Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler's texts to golfer taking on Ernie Els speak volumes

A 53-year-old golfer has been showered with praise by Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler after earning his place in the esteemed US Senior Open Championship - before playing a round with golf icon Ernie Els. Tom Greller secured his entry into the tournament this week following a gruelling qualifying stint at the East Course of the Broadmoor in Colorado.

He disclosed that his final round caught the attention of Spieth, 31, and Fowler, 36, who were practicing in the vicinity and didn't hesitate to demonstrate their class. The pair's interest in Greller's performance was more than casual, as Greller's brother, Michael, is the long-standing caddie for Spieth. After clinching his qualification, Greller recounted how Spieth and Fowler sent him congratulatory texts and how all three eagerly awaited the end of his round. "Jordan, Rickie and Michael were refreshing the phone every couple of minutes, checking the scores," Greller said.

Referring to his brother's reaction, he added: "Michael might have been more excited than me." Greller's dreamlike experience was further enhanced on Monday when he played a nine-hole practice round with four-time major champion Els, whom he will also compete against in the US Senior Open.

The seasoned golfer managed to arrange this round thanks to Spieth, who facilitated the high-profile practice session for Greller. Reflecting on the experience, Greller said: "That was amazing. Ernie could not have been cooler. Super talkative and great to be around."

Greller hails from Newberg, 40 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon. When he's not challenging the odds, he works as a medical device salesman for Microtransponder in his day-to-day job.

Greller made a splash on the golf course at Furman University in South Carolina during his youth, although he never secured a spot on the team. He also dabbled in beach volleyball, but his love for golf remained strong, and he continued to play.

For two decades, Greller has participated in USGA qualifiers, but this is the first time he has qualified. He shared his experiences with such events.

"The (U.S.) Amateur, the (U.S.) Public Links, the Mid-Amateur, the Four-ball," he recounted. "I was an alternate in all of them except for the U.S. Amateur."

Despite qualifying for this year's competition, he openly admits that golf doesn't rule his life. "I go out and practice in town," he added. "I get out for an hour or so in the evening, or play nine holes. I probably play less golf than anyone in the field.

"[Qualifiers] are the only real time I play 18 holes. I play all the state-level stuff, Publinks against all the college kids, all the state and USGA stuff. I usually play five or six tournaments a season."

The US Senior Open Championship kicks off on Thursday, June 26, with big names like Angel Cabrera and Retief Goosen also on the lineup. And what does Greller aim to achieve at the championship? "I have no score expectations," he modestly stated.