Nelly Korda and Megan Khang after profitable their afternoon match
Claire Rogers
Howdy, buddies, and completely happy Friday from Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership! I had an early wake-up this morning (5:00 a.m.) with a purpose to make the opening tee pictures at 7:05, however as soon as that alarm hit I used to be wakeful and prepared — this was a day I’ve been trying ahead to.
From what I’ve learn elsewhere I do know that the protection of at this time’s occasion wasn’t all optimistic, however there was so a lot good on web site that I’m going to give attention to all of my favourite moments from the day. Let’s get proper to ’em.
Opening tee pictures
Sadly, issues bought off to a rocky begin on the Solheim Cup on Friday morning as a result of shuttle scenario, which you’ve most likely examine by now. Hundreds of followers gave themselves ample time to make it to the opening tee pictures however missed them as a result of there merely weren’t sufficient buses to get them there.
You may learn all concerning the shuttle points elsewhere, however what bummed me out is pondering of the individuals who by no means bought to the course and what they missed out on. That’s the place we’ll flip our focus — to the positives. There have been a lot of them.
The hometown hero confirmed out.
My first favourite second of the morning got here when Lauren Coughlin — a Virginia resident, College of Virginia graduate and Solheim Cup rookie — made her option to the primary tee. Followers have been screaming her identify and I can’t even think about what it should imply to her to have made this group. She’s the oldest member of Workforce USA and a late bloomer, having captured her first two LPGA wins this season.
I consider that is what we might name a Cinderella Story.
The followers have been unbelievable — and considerate.
I had a couple of nice interactions with golf followers earlier than I even had breakfast this morning, so it’s secure to say that it’s been a profitable day on the Solheim Cup. The primary one occurred whereas I waited within the media space by the primary tee. I heard my identify, rotated, and a younger lady waved me over. She had made a Solheim Cup friendship bracelet for me, and I’ve been sporting all of it day. The vibes right here at Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership are so good. For the final 12 months or so, I’ve seen posts from Taylor Swift followers who went to the Eras Tour and mentioned the interactions from different followers have been what made the live performance as nice because it was. That’s precisely how I really feel concerning the Solheim Cup to this point.
Claire Rogers
I made my manner over to the fan zone for some espresso after the morning matches went off and located myself ready in line for 45 minutes. It didn’t matter, although, as a result of I used to be surrounded by a couple of dozen different ladies who have been all chatting about golf. (That’s not the vibe at each event.) One lady subsequent to me in line had simply purchased a muffin from a concession stand and supplied me half of it. There have been two sisters from Eire, most likely of their mid-50s, who have been so excited to be at their first skilled golf occasion. Moments later, I overheard a bit woman inform somebody subsequent to her that she made eye contact with Lexi Thompson and that her life had been made due to it.
I cowl a lot of golf tournaments, and that is by far probably the most female-dominated crowd I’ve ever seen. It’s so refreshing (and a pleasant change of tempo!) to see all these ladies of all age come along with pleasure over supporting the most effective gamers on the earth. This week has been such a breath of contemporary air in that division.
As soon as they bought on web site, the crowds introduced it.
The afternoon four-ball matches served as a form of redemption for the morning opening tee pictures. The stands have been full, the crowds have been loud and the music was blasting.
Even former President Barack Obama was there to absorb the entire motion.
I see this photograph turning into an important meme someday, and I promise to make use of it correctly.
I spent most of my morning hanging out on sure holes ready for teams to cross by, however I made a decision to stay with Nelly Korda and Megan Khang within the afternoon and I’m so glad I did. Once they kicked issues off by dancing their manner down the primary fairway, I knew I used to be in for lots of enjoyable.
Nelly and Megan made my day.
We are able to’t all relate to being the No. 1 participant on the earth, a significant champion or representing your nation on the highest degree of golf. However we will all relate to teeing it up alongside your finest buddy, and the thrill you get strolling down the primary fairway collectively figuring out you’re about to have the time of your life. Korda and Khang felt so relatable on this second and I’m so glad our videographer, John Sodaro, caught it on digicam.
Watching Korda sink her eagle putt to win the match 6&4 will doubtless go down as my favourite golf second of 2024. There’s nothing like watching Korda together with her finest stuff, and the truth that she gained together with her finest tour pal alongside her is not any coincidence. I had a lot enjoyable watching them have a lot enjoyable collectively.
Their celebration was superb. As quickly a I noticed their profitable handshake, I used to be reminded of the handshake that the twins had in “The Suite Lifetime of Zack & Cody” (sorry, the 90s child in me is displaying). Two minutes later, my coworker Zephyr Melton and I requested the place their handshake got here from, and Korda and Khang defined that it was the truth is the precise handshake from the enduring Disney Channel present.
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: I’m undecided should you’re loyal Rogers Report readers, however if you’re, simply know that your affect is bigger than you assume. You’ve bought the World No. 1 copying you!
I might additionally wish to take a second to acknowledge how insane it’s that Korda and Khang gained 6&4, an absolute blowout, over Georgia Corridor and Leona Maguire, two of the most effective gamers on the earth. Subsequent-level golf. I’m fortunate to have been there to see it.
