The AP cutline describes this scene thusly: "Fans watch with Australia's flag as Rachel Hetherington, of Australia, shoots from the fourth tee Friday, June 27, 2008, during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open golf championship at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn."

But the ladies in this photo are no ordinary fans (and not just because they dress funny); they are (from left) Stephanie Na, Stacey Keating and Kristie Smith, three young Aussie golfers of note. Na and Keating are top Australian amateurs, Smith made it to the final stage of LPGA qualifying last December. All three are around 19 years old. On Day 1 they were out in the same costumes following Karrie Webb.

In fact, they spent the week prior to the Women's Open hanging with Webb, watching her prepare and practice, a trip paid for in part with $10,000 (AUD) travel stipends to Na and Smith from the Australian national team.

One reason such a relatively tiny country (population-wise) turns out so many great golfers is the Australian golf bodies' willingness to do things such as this, and the willingness of veteran Aussie golfers to take an interest in the youngsters. Fifteen years from now, it might be Na or Smith who is mentoring a group of young golfers who traveled from Down Under to the U.S. Women's Open.