A fan's guide to the 2009 Solheim Cup
Solheim Cup schedule at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove
Monday, Aug. 17: Gates open 8 a.m. with practice rounds from 9-10:30. USA on No. 1 tee, Europe on No. 10 tee.
Tuesday, Aug. 18: Gates open 7:30 a.m. Practice rounds from 8:30-10 a.m. with Europe on No. 1 tee, USA on No. 10. Solheim After Sundown social event (sold out) 4-8 p.m. in PING Pavilion. At Aurora Country Club: PING Junior Solheim Cup competition tees off at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. with top 12 amateurs from USA and Europe (free).
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Gates open at 7:30 a.m., with practice rounds from 8:30-10 a.m. Past captains exhibition and autograph session from 1-3 p.m. At Aurora CC: Junior Solheim competition continues, 9 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 20: Gates open at 7:30 a.m. Free admittance to military personnel (active, retired or spouse with ID). Practice rounds 8:30-10 a.m. Pro-Junior Four-Hole Challenge featuring former Solheim Cup players and juniors in alternate-shot competition, featuring Nancy Lopez, Patty Sheehan and others. Opening Ceremony from 5-6 p.m. on main stage to mark official start with player introductions, national anthems and Friday pairing announcement.
Friday, Aug. 21: Gates open at 7 a.m. with Day One matches beginning at 8 a.m. Morning round features four four-ball matches, and afternoon features four foursome matches.
Saturday, Aug. 22: Gates open at 7 a.m. with Day Two matches beginning at 8 a.m. Morning round features four four-ball matches, and afternoon features four foursome matches.
Sunday, Aug. 23: Gate open 9 a.m. with 12 singles match-play matches teeing off from 10 to 11:40 a.m. Closing ceremonies 30 minutes after play concludes.
Spectator information
Tickets: Free on Monday by donating 4 nonperishable food items. $125 for all-week grounds passes, $25 for single-day practices and $50 for competition days, with fans 15 and younger free with paid adult. All pavilion passes sold out. Tickets available at all Jewel-Osco locations and at www.solheimcup.com.
Parking: $5 public parking in Lot G across from main entrance.
TV coverage: The Golf Channel will carry Thursday's opening ceremony (5-6:30 p.m.). Competition coverage: Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cameras: Allowed during practice rounds, but not permitted during competition Friday-Sunday.
Prohibited: cell phones, PDAs, food, beverages, pets, no cases or covers for chairs or umbrellas, no bags larger than 8x8x8 inches. no signs, TVs and radios, no metal spiked golf shoes, no flags. For full list, visit www.solheimcup.com
Autographs: Autograph area located near putting green. Please, no autographs during any rounds, only before or after play.
Will call: Ticket pickup booth located on U.S. 30 at Scot Industries parking lot.
Special features
Car collection: Several one-of-a-kind cars and mini-carriages from the Rich family's college will be on display across from the Merchandise Tent.
PING Fitting Experience: PING specialists will be on site to demonstrate proper fitting and the newest innovations all week.
FORE Kids Pavilion: An activity pavilion for children 15 and younger at the expo village area. Kids receive a free hat and mementos and can try the putting green and other equipment.
Merchandise Tent: Two tents offering top quality merchandise for purchase with pickup and shipping available.
How to get to Rich Harvest Farms
Directions from east: Take I-88 west, exit at Route 56 toward Route 47/U.S. 30/Sugar Grove. Continue west on 30, then south on Dugan Road, west on Granart Road and right to Lot G parking.
Directions from west: Take I-88 east to Route 47 exit and bear right to Sugar Grove and merge onto 47. In 3.9 miles, merge to U.S. 30 west. Turn south on Dugan Road, west on Granart Road and then right to Lot G parking.