Attendance issues plagued the start of the Solheim Cup as fans encountered transportation difficulties, leaving grandstands sparsely filled at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
The Solheim Cup's highly anticipated opening matches at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Friday witnessed a stark contrast to the promised record crowds, as transportation woes hindered fans' ability to reach the golf course.
Team Europe's Esther Henseleit, paired with Charley Hull, struck the ceremonial first tee shot of the biennial golf tournament before a meager crowd of just a few hundred spectators. The event's organizers had previously boasted of record-breaking attendance, but the grandstands stood remarkably empty throughout the morning's matches.
Solheim Cup Marred by Transportation Woes, Half-Empty Stands Greet Opening Matches
Henseleit and Hull faced off against American duo Allisen Corpuz and world number one Nelly Korda in an alternate shot team competition. Despite the dwindling attendance, the atmosphere remained energetic as the home crowd roared support for their American players, while maintaining a respectful silence during the European tee shots.
Fan frustration erupted on social media, with many expressing hours-long delays while queuing for buses at Jiffy Lube Live, a concert venue situated approximately 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. The LPGA issued an apologetic statement acknowledging the transportation challenges.
Solheim Cup Marred by Transportation Woes, Half-Empty Stands Greet Opening Matches
"We recognize and deeply apologize to all fans affected by the challenges with shuttling from parking to the golf course," the statement read. "We’ve made significant changes to our transportation system to mitigate these issues moving forward, and we’re working on ways to express our regret to those impacted."
As the matches commenced, a gradual trickle of fans hastened towards the grandstands, eager to witness the action. However, the sense of disappointment lingered among spectators, with former U.S. captain Juli Inkster expressing her dismay.
Solheim Cup Marred by Transportation Woes, Half-Empty Stands Greet Opening Matches
"You've got to get the people here," Inkster remarked while following a match on the fourth hole.
The opening tee shot at the Solheim Cup is frequently described by players as more nerve-wracking than any other moment in women's golf, largely due to the immense support from boisterous home crowds filling the grandstands well in advance.
Europe, seeking to retain the Solheim Cup for a record fourth consecutive time, faced a daunting task against the highly favored United States team. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
