Solheim Cup: Frustration because many fans miss the first tee due to long shuttle queues

GAINESVILLE, Virginia. – The opening matches of the Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club began Friday morning with half-empty stands as fans were stranded in a nearby concert hall due to transportation problems.

Fans reported on social media that they waited for hours at Jiffy Lube Live, about five miles east of the club, for buses to the golf course.

Shortly before the game began, only a small portion of fans arrived, leaving organizers far below the record crowd they had expected, the Associated Press reported.

LPGA Tour officials had no immediate comment on the transportation issues.

Esther Henseleit hit the first tee shot for Europe, paired with Charley Hull in an alternate shot format against the US team. Europe is aiming to win the Solheim Cup for the fourth consecutive year, which is a record.

The first tee shot at the Solheim Cup is often described as the most nerve-wracking in women's golf, and fans usually fill the stands hours in advance to cheer on their team.

However, the few hundred fans who were present on Friday morning remained calm as the Europeans hit the ball and cheered on the Americans – a break with the traditional golf etiquette that has become common in team competitions.

FOX 5's David Kaplan says this year's competition will pit the top 12 American women golfers against the top 12 European women, marking the first time Northern Virginia has hosted the event.

The event is expected to be a major boost to the local economy. The Prince William County Tourism Authority is expecting 150,000 spectators during practice rounds and tournament days. This influx of visitors is expected to have a $60 million economic impact across Northern Virginia, as Gainesville's smaller size means it must stay in hotels throughout the region.

The Associated Press contributed to this report