WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Phil Mickelson came, that famous family in tow, before the five embarked on a vacation to London and Greece. Graham DeLaet made sure he sure he was there, too, even after forgetting to commit to play in this week's Quicken Loans National.
"It is a once in a lifetime experience," said the Canadian, who realized his scheduling mistake on Saturday and decided to play tourist in Washington, D.C., instead.
DeLaet saved the biggest attraction until Tuesday night, though, when he and his wife Ruby attended a special reception for the members of the 2013 U.S. and International Presidents Cup teams. The event, which was hosted by President Barack Obama, was held in the East Wing of the White House.
All 12 of the victorious American side and their captains attended, headlined by the veterans Mickelson and Tiger Woods, who had an Olympic champion, Lindsay Vonn by his side. Golf's power couple, Vonn clad in a striking floor-length orange gown, was a popular pick for cell phone photos as they posed patiently in the corner of a room dedicated to portraits of various First Ladies.
K.J. Choi's family was among those taking advantage of the photo opp. Choi, who won the 2007 edition of the tournament Woods hosts this week, will be one of Nick Price's assistant captains when the International Team attempts to end a five-match losing streak next year in South Korea.
Obama, who served as the honorary chairman for the last two Presidents Cup -- "The United States won both times ... I’m just saying," he noted with a smile -- spent 15 minutes behind closed doors with the team, then spoke to an audience of about 100 in the East Room.
"We hope our World Cup team takes a page out of their playbook when they take on Germany this Thursday," Obama said.
His first observation? Obama said he wasn't used to seeing the golfers spiffed up in a suit.
"(Jordan) Spieth told me that this is the first suit he’s ever bought," Obama said, referring to the 20-year-old phenom. "I’m pointing out Jordan now because they might card him later at the reception."
Normally, these occasions are reserved for members of a winning sports team. But Obama, who was introduced by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, made a point of saying the International Team wasn't include to "rub it in."
Instead, he wanted to salute both teams because none of the players receive any compensation for competing in the Presidents Cup, which was held last year at Muirfield Village, Jack Nicklaus' signature creation, in Dublin, Ohio. All proceeds go to charities of the players' choices, and last year a record $5 million was raised.
The President also mentioned the charitable efforts of several individual players, including Ernie Els' work with autism research, Zach Johnson's involvement with flood relief in Iowa and the Tiger Woods Foundation.
"It happens that philanthropy is a second job for many of these players," Obama said. "... And we want to thank them for being such outstanding ambassadors for golf, who use their success not just on the course, but also to support worthy causes off the course. I want to congratulate Team USA on another big win. Best of luck as you defend the title in South Korea next year."
Obama also thanked Mickelson, who will defend his Open Championship at Royal Liverpool next month, for giving him a tip on getting out of bunkers successfully "because I’m pretty sure I can shave at least two or three strokes if I can just get out of the darn sand." To which Vice President Joe Biden, a frequent golf partner also in attendance along with House Speaker John Boehner, replied "Absolutely. I’m confident that’s true, Mr. President."
After passing through three security checkpoints, players and their families were treated to a self-guided tour of the East Wing. The walk through the colannade was particularly interesting -- the walls are lined with photos of everyone from Calvin Coolidge's wife Grace and her racoon, Rebecca, to President Lyndon Johnson howling with his dog Yuki to performers like Stevie Wonder and Mikhail Baryshinkov.
The evening concluded with cocktails, canapes and chocolate, including a small mousse concoction that bore the seal of the President of the United States. While the guests mingled, the two teams were taken to the Oval Office, where indications are that several cell phone photos might have been surreptitiously taken on the way out.
"I wonder how many South Africans have been in the Oval Office," Ernie Els said when he came back into the reception, adding that depictions of the room on TV and the movies were pretty true to form.
"It was a great experience," Brandt Snedeker said, no doubt summing up the night for everyone.