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 had 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 had been caught for hours ready in traces for buses at Jiffy Lube Reside, a live performance website close to the venue, with lengthy delays additionally skilled as soon as spectators reached the course.
Social media posts additionally complained a couple of lack of buses transporting followers to the venue, with others calling for refunds because of the quantity of golf they missed on the primary morning.
The LPGA Tour had no quick touch upon the issues affecting followers, though issued a press release on social media simply over two hours after play had began to recognise the disruption.
They mentioned on X, previously often known 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 event as Crew USA received each the opening matches.
Suzann Pettersen advised Sky Sports activities Information’ Jamie Weir that it was “disappointing” the ambiance was “a bit flat” throughout 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.”
Who will win the 2024 Solheim Cup? Watch stay all through the weekend on Sky Sports activities! Reside protection continues on Friday from 11.30am on Sky Sports activities Golf. Stream the Solheim Cup and extra with NOW.