Forest Pines bids for Solheim Cup 2015

Forest Pines, the 27-hole QHotels resort near Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, has been chosen as the UK venue to bid to host the prestigious 2015 Solheim Cup, between the women Tour professionals of Europe and the US.

It will compete against other seven nations, including the Costa Del Sol Tourist Authority in Spain to capture the prestigious event, which is being staged at Killeen Castle in Ireland next year. England has never hosted the Solheim Cup, yet has the largest representation on the Ladies European Tour.

Designed in 1990 by the late Senior Tour legend John Morgan, the 27-hole course is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the country and if successful, the hotel chain will invest more than £500,000 into developing the destination as a world class destination for sport, business and culture.

UK Sport, the government body supporting the UK bid, chose Forest Pines after it beat off stiff competition from several other venues, including the London Club near Brands Hatch. 

Set in 190 acres of countryside, the hotel has 188 bedrooms, three bars and restaurants plus nine meeting and conference rooms, with the largest – the Tennyson suite - catering for up to 370 delegates.

Michael Purtill, managing director of QHotels said: “We are incredibly proud to be bidding for this event. It is very clear that the decision, which could bring £35m into the local economy, will have a positive legacy not only for Forest Pines, but for the North Lincolnshire region.

“Based on previous tournament figures, we anticipate around 25,000 visitors per day to the course- enough to fill the local accommodation in a  75 mile radius. And with nearly 15,000 jobs created, and the need for 850 volunteers it's clear to the broad ranging significance of the Solheim Cup.”

A final decision on the successful bidding nation is expected in January.