Solheim Cup off to rocky start after logistical issues strand fans

According to several fans, there were two main issues that led to the transportation hiccup from the spectator lot. One, there were not enough charter busses to handle the number of fans who arrived early in the morning. And two, volunteers (who use the same lot as fans) were able to jump to the front of the line and bypass many of the fans who arrived well before them.

“Absolutely ridiculous,” said one man who declined to be identified by name. “We get to the line and volunteers are zooming, jumping the line. Bus after bus after bus. Why do you need volunteers if there aren’t any fans at the course? I am pissed.”

The man said he woke up at 4:15 and arrived at the parking lot at 5:15. He breezed through security and got in the shuttle bus line at 5:30. Despite his early start and arrival, he did not get through the gates until the last group of the morning foursomes session was already on the tee for its 7:41 a.m. tee time.

An influx of busses eventually arrived at the spectator lot to account for the huge demand, but by then most of the fans in line had already missed the first-tee festivities.

The LPGA issued the following statement regarding the bussing issues:

“We recognize and deeply apologize to all fans 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.”

There were similar logistical issues following the opening ceremony on Thursday evening. Once the event — highlighted by a concert by country-music singer Jordan Davis — ended, the line for the shuttle bus to the parking lot stretched back to the range as hundreds of fans attempted to get back to their cars. One woman, who spoke to GOLF.com on the condition of anonymity, said it took her nearly four hours to get to her hotel (roughly seven miles from RTJ Club) once she got in line for the busses.

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.