Supporters affected by operational problems during the first day of the Solheim Cup
Enraged and exasperated supporters took to social media on Friday morning to express their frustration with logistical problems that were preventing them from reaching the Robert Trent Golf Club in Gainesville, Va. for the opening-day matches of the Solheim Cup.
Numerous complaints were made about long lines, some lasting up to 2 1/2 hours, to board shuttle buses from the designated parking area to the course. As a result, the first groups began their morning foursomes just after 7 a.m. with only a small number of fans in attendance.
In a statement, the LPGA Tour acknowledged the issues and apologized to all affected fans. They also stated that significant changes have been made to the transportation system and they are working on ways to express their regret to those impacted.
Golfweek senior writer Beth Ann Nichols criticized the conditions, calling the Solheim Cup the "crown jewel" of the LPGA Tour and stating that it was a "complete disaster" and one of the worst she has seen in her 20 years covering the tour.
In a subsequent post, Nichols offered some advice to the LPGA Tour, suggesting that someone from the tour should be in the parking lot handing out water and Solheim Cup merchandise, and even suggesting that the commissioner should go over and talk to fans.
One fan in attendance, Rob Huddleston, shared Nichols' assessment, stating that he and his son had won tickets and drove up that morning, but had never experienced such logistical issues at other major sporting events they had attended.
