USSO :: Day Five

Well today was the most unexpected day of the week yet. I know. After seeing famous legendary golfers up close and getting a birthday photo with an NHL hot shot, how could it get any better?

You've heard the phrase that even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. Well, even a frisky fox finds a golf ball sometimes. And once in awhile, even a nearby photographer captures it – and people end up liking it!

I didn't even share in yesterday's blog that the morning anchor from one of the area TV news stations asked if it was OK if they used my picture from Tuesday's U.S. Senior Open of the fox trying to fetch the golf ball in the practice round. I sent it to her and didn't think anything of it.

Then on my early morning social feed, I see they shared it. By end of day...

Yup 5,000 likes or loves or Wows on their Facebook post – plus 1,000 shares. That's why one of the evening anchor dudes tracked me down today. He said my picture was blowing up their Facebook page and they wanted to hear my story behind the picture. Well, you got the inside scoop on Tuesday, so I told it to them.

There is a story on their website at Fox Hole Story. But no video, which is fine, after what aired at 9 and 10 tonight.

Just a little crazy, right? On the flip side, I'm glad they're giving a ton of coverage to this tournament.

Even my cousins appeared on TV, upper right. Pretty sure our house isn't large enough for more than one big head. Sorry, guys!

Thankfully, I had time to wander the course a bit between morning tee times. Here's a few snapshots from the rest of the day...

Retief Goosen chips in on the 10th hole. Yay!

Here, The Big Easy makes it look effortless and easy.

Saw another player I appreciate, Bernhard Langer doing well, too.

Ran into my bestie, too, who was there with her father!

Padraig lines up a put.

After my short walk-a-bout, I went back to media area. Got to esscort Jerry Kelly to interview area where he shared his excitement and appreciation for support.

After that, I hustled home and went to Rudolph to listen to Southbound and enjoy fireworks. Pretty full day with fireworks of my own!

Be careful out there  this holiday weekend!!

USSO :: Day Four

Today's first round of competition can be summed up in three letters: H-O-T. And maybe: P-A-R. But not many birdies.

I got there an hour or two before my volunteer shift. Totally different vibe today. Lots and lots of spectators. And the Flower Hole has loved the recent rain and now the heat.

I only managed to grab a few pictures on my phone before and after my volunteer shift.

John Huston gets out of the pristine white bunker on the Flower Hole.

John O'Donnell, the founder of johnnie-O Apparel, was having a good time.

Vijay teed off on hole 9 right before my shift.

Mike Weir teed off on hole 9 right after my shift.

In between was a much more intense volunteer shift than earlier days. You don't want to make a mistake or miss finding a ball or any task when it's real competition – and on TV. Oh in just 96 countries. No biggie. And did I mention it was hot?

This was at 7 p.m.! Yes, quite a day. I stopped to by some adult Pedia-lite just to get rehydrated. 

I don't know if it was the heat or what, but only 4 – yes, just 4 – players finished under par today. Wow. Not I do not feel badly about any score I've carded on this course for golf league! But side note. Watch it on TV a bit and feel free to be jealous.

I cooled off in the media center with my co-workers after the shift.

That's pretty cool in and of itself. Feel free to be jealous again.

And when I asked about my round, er day, I said, "Things are just starting to heat up!"

Thanks for following along. Be careful out there!

USSO :: Day Three

The poor air quality could do nothing to dampen my spirits today on day 2 of practice rounds – and my birthday! 

Of course, my day was made early when I got a picture with superstar hockey player Joe Pavelski! He went to school in Stevens Point and has played SentryWorld. And recently had a crazy amazing season for Dallas! Lucky me!

Of course it was also great to see our friend Rob from Wisconsin Golf in the media center. I think hubby owes him a round at TriCity yet this summer.

Since it was still practice today, I could take some more action pictures with my good camera. Caught a few of the legends I missed yesterday.

David Toms.

Oh and a few more stogies today, too!

Ken Tanigawa.

Finally got to see Vijay Singh in action, too!! 

Driving range was busy all day.

Got to see Colin Montgomerie again today.

You can see a bit of the hazy sky here.

Miguel Angel Jiménez briefly but down the cigar to shoot.

Not the second shot, though!

Right before my volunteer shift started, my cousin Laryn brought over our cousin Leonard Johnson, whoI had no idea lived up the road in Marshfield all these years!

And the star of the day was our friendly fox. First he was sunning himself.

Then after one group teed off, He went to investigate the ball on the fairway.

Well that's one way to move your ball further down the fairway! 

He dropped it out of his mouth.

Pondered playing soccer with it.

Then moved on.

Ted Tryba and his caddy couldn't believe what they just saw!

The picture with the ball in the mouth went a little viral today. I couldn't resist sharing it everywhere!

Kenny Perry teeing off.

And Tom Lehman!

Still didn't get pictures of a few others, but now competition starts tomorrow so my phone will have to do.

Got home and Jim took us down to The Lure to celebrate my birthday. Yummy dinner as always!

Couldn't believe with this haze that we could barely see the other side of the lake!

Stopped at Sand Valley to show Laryn and Lydell those unique courses.

Was hazy there, too. But you know what? I was OK with it. It was a pretty special birthday all around! 

Thanks for all the special wishes and heartfelt messages. Love you all!