The Players Stadium Village

The USGA certainly offers some nice interactive exhibits at the U.S. Open, but the vibe around the more intimate Players Stadium Village was a bit more festive when I visited Wednesday. Certainly it didn't hurt that many were there free courtesy of a family and military free ticket option. Nonetheless, the excitement and sense of fun could not be missed.

The Stadium Village highlights include an 18th hole replica green for putting, a pose with Sergio Garcia photo giveaway and of course, the mini 17th hole. (They also have a business center and Morton's Steak Sandwich cafe.)

The lines were steady at the "Your Stadium Snapshot" where fans can put on a caddy bib and pose anyway they like. Sergio, looking over a putt, is digitally inserted and the photo is available 24 hours later online. Free.Your Stadium Snapshot lets you pose with a grumpy Sergio Garcia, without actually having to deal with him! (Click image to enlarge)

In line in front of me was a lovely local family. Mom reported that over the last few years when this started as a pose with Tiger concept, she has gotten a shot of the kids and it's turned into a fun way to watch them grow up. And naturally, the chance to pose with Sergio after Stephen Ames two years ago was a lot more exciting for the kids.

The 17th Hole Challenge (click to enlarge image)I didn't try out the 33-yard UBS 17th Challenge shot, but maybe I should considering a Hole In One gets you an ipod Touch, closest to the hole a Taylor Made putter and a sleeve for a GIR. But more than that, they offer a nice grandstand with misters and a video board with the names of those who've hit it close (or in).

According to the pairing sheet, last year 53,000 visited, 33,000 took a shot at the green, 19% hit it and there were 40 holes-in-one. The green is 52 feet wide, the water 2 feet deep and the entire "Little 17" takes a month to construct.

Again, not to overkill the point, but you have to love seeing so many kids out at the event having fun. It not only was contagious throughout the property Wednesday, but the overall enthusiasm was sorely missed when it was noticeably quieter Thursday when Sawgrass was taken over by the paying customers. Fans take a crack at the mini green with an elaborate scoreboard looming (click image to enlarge)