The LPGA Tour has issued an apology to followers after transportation chaos left giant numbers of spectators lacking the beginning of the Solheim Cup in Virginia.
File crowds had been anticipated however grandstands have been nonetheless partially empty across the first tee when the opening session started on Friday at 7.05am native time (12.05pm BST) at Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership.
Followers posted on social media that they have been caught for hours ready in strains for buses at Jiffy Lube Stay, a live performance web site close to the venue, with lengthy delays additionally skilled as soon as spectators reached the course.
Social media posts additionally complained a few lack of buses transporting followers to the venue, with others calling for refunds as a result of quantity of golf they missed on the primary morning.
The LPGA Tour had no fast touch upon the issues affecting followers, though issued an announcement on social media simply over two hours after play had began to recognise the disruption.
They mentioned on X, previously referred to as Twitter: “We acknowledge and deeply apologize to all followers affected by the challenges with shuttling from parking to the golf course.
“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.”
Rookie Esther Henseleit struck the opening tee shot for Europe as she partnered Charley Hull of their match in opposition to world No 1 Nelly Korda and former main champion Allisen Corpuz, with grandstands nonetheless removed from full when the ultimate foursomes fixture started simply over 40 minutes later.
Korda and Corpuz later accomplished a 3&2 victory to safe the primary level of the match as Crew USA gained each the opening matches.
Suzann Pettersen instructed Sky Sports activities Information’ Jamie Weir that it was “disappointing” the ambiance was “a bit flat” in the course of the early a part of the opening session, though crowds appeared to extend because the morning went on.
Golfweek author Beth Ann Nichols mentioned on X: “The Solheim is the LPGA’s time to shine. The crown jewel of the tour. Complete disaster. One of the worst I’ve seen in 20 years covering the tour.”
Golf.com reporter Claire Rogers added: “Such a bummer 1) for the thousands of fans who were excited to watch the Solheim Cup today and 2) that this is now the storyline of the day instead of showcasing women’s golf.”
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