Wandering through the crowds and players on the first few holes of the Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois, I take no notebook with me, nor do I have any pre-set strategy. I’m simply soaking in the atmosphere like my liver soaking in vodka.

One thing that strikes me about the fans is how well-coordinated the chants are, and how pep-rally-like the rally of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” There are even leaders for all of these, some of whom are peppily spelling out the letters with their arms.

The scattered European fans are understandably less numerous and more sedate, but they chip in with their own “Olay, olay, olay, olay!” when the U.S. fans stop to take a breath. And to their credit, the U.S. fans politely applaud when the Euros have said their piece.

That is, they do so everywhere but on the first tee. The fans in those somewhat pinched bleachers are absolutely rabid. I’ve seen quieter groups at raves. And when Christina Kim bounded onto the first tee, it was like Phish walking on stage at a hippie-fest. The roar was deafening. The talking heads at the Golf Channel have named her Rock Star Christina, and for good reason. I cannot recall a more demonstrative and FUN player to watch at any event, of any gender.

Quick update: Paula Creamer just went 1-up on Suzanne Petterson for the first time in their match, and Morgan Pressel just holed a bunker shot to go 1-up on Anna Nordqvist.

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