Last week, I attended the Solheim Cup, as a guest of the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. I enjoy golf, but even the most golf-ambivalent person can’t help but get caught up in the patriotism, competitiveness and excitement of this prestigious event. Laurie DiBerardino, director of public relations and marketing, took me on a tour of the golf course, Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL. Jerry and Betty Rich’s dream was realized with the completion of this magnificent 18-hole course in 1997. It was quickly named the fifth best new private course in the United States. The course at Rich Harvest Farms is simply beautiful. The Silver 4 hole, named Devil’s Elbow, is both an aesthetic treat and a golfer’s ultimate challenge, due to the multitude of trees virtually outlining the entire path to the green. As we walked the holes, I tried imagining the angles, the conditions and the thoughts each golfer would face. It made me appreciate everything much more when I watched some action on TV later. It really is an unbelievable course. The site is also the home of Rich’s large automobile collection, which includes several movie cars and Al Unser’s 1992 Indy car. It was so cool seeing a few of these cars, which were on display throughout the week. As breathtaking and fascinating as the course and all that encompasses it was, the main focus was the competition between the U.S. women and the women of Europe. Again, thanks to my host, I was able to get within a few feet of the U.S. team as it awaited introductions. I got chills as I saw Beth Daniel, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Juli Inkster and the others. They were loose, as they joked with fans and posed for pictures. This was an all-star team of women golfers at one of their premier events. The crowd was so extremely boisterous, I couldn’t help but get drawn in. Morgan Pressel delivered the clinching point on Sunday, as the American team won its third straight Solheim Cup. I didn’t think it was possible, but the crowd got even louder with “USA” chants. This was simply a fantastic experience. Just being among the crowd at this event would have been great, but being behind the scenes, being up close to the excitement and getting the grand tour made for a memorable time. – John Wroblewski