SAN DIEGO _ Spectators lose everything and anything while they're at Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open.
Cell phones. Wallets. Car keys. Sunglasses. Hats. Jackets. False teeth (don't laugh, it's happened).
You name it.
"To me, finding the single credit card is unusual, but who am I to judge?" said Kathy Lam, a Rancho Penasquitos resident who has volunteered at the tournament for the past two decades.
Lam was working the Information/Lost & Found booth adjacent to the South Course's first tee during Friday's second round.
Lam was responsible for collecting lost items, in addition to handing out tournament guide books and answering questions like "Where do we catch the shuttle?"
There was one thing in particular she was hoping to return to its owner _ a yellow souvenir pin flag from the 2013 British Open.
"It was just lost over here," said Lam, nodding toward the busy walkway between her booth and the clubhouse/putting green area. "I hope the person realizes he lost this. I'm sure he wanted an autograph. It's pretty cool."
The flag commemorates the Open Championship held seven years ago at Muirfield Golf Links in Scotland.
It is notable for favorite son Phil Mickelson shooting a final-round 66 to beat Henrik Stenson by three strokes to capture his fifth major championship. It was a dramatic win for Mickelson, who began the last round five strokes back in a tie for ninth.
"Not many people are going to come and say they lost this," Lam said.
While anyone who does try to claim it could easily describe the front of the flag, there is something distinctive on the back that only the true owner will know to mention.
Getting the flag back will have to be enough for the owner. Getting Phil's autograph is out of the question now.
While Mickelson is among the most accommodating players on tour, there won't be another opportunity to get his signature at this year's tournament after he missed the cut at the Farmers for the third time in five years.
