LPGA issue apology after logistical breakdown causes thousands to miss Solheim Cup start – MASHAHER

The opening morning of the Solheim Cup – and the famous atmosphere around the first tee – was marred by chaotic scenes as thousands of spectators were left stranded outside the gates.

When the first foursomes match featuring Charley Hull and world No.1 Nelly Korda began at 7.05am the grandstands surrounding the tee-box looked half empty.

Supporters who in some instances had paid hundreds of dollars for the privilege formed huge queues as they waited for shuttle buses to transport them to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club for the biennial dust-up between Team USA and Europe.

Fans vented their frustrations on social media at being stuck for hours in lines for buses at the designated pick-up points at a concert venue near the course, about 40 miles west of Capitol Hill. Many arrived there well before 6am but did not make it for what is always a special experience around the first tee.

Indeed, the conspicuous gaps remained well after the four foursomes had started and were out on the layout. One image showed two children and their father watching the opening tee shots on their phone having “not moved 10ft” since arriving in the queue just after dawn.

Following more than two hours of farce, the LPGA Tour eventually said sorry. “We recognise and deeply apologise to all fans affected by the challenges with shuttling from parking to the golf course,” the organisers posted on X.

“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.”

This is the second Solheim in succession in which officials came under fire for its treatment of the galleries. At last year’s 14-14 draw in southern Spain, organisers apologised after fans were left without access to water and food in the sweltering heat.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.