Major sporting events in that there are really two events running in parallel: The actual sporting competition, and the see-and-be-seen world of celebrity-rich parties.

The 2008 U.S. Open is no exception, especially in the SoCal setting of La Jolla.

Last night, USGA partner Lexus threw a red-carpet gala at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, celebrating “The Power of h” (i.e., their new line of hybrid vehicles.

Along with golf celebrities like Chi Chi Rodriguez, Ray Floyd, Annika Sorenstam, and Peter Jacobsen, there were a phalanx of San Diego Chargers on hand and a few show biz celebs.

One notable TV personality was the vivacious Kate Walsh, Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the spin-off, “Private Practice.”

Kate Walsh poses with golf friends Annika Sorenstam and Peter Jacobsen at the Lexus Power of h gala.

Aside from Walsh’s excessively lovely looks, what was notable about her appearance is that she is also famous for purring the sexy following line in a Cadillac commercial: “The question is, when you turn on your car, does it return the favor?”

So why was the Caddy girl gracing the Lexus gala? Has she been converted to Lexus like my life-long Caddy-driving father-in-law?

We may never know. After Walsh mugged for the cameras with Sorenstam and Jacobsen, and pelted onlookers with whiffle golf balls at the Callaway chipping area, the sheepish Walsh disappeared into the VIP area.

A sheepish Kate Walsh after she pegged onlookers with whiffle golf balls

Oh well, at least this golf writer made some new friends (see below), lovely young denizens of the “other” U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

My new friends at the Lexus Power of h gala: Mindy, Cindy, Lindy, Mandy, Sandy, Candy, Wendy, and Mildred. Hi girls! Call me!

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