GAINESVILLE, Va. – In case you bus them, they are going to come.
They usually had been there on the primary tee Friday, hundreds of them, maxing out the grandstands – and their lung capacities. 1000’s extra lining the golf 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 assist, high-fiving these round him and posing for photographs, 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 (at the least for the U.S.) to a dour starting (for all concerned).
Bus issues 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 finally bought there. They usually cheered and chanted – and, rightfully so, ranted.
A shiny yellow media lanyard proved to be a beckoning mild.
“We bought to the bus at 6:15 (a.m.) and didn’t get right here till 9:30!” a fan shouted, unsolicited.
“Dangerous day for the LPGA!” one other voice broke via 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 Dwell, some greater than an hour upfront.
“The issue was, there weren’t sufficient buses,” mentioned Carolyn Keating, a former space resident who flew in from Bentonville, Arkansas, to attend the matches and see household.
Keating mentioned she arrived on the lot, which is 5 miles from the course, and inquired concerning 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 mentioned.
“Two miles.”
Keating mentioned that with a smile on her face, including that she loved the conversations had with the numerous, many different motorists-turned-pedestrians.
The LPGA issued a press release at 9:21 a.m., saying, partly, “we’re engaged on methods to specific our remorse to these impacted.”
Whereas Keating and others questioned what it will be like leaving the course Friday night, they definitely bought their fill whereas on RTJ grounds.
GAINESVILLE, Va. – The U.S.
A crowd seven-deep watched the primary two matches conclude on the 16th inexperienced. U.S. assistant captains congregated below a close-by scoreboard that confirmed the house crew up, 2-zip.
Maybe 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.
The Individuals 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 12 months at Finca Cortesin.
There was no letdown this Friday. The other, in truth.
Amid the amped electrical energy, the U.S. received three matches by at the least three holes.
“The vitality,” U.S. captain Stacy Lewis mentioned of her afternoon precedence. “Felt like at occasions in Spain final 12 months we bought flat. Simply wished to ensure we had the precise individuals out right here with the vitality.”
Mission completed.
Nelly Korda and Megan Khang received, 6 and 4. Andrea Lee and Rose Zhang received, 5 and 4. Lauren Coughlin and Sarah Schmelzel received, 3 and a couple 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 12 months. We’ve executed it earlier than; we will do it once more,” European captain Suzann Pettersen mentioned.
“I don’t really feel like we performed poorly. … The Individuals performed nice. We have now a large job in entrance of us.”
Which can start about quarter-hour previous dawn Saturday morning.
Hopefully, followers can be there to see it.
