Solheim Cup experience
Well, what an amazing week with 18 of my current and new clients who decided to watch the best of Women’s golf for many their first Solheim Cup experience. I first visited at St Leon Rot Golf Club 18 months ago with the popularity of golf in Germany and Europe this was always going to be well attended so early preparation was essential which is key to any successful trip.
Despite the huge crowds all week with in excess of 30,000 on the final day the public grandstands were a refreshing addition with a major “quad view” stand accommodating viewing for the 11th,12th,13th and 15th holes, which is unusual to see a quality facility open to the public unless pre booked for a fee. As it turned out many key matches were seen from this vantage point. The golf course with it’s natural undulations provided viewing for everyone with no running for the sparse spaces outside the ropes which was refreshing.
Solheim Cup experience
The prime seating and the happening place had to be the first tee on all days with a party atmosphere to set the crowd going, it was certainly worth the 5.30am alarm calls for sure with one member of the group from Leicestershire having spent months composing “songs” for each player which was well received which 6 of the group were televised singing to two of the European players.
Each day spectators were provided with flags, clappers, transfers and inflatable clapping balloons obviously for both teams which is unique and a welcome touch. The flags were often used to dry the seats after the persistent heavy rain which welcomed the hardy fans for most of the week, including a storm delay after we had the perfect seats!
I was very glad our airline carrier allowed umbrellas on the flight as these sold out on the first day and provided a wonderful memento for my GolfingGirls of the week.
Every Solheim Cup produces pivotal moments which often boils down to an unexpected putt at a critical stage in the match. A group of my clients watched the 15th hole a par three with an undulating green which a number of players had three putted from 20 feet. A key put for me on the Sunday was the 30 ft putt Angela Stanford holed for birdie producing a key advantage against Pettersen. I had not realised Angela had never been victorious in a Solheim Match in 9 appearances, what a moment to change the record and one she will remember for sure.
We were treated to a superb display of shot making with 90% of my group making the trip for the very first time to not only the Solheim Cup but to a Ladies Professional Event, the feedback was tremendous with many asking me about the return trip in the USA!
I can’t Thank my group enough with a most kind gesture of a prized Solheim jacket for arranging the trip and a couple of bottles of wine which will go down well this week as I take a few days off!
This is will be an unforgettable Solheim Cup experience for everyone