Charity Golf

Got quite the thrill today being able to see Brett Favre & company golf in the charity shootout at the U.S. Bank Championship. Christi came with me and I'm so glad we went! The weather was perfect - no seriously, PERFECT - and the course was beautiful. There were probably 1,000 spectators there that followed Brett Favre, Ryan Longwell, Mark Tauscher, and Don Majkowski and their respective PGA Tour partners (Jerry Kelly, J.P. Hayes, Steve Stricker, and Skip Kendall) as they golfed five holes.

We got there and, as per the website, I left my cell phone in the car and only brought a small purse with me. I did bring my camera - I put it down my pants just before we left the car. As we approached the grounds, a security man said "if you have cell phones, please turn them off or to silent mode" and that was it. Nothing about cameras. No pat downs or bag searches - nothing. (FYI, cameras aren't allowed at the actual PGA tournament this weekend but were allowed today) I pulled my camera out of my pants and after securing a good spot by the first hole, we decided that we needed Christi's camera, too. So I hoofed it back to the car to get it and made it back just in time to see the men teeing off at 3:00 p.m.

I was beyond giddy when I saw Brett Favre. He looked so darn handsome in his polo shirt and yellow hat and golf shoes. I've seen him up pretty close before, at Packers' training camp in Green Bay and such, but it's been years since I was last up there, so I was very excited.

After all four teams teed off, the whole group - football players, PGA pros, caddies and cameramen - made their way down the fairway right past us and we got to see all of them close up. We followed them toward the green and I think my crush on Brett was pretty apparent because suddenly, a camera guy who was on the other side of the ropes appeared before me and said, "give me your camera, I'll get a good picture of him for you," and without hesitation I handed it over. I was a bit worried once I thought about how I'd just handed my good camera over to a stranger, but I got it back at the next hole, and that nice man had gotten some really great pictures for me!!! (thank you, mister, if you're reading this!)

On the second hole, we were joking with an older lady nearby about wanting Brett to hit us with a ball so that he'd have to come over and see if we were alright, and not one minute later, a ball flew and hit a lady a few people away from us. It bounced up and hit her in the throat - luckily, she was alright. Turns out it was Ryan Longwell who hit it, and sure enough, he came over a few minutes later and signed an autograph for the lady and said he was sorry. He was so cute in person, too!

After watching them shoot two holes, Christi and I decided to beat the mob and head for the fifth and final hole so that we'd have a front row view of the green. We waited quite a while but it was worth it for the great spot. We got to see the end of the tournament and the check presentations and all that. Brett and Jerry Kelly won four of the five holes - each was worth $5,000, so their charity got $20,000.

The cameras from local TV stations absolutely mobbed Brett when he was done golfing. Many people around us had their pictures and hats and footballs and jerseys all ready to be signed, but when Brett was done, he walked through the crowd and into the clubhouse without signing any autographs. People were obviously disappointed, but I don't blame the guy. He just came out there two days in a row for a good cause and it was hot and he was probably tired. I sure wouldn't want to deal with that many people - it could take hours! But then again, it does come with the territory when you're famous and make millions of dollars and are one of the greatest football players to ever play the game. I don't know. I sure would have liked to have gotten a picture with him (ok, it would have made my YEAR), but I knew that probably wouldn't happen.

The others stayed and signed some autographs and did some interviews. We stood by Don Majkowski for a while and listened to him banter with the fans. I was pretty young when he played for the Packers so I don't really remember seeing him play - but he's being inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame this year, and he looked really good.

I wasn't sure if I'd make it today but I am so happy it all turned out. It was a perfect way to spend a gorgeous summer afternoon.

Oh, and one more thing: If anyone knows Brett Favre or knows how I can meet him, please contact me immediately.

Thank you very much. =)

Comments

[Amanda]

All these years and you're still in love with Brett Favre. Glad that you got to see him in person again and that you had a good time. One of these days I have to come join you at one of these adventures!!

[Nicole]

I heard that they had record breaking attendance at this years event, which doesnt surprise me if you pictures do it any justice. I still cant believe you were able to get such great shots of Brett Favre! (And to be honest, who doesn't love the guy?)
Loved this post! Made me laugh!

[Jo]

Oh I had no idea who Brett Favre was but he has lovely arms!! Great post - Hello from Michele :o)

[Shirazi]

City of Milwaukee is lucky to have blogger like Leffelman at hand. Good example.

[Valderbar the Cat]

Out in the sun chasing balls in the name of charity? What better way could there be to spend time! :-)

Hi Michele sent me.

[Cin]

Hi, Michele sent me. This a great post, love the photos.

[Patrick Montag]

You have this great bike race happening in and around your city, and there is no posting about it!?!

Read up at:

http://www.internationalcycling.com/

[Erin]

Thank you, Patrick!

Actually, I did know about it and was going to post, but only once I knew if I'd be able to attend the race on Downer on Saturday. Turns out I have to work, but I'll still be posting about it for others, and I'll hopefully be able to check out the festivities before or after work!

I appreciate the link. I need people to alert me to events when they can - I do my best to stay up on things but my best sure isn't enough sometimes!

Have a good weekend!

[bonnie]

Hi, Erin! I saw your comment at Michele's regarding yoga and had to stop by. Great photos of Brett and the charity golf shoot-out! My husband and eldest son got to see Tiger Woods play in Seattle last year.

You are an outdoor girl...I'll read on down...

[Rafael Jr]

I'm from California and I read about your blog on the USA Today newspaper. I'm a U.S. Marine and also I webmaster, but I do not know much about blogs neather had the time to learn about so I desided to visit your website and learn about the great job that you are doing.

[Anthonyms]

thats for sure, dude