The LPGA Tour says it has made “significant changes” to its transport system after thousands of fans missed the start of the Solheim Cup on Friday due to long delays to shuttle buses.
According to reports and social media posts, thousands of fans trying to make it to Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia were stranded at the parking lot at the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheater, with shuttle buses scheduled to take fans to the course five miles away experiencing long delays.
It left a muted atmosphere at the usually raucous first tee for the morning foursomes session, with Golf Digest reporting that only a third of the seats were filled due to the transport debacle.
Many fans took to social media to express their frustrations, with some saying they were waiting for hours.
@LPGA @SolheimCupUSA @TheSolheimCup This is really bad. We are in our second hour of waiting for the shuttle to the Solheim Cup and we are still over a hundred yards from the pickup location. There are people in wheelchairs a quarter of a mile away. pic.twitter.com/DJIz4BVGibSeptember 13, 2024
Golfweek reports that a large number of fans waited for so long that they decided to leave, despite paying $30 for parking. Others who have purchased tickets for day two have said that they won’t come back, while some are demanding their money back.
“Somebody had one job and totally whiffed,” US assistant captain Brittany Lincicome told Golf Digest.
After acknowledging the delays and apologizing to fans earlier in the day, the LPGA Tour revealed its solution to the issue in a statement late on Friday.
pic.twitter.com/V902EC85VlSeptember 14, 2024
“Beginning tomorrow, gates will open at 5.30am, with buses running from Jiffy Lube Live starting at 4.30am to better accommodate early arrivals,” the statement read.
“We have significantly increased the number of shuttle buses and have developed more efficient loading and unloading processes to expedite departures.
“In addition, volunteers will now park at a separate location, with their own dedicated shuttles, to ease congestion for spectators.
“We apologize again to any fans whose enjoyment of the event was impacted by the transportation delays, we appreciate the patience and understanding of our fans and look forward to a great weekend of spirited competition.”
Here’s the letter fans were sent from LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. pic.twitter.com/QvGpFZDfmRSeptember 14, 2024
In a letter from LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan sent to fans impacted by the delays, she added that, “to express our regrets”, fans would receive two complimentary any-day tickets to the Solheim Cup.
“We recognize the importance of efficient transportation to ensure that your day at the tournament is enjoyable from start to finish. We’ve made significant changes to our transportation system to mitigate these issues moving forward,” Marcoux Samaan wrote.
-
Garmin Approach S44 Golf Watch ReviewHow does the latest installment in Garmin's golf smartwatch range perform both on and off the golf course?
-
LIV Golf Korea 2025 Picks, Odds And PredictionsAs the LIV Golf League arrives in Korea for the first time, check out the odds for the leading players and our picks to win this week
-
LPGA Black Desert Championship Prize Money Payout 2025Many of the biggest names in the world head to Utah as they compete for a share of one of the largest purses so far this season
-
Mao Saigo Claims Maiden Major Title At Chevron Championship After Thrilling Five-Way Sudden Death PlayoffThe Japanese star made a birdie on the first extra hole at The Club at Carlton Woods as her four challengers faltered
-
Watch The Shocking Moment Ariya Jutanugarn Whiffs Chip At 18th To Surrender Chevron Championship Solo LeadAriya Jutanugarn led by one heading to the 18th hole in the final round of the Major, but a nightmare moment left her facing a playoff
-
Chevron Championship Prize Money Payout 2025Nelly Korda won her second Major at the 2024 edition of the Chevron Championship
-
12 Big Names Who Missed The Cut At The Chevron ChampionshipThe first women's Major of 2025 is at its halfway stage and, heading into the weekend, a number of notable players failed to reach the two-over-par cutline
-
What Is The Cut At the Chevron Championship?The first of five women's Majors of the year, what do players need to do make the cut at the Chevron Championship?
-
Yani Tseng Won Five Majors Putting Right-Handed, But Now She's Flipped Sides - Here's Why...A dominant force in the women's game 15 years ago, Tseng has lost her way since and is now employing a "last resort" putting tactic in order to play well again
-
Nelly Korda Looking At Another Putter Switch After Shooting 77 in Chevron ChampionshipWorld No.1 Nelly Korda was almost in tears after her first-round 77 at the Chevron Championship, and was looking to instantly make another change of putter as a result
