I have always loved the passion spectators have shown for the teams they love in any sport – whether high school, collegiate, or professional level, there is a dedicated following who plans their calendar around these events. Same with the Solheim fans – they mark this date and for the next two years plan their ticket, travel, hotel, and transportation – oh yes, and accumulate their “GEAR” – those clothing choices set aside especially for this ONE event!
The venue’s logistics are prepared for the masses. Stands, food choices, vendors, port-a-johns, and then, as soon as they let the gates open—-HERE THEY COME!!!!! We became a part of the “orderly stampede” — Patriotic Red, White, and Blue everything – we saw flags, headgear, matching outfits, and everyone waves and nods their heads when you pass others who are “one of us”! What a treat to be with two proud Canadians (who wish the Solheim Cup would expand to include North America so their amazing Canadian star Brooke Henderson could play) getting into the scene with vigor as well!
Of course, Europe has its own dedicated following – we had seen them in the States – wearing their huge, yellow Daisy headpieces – the painted bodies – 20+ friends who all wear the same crazy outfits – they are loud, proud, and unafraid to show their allegiance to their team and countries.
There we all were at SUNRISE, all together awaiting the first tee shots – not for another two hours! We all knew the effort that we had each made over the last few hours to get up-dress-eat-transport ourselves-and show up for this joyous musical/visual/competitive spectacle! And the best part, everyone was polite, we cheered for one another, and the respect for the game of golf reigned supreme! I know what “Joy to the World” feels like.
Each day we walked at least 27 holes, and like most golf championships, its TV audience can never appreciate the change of topography and steepness the Gleneagles Centenary course requires of players, caddies, and spectators.
