GAINESVILLE, Va. – In the event you bus them, they’ll come.
And so they had been there on the primary tee Friday, 1000’s of them, maxing out the grandstands – and their lung capacities. 1000’s extra lining the green, raucously cheering as Nelly Korda teed off and Megan Khang skipped alongside to the DJ’s thumping sound.
Former President Barack Obama joined in help, high-fiving these round him and posing for pictures, no matter crew affiliation.
It was a vibrant Friday afternoon exterior the nation’s capital as the house crew took a 6-2 lead within the 19th Solheim Cup, a constructive ending (a minimum of for the U.S.) to a dour starting (for all concerned).
Bus problems prevented hordes of followers from arriving to Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership for the beginning of Day 1 of the LPGA’s marquee occasion.
They ultimately obtained there. And so they cheered and chanted – and, rightfully so, ranted.
A brilliant yellow media lanyard proved to be a beckoning gentle.
The primary-tee grandstands had been just a little gentle on Friday morning when the primary matches set out.
“We obtained to the bus at 6:15 (a.m.) and didn’t get right here till 9:30!” a fan shouted, unsolicited.
“Unhealthy day for the LPGA!” one other voice broke by way of the air.
One fan, speeding down the 18th gap, knocked over a volunteer’s seat stand. “No extra alcohol for you,” she jokingly chided. “I earned this!” he responded.
With opening foursomes starting at 7:05 a.m. ET and gates opening at 6, followers arrived early on the most important spectator lot, live performance venue Jiffy Lube Reside, some greater than an hour prematurely.
“The issue was, there weren’t sufficient buses,” stated Carolyn Keating, a former space resident who flew in from Bentonville, Arkansas, to attend the matches and see household.
Keating stated she arrived on the lot, which is 5 miles from the course, and inquired in regards to the wait. Listening to it may very well be as much as two hours for a switch, she opted for “Plan B.”
“I discovered a spot to park off Lee Freeway and walked in,” she stated.
“Two miles.”
Keating stated that with a smile on her face, including that she loved the conversations had with the numerous, many different motorists-turned-pedestrians.
“It’s disappointing,” U.S. captain Stacy Lewis stated. “It’s what it’s. You play in this stuff for years, and issues occur. Sadly, it was an enormous one.”
The LPGA issued an announcement at 9:21 a.m., saying, partially, “we’re engaged on methods to precise our remorse to these impacted.” Simply earlier than 9 p.m., it launched one other assertion on social media saying it was providing two complimentary tickets to Friday’s patrons for play on both Saturday or Sunday.
The latter assertion was then deleted and one other model was provided with no point out of compensating followers, simply that the tour had “considerably elevated the variety of shuttle buses” and that they’d start operating at 4:30 a.m. The tour additionally stated volunteers would now have their very own lot and never share buses with followers.
Keating was there for in the future solely. Not less than it turned out to be an entertaining afternoon.
GAINESVILLE, Va. – The U.S.
A crowd seven-deep watched the primary two matches conclude on the 16th inexperienced. U.S. assistant captains congregated underneath a close-by scoreboard that confirmed the house crew up, 2-zip.
Buoyed by the rising crowd, the U.S. groups turned three tight matches across the flip right into a trio of 3-and-2 wins.
“Clearly you discover that the stands aren’t full, however what issues is everyone seems to be out right here now cheering for us loud,” Korda stated following her morning victory.
The People led, 3-1, after the morning session – a pleasant benefit, however not a cushty margin, not after the U.S. blew a 4-0 lead after the opening body final yr at Finca Cortesin.
There was no letdown this Friday. The alternative, in reality.
Amid the amped electrical energy, the U.S. gained three matches by a minimum of three holes.
“The vitality,” Lewis stated of her afternoon precedence. “Felt like at occasions in Spain final yr we obtained flat. Simply wished to ensure we had the best folks out right here with the vitality.”
Mission achieved.
Korda, enjoying with completely different companions, produced a pair of dominating wins on Day 1 of the Solheim Cup.
Korda and Megan Khang gained, 6 and 4. Andrea Lee and Rose Zhang gained, 5 and 4. Lauren Coughlin and Sarah Schmelzel gained, 3 and a pair of.
The one European victory was additionally a blowout, as Anna Nordqvist and Madelene Sagstrom routed Alison Lee and Lexi Thompson, 6 and 5.
It’s the primary time within the historical past of the competitors {that a} crew has led by this massive of a margin after Day 1.
“We confronted fairly an enormous problem final yr. We’ve finished it earlier than; we are able to do it once more,” European captain Suzann Pettersen stated.
“I don’t really feel like we performed poorly. … The People performed nice. We now have an enormous job in entrance of us.”
Which can start about quarter-hour previous dawn Saturday morning.
Hopefully, followers shall be there to see it.
