The LPGA Tour has apologized to fans after transportation disruptions caused many to miss the start of the Solheim Cup in Virginia.
A record turnout was expected, but the grandstand near the first tee was still partly empty when the opening session got underway at 7.05am local time (12.05pm BST) on Friday at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Fans posted on social media about waiting for hours in line for buses at the nearby Jiffy Lube Live concert venue, and then experiencing long delays once spectators reached the course.
Social media posts also expressed frustration over a lack of buses to transport fans to the venue, with some calling for refunds after the large number of rounds of golf that were missed on the opening morning.
The LPGA Tour did not immediately comment on the issue affecting fans but released a statement on social media just two hours after play began acknowledging the disruption.
They said on X (formerly Twitter): “We sincerely apologise to fans affected by the difficulties in getting from the car park to the golf course.
“We are making significant changes to our transport system to mitigate these issues in the future and are considering how to express our regret to those affected.”
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Rookie Estelle Henseleit partnered Charlie Hull to take the opening European tee shot, facing world number one Nelly Korda and former major champion Alisen Corpas. The final foursomes match began just over 40 minutes later, but the stands were still far from full.
Korda and Corpus then won 3&2, giving Team USA victory in both opening matches and their first points of the tournament.
Susan Pettersen told Sky Sports News’ Jamie Weir that although the crowds seemed to grow as the morning progressed, the atmosphere early in the opening session was “a bit flat” and “disappointing”.
Golfweek reporter Beth Ann Nichols told X, “Solheim is the LPGA’s time to shine. It’s the tour’s crown jewel. It’s a total disaster. One of the worst tournaments I’ve seen in my 20 years covering the tour.”
Golf.com reporter Claire Rogers added, “It’s disappointing a) for the thousands of fans who were looking forward to the Solheim Cup today, and b) that this is the story of the day instead of focusing on women’s golf.”
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