Today my kids and I took advantage of the USGA’s Catch the Spirit program at the U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen. This program is almost unbelievable. Each paid adult can bring up to nine kids to the event for free. On top of that, each child receives:

• USGA junior club bag tag
• Patty Berg button
• Voucher for a free hot dog, chips and a drink
• Catch the Spirit golf hat

Despite all the loot, the kids were a little bored with the actual practice round. That was solved by purchasing two flags and handing them some Sharpies. All of the players we saw were very friendly and accommodating – the kids tired out way before the players did.

A special thank you to UCLA’s Vanessa Brockett and her caddie, who not only signed the flags, but also gave us one of her golf balls.