Nelly Korda and Megan Khang after winning their afternoon match
Claire Rogers
Hello friends, and happy Friday from Robert Trent Jones Golf Club! I woke up early this morning (5:00am) in order to do the opening shots at 7:05am, but as soon as my alarm went off I was up and ready – this was a day I was looking forward to.
From what I’ve read elsewhere, I know the coverage of today’s event wasn’t all positive, but there was thus very well instead I will focus on all my favorite moments from the day. Let’s go to them.
Opening shots
Unfortunately, things got off to a rough start Solheim Cup on Friday morning due to the ship situation, which you’ve probably read about by now. Thousands of fans gave themselves plenty of time to get to the opening lap, but missed out because there simply weren’t enough buses to get them there.
You can read all about ship matters elsewhere, but what bothered me is thinking about the people who never made it to the course and what they missed out on. Here we will turn our focus – to the positive. There was one LOT from them.
The hometown hero proved himself.
My first favorite moment of the morning came when Lauren Coughlin – a Virginia native, University of Virginia graduate and Solheim Cup rookie – made her way to the first tee. The fans were chanting her name and I can’t even imagine what it means to her to have made this team. She is the oldest member of Team USA and a late bloomer, having captured her first two LPGA wins this season.
I believe this is what we can call a Cinderella story.
The fans were incredible – and thoughtful.
I had some great interactions with golf fans before breakfast this morning, so it’s safe to say it’s been a successful day at the Solheim Cup. The first happened while I was waiting in the media area off the first tee. I heard my name, I turned around and a young woman waved me over. She had made me a Solheim Cup friendship bracelet, and I wore it all day. The golfers here at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club are thus good. For the last year or so, I’ve seen posts from Taylor Swift fans who went to the Eras Tour and said that the interactions from other fans were what made the concert as great as it was. That’s exactly how I feel about the Solheim Cup so far.
Claire Rogers
I made my way to the fan area for coffee after the morning games and found myself waiting in line for 45 minutes. It didn’t matter, though, because I was surrounded by a few dozen other women all chatting about golf. (That’s not the atmosphere at every tournament.) A woman next to me in line had just bought a muffin from a concession stand and offered me half of it. There were two sisters from Ireland, probably in their mid-50s, who were thus excited to be in their first professional golf event. Moments later, I heard a little girl tell someone next to her that she made eye contact with Lexi Thompson and that her life was made because of her.
cover a LOT of golf tournaments, and this is by far the most female-dominated crowd I’ve ever seen. It’s so refreshing (and a nice change of pace!) to see all these women of all ages enthusiastically come together to support the best players in the world. This week has been such a breath of fresh air in that department.
After reaching the place, the crowds brought him.
The afternoon’s four-ball matches served as a sort of redemption for the morning’s first shots. The stands were full, the crowds were loud and the music was blasting.
Even former President Barack Obama was there to take in all the action.
I can see this photo becoming a great meme one day and I promise to use it wisely.
I spent most of the morning standing in a few holes waiting for bands to come by, but I decided to stick with Nelly Korda and Megan Khang in the afternoon and I’m so glad I did. When they kicked things off by dancing on the first freeway, I knew I was in for a lot of fun.
Nelly and Megan made my day.
We can’t all relate to being the No. 1 player. 1 in the world, a major champion or representing your country at the highest level of golf. But we can all relate to sticking it out with your best friend and the thrill you get walking down that first road together knowing you’re going to have the time of your life. Korda and Khang felt so close in this moment, and I’m so glad our videographer, John Sodaro, caught it on camera.
Watching Korda sink her eagle putt to win 6 and 4 will likely go down as my favorite golf moment of 2024. There’s nothing like watching Korda at her best and the fact that she won with her best tour mate by her side is no coincidence. I really enjoyed watching those have a lot of fun together.
Their party was wonderful. As soon as I saw their winning handshake, I was reminded of the handshake the twins had in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (sorry, the 90s kid in me showing). Two minutes later, my colleague Zephyr Melton and I asked where their handshake came from, and Korda and Khang explained that it was actually the exact handshake from the iconic Disney Channel show.
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: I’m not sure if you’re loyal Rogers Report readers, but if you are, just know that your influence is bigger than you think. You have the world number 1 copying you!
I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge how crazy it is that Korda and Khang won 6&4, an absolute blast, over Georgia Hall and Leona Maguire, two of the best players in the world. Next level golf. I am lucky to have been there to see it.
