Nelly Korda aims for victory at Solheim Cup 2023

The Solheim Cup faced significant organizational issues on its opening day, leading to delays in shuttle bus services for spectators. Buses were scheduled to start at 5 am, two hours before the first tee time, but began much later, causing long wait times for fans. Many attendees arriving after 8 am were informed they could face a three-hour wait, prompting calls for compensation from the LPGA. The situation resulted in sparse crowds at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, where the US team took an early lead against Europe. Despite the transportation chaos, the US team, led by captain Stacy Lewis, performed strongly in the morning foursomes, securing a 3-1 lead. Lewis had inspired her players with speeches from past captains, which seemed to pay off as Allisen Corpuz and Nelly Korda won their match decisively. The absence of Leona Maguire from the morning session for the European team was noted, especially as the US capitalized on their opportunities. The LPGA issued a public apology to fans affected by the transportation issues, acknowledging the challenges faced by those trying to reach the venue. The expectation was that over 100,000 spectators would attend the event, but the delays significantly impacted attendance and the overall atmosphere. As the day progressed, Europe made adjustments by including Maguire in the afternoon fourballs, indicating a strategic shift in response to the morning's results. The hope remains that the situation will improve as the tournament continues, allowing for a more engaging experience for fans and players alike.