A tee-mendous start to big event
The people of Perth and Kinross have already been out in force to enjoy the Solheim Cup - and the main action hasn’t even got underway yet.
Spectators have been turning out in droves to enjoy the practice days, as the best female golfers from Europe and the USA ran their eye over the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles.
And there has already been US success, with their youngster picking up the junior Solheim Cup, which was played over Tuesday and Wednesday.
The American girls triumphed 13-11 over the two days of competition around Gleneagles’ King’s Course.
The opening ceremony took place yesterday, after the PA went to press, with Scottish rockers Texas the headline act.
Also due to take part were pupils from Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, with the school’s choir and pipe band scheduled to perform.
Team captains Catriona Matthew of Europe and Juli Inkster of the USA were due to unveil their first pairings for this mornings foursomes matches, with the first shot at 8.10am.
That will pave the way for three days of golf as Europe looks to win the trophy on Scottish soil for a third time.
Among the 1000 volunteers at the course are Perthshire residents who were delighted to play their part in one of sport’s biggest events.
Angela Bullen from nearby Auchterarder, said: “I love it. I live in Auchterarder so was here when the Ryder Cup was on and there’s just such an amazing buzz.
“I never thought I would be chosen. I get a day off on Saturday so I’ll have a look around then and I have some short shifts so can hopefully do some shopping in the rest of the time.”
Many local schools have also paid a visit to the site to enjoy watching the golf, or trying it out for themselves in the fan zone area.
Meanwhile, Blackfordbased Highland Spring is a sponsor for the event and has vowed that all plastic bottles collected will be recycled back into other bottles.
Les Montgomery, chief executive of the Highland Spring Group, said: “Our commitment to ensuring every plastic bottle collected at the event is recycled is a great example of the circular economy in action through partnership working.
“The stunning backdrop of the Ochil Hills, in Perthshire, is the perfect showcase for all Scotland has to offer and we want to make sure that we leave no trace on the environment around the tournament.”