sizeable than that, but it’s not an insignificant amount of money that we need.<\/p>\n
“We need it to be underwritten quickly, so that we can truly move forward with our bid and secure the Solheim Cup.”<\/p>\n
He added: “I think if we could get a positive answer within the next month or so, we would be able to secure the Solheim Cup to come to England.<\/p>\n
“I don’t have the money right now; the bid doesn’t move forward. It could change tomorrow if I got the thumbs up, but it really is on a tight time frame.”<\/p>\n
The government’s manifesto before the last election stated commitment to delivering international events and seeking new opportunities to inspire the next generation of talent while promoting exercise and healthy living.<\/p>\n
BBC Sport approached the Treasury for comment and in response a spokesman for the Department of Media, Culture and Sport, said: “The UK has a world-leading reputation for hosting major sporting events and we want that to continue.<\/p>\n
“Staging events on home soil captures imaginations, encourages participation and boosts local economies.<\/p>\n
“We have a strong pipeline of events over the coming years from the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 through to supporting a bid to host the Fifa Women’s World Cup in 2035.<\/p>\n
“Support for future bids will be based on a range of criteria including how far they help create social and economic benefits for the UK.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n