Military Families, USO Join the U.S. Team at the Solheim Cup for an Unforgettable Experience

The 2024 Solheim Cup wasn’t just a display of world-class golf, but a celebration of community, connection, and service, thanks to the USO’s involvement as the official charitable partner of the event.

Against the backdrop of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, with the early morning sun casting a golden glow over the fairways and the cool breeze whispering through the trees, military service members and their families found themselves at the heart of an unforgettable experience.

One of the most memorable experiences of the week was the special ride-along organized for military service members and their families. As the sun rose over the rolling hills of the course, casting long shadows on the dew-covered grass, the military families were invited to join a select group of U.S. Team golfers during their practice rounds.

The service members and their families, followed the athletes across the course, watching as the golfers prepared for the upcoming Solheim Cup. At each hole, they had the opportunity to stop and watch the players practice their shots, offering insight into the precision and focus required to compete at the highest level.

For the attending service members and their families, it wasn’t just about witnessing professional golfers up close - it was about being a part of the team’s journey leading up to the competition. The children’s faces lit up as they watched the pros strategize and take their shots, while the parents soaked in the beauty of the course and the warmth of the personal interactions.

With each stop, they learned more about the game and the athletes, and by the end of the round, they felt like part of the team, cheering on their new heroes as they prepared for the upcoming tournament.

“Being able to get up close and personal with the athletes and walk the course has been awesome,” said Marine 1stLt. Alyssa Lawton.

The ride-along was a quiet but powerful moment that underscored the connection between the athletes and the military community, creating memories that would stay with the family long after the final shot was made.

The partnership between the USO and the Solheim Cup meant more than just military families attending a sporting event. It was a chance for these families to be celebrated and connected in ways they might not have imagined.

Children of service members ran across the vibrant greens, laughing and engaging in putting contests with U.S. Team players. Proud parents stood back, watching their kids light up as they competed in fun challenges with the athletes they admired.

Adding to the magic of the event was a special call-in and watch party organized for military children from the Stuttgart High School Golf Team. These young golfers, thousands of miles away, gathered in the USO Stuttgart center, to speak directly with U.S. Team athletes as they teed off from Tee one.

As they talked to the golfers, the excitement in their voices was carried on the breeze, filling the air with hope and connection. The children shared their dreams of one day competing, while the athlete’s offered encouragement and advice, creating a bond that transcended the distance.

“It was really cool to meet and talk with them [LPGA players], because we don’t really get to see too many professionals at their sport, so having the opportunity to say hi and ask them questions was really cool,” said Sarah Weinreich, a military child and Stuttgart High School Golf Team member.

“The Solheim Cup is not just about competition; it’s about community,” said John Falin, Executive Director, USO Mid-Atlantic. “Being able to give our military families this experience, surrounded by the beauty of the course and the spirit of camaraderie while strengthening the well-being of our service members and their families.”

As the sun climbed higher in the sky and the breeze carried the cheers of fans, the military families in attendance enjoyed not just the thrill of elite competition, but the opportunity to feel seen, appreciated, and connected to a community that values their service.

The USO and the Solheim Cup brought two worlds together on the emerald fairways, ensuring that, just as the athletes were celebrated for their skills, the military families were honored for their sacrifices.