The Solheim Cup is always good for drama, the best example being the story of the tearful “Gimme Gates” of 2015 involving Suzann Pettersen and Charley Hull, which was rekindled with the return of Alison Lee to the American team. The 2024 Solheim Cup had its first controversy even before the start. As Sky Sports reported, there was a dispute about the European team room. The Europeans made themselves a little too comfortable for the taste of their opponents.
The vibes in Europe’s team room are immaculate
— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) September 11, 2024
Via @melreidgolf pic.twitter.com/jbpGBshmq3
The two team rooms, which are more like team houses, are located near the driving range of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and as hosts, the Americans had first choice. They left the Europeans the smaller of the two houses, which has the advantage of being directly adjacent to the driving range. Team USA complained when Team Europe used the driving bays in the house, saying that this was not permitted under the contract and that the tables and chairs that Team Europe had placed outside were also against the contract.
Jamie Weir explains that controversy has emerged from the Solheim Cup surrounding the house that Team Europe are staying in 🏡😮pic.twitter.com/FCBBLndMS0
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 11, 2024
US skipper Stacy Lewis explained why these seemingly mundane facts upset the American team: “The inside of their hut doesn’t have much room for tables, so their tables have to be outside. Our players were warming up while having breakfast and chatting. We just tried to give everyone some space so we didn’t have to listen to them eat breakfast. There’s no bad blood.” The problem was solved, they said, by simply moving Team USA further down the driving range.
A Look Into the Past
It’s not just dramas that are being rehashed at the Solheim Cup. The LPGA Tour dug deep into the stars’ social media and found some very special pictures that were crying out to be signed.
Had to do some digging to find these gems 😝
— LPGA (@LPGA) September 10, 2024
Asked a few of our @SolheimCupUSA players to sign old photos of themselves pic.twitter.com/qiATtg84yF
“Full Glam” Before the Start of the Tournament
Before the team colors take center stage on Friday, the players had have the opportunity to really dress up at the tournament’s accompanying events. While the players familiarize themselves with the course the days before, the first of these highlights was scheduled for Wednesday with the gala dinner. The Smithsonian American Art Museum with its impressive Kogod Courtyard was prepared for the event. Team Europe appeared together in cream-colored outfits, while Team USA presented itself in navy and black dresses.
And before the tournament can really get underway, one thing is still missing: the opening ceremony.
Support for Team Europe
Team Europe may not have a former president who has visited the team, but it still gets all kinds of support from European (golf) stars.
Let’s go Team @SolheimCupEuro 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/tm4LNcmVwS
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) September 12, 2024