LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan took accountability on Saturday for the logistical failure that led to fans missing the opening tee shots at the Solheim Cup a day earlier. The tournament saw players teeing off in front of partially empty grandstands, dampening the anticipated first-tee excitement for the team competition between the United States and Europe. Although the stands were full on Saturday, the media’s focus had shifted to the transportation issues rather than the impressive golf played by Nelly Korda and the U.S. team.
The venue of the event, Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, is situated within a private residential area accessed by a single road off U.S. Route 29. Despite the successful hosting of previous events at the location, including the Presidents Cup and a PGA Tour event, the Solheim Cup faced significant transportation challenges this time around.
Marcoux Samaan acknowledged the lack of buses available at the designated parking site, Jiffy Lube Live, where fans had paid $30 for parking. She mentioned that the LPGA did not anticipate the situation adequately, leading to lengthy delays and discomfort for spectators queuing without sufficient facilities. When questioned about the number of buses provided, Marcoux Samaan avoided a direct response, stating that there was a shortage of buses in the morning.
The commissioner admitted that the transportation issue was within the LPGA’s jurisdiction during events held in the United States, with the last domestic event taking place in Ohio in 2021 under pandemic restrictions. Following the logistical challenges on Friday, LPGA staff worked urgently to resolve the problem and communicated updates to departing spectators. It took over 12 hours for the LPGA to address the situation on social media and offer solutions for the following day.
Despite the setback, Marcoux Samaan highlighted the increasing participation and interest in women’s golf as a positive indicator for the sport’s growth. With women’s sports gaining popularity this year, she emphasized the LPGA’s efforts to expand the game and engage more players and fans.
