Sports

Golf Fans Find Ways to Stay Cool

It's August so it's supposed to be hot, but how do the pros always look so cool?

Even though the temperatures registered in the mid 90s, it didn't stop the estimated 30,000 golf enthusiasts from enduring the heat this week for the chance to see their favorite players.

Fortunately, the PGA Championship organizers were thinking ahead and anticipating Georgia's August sultry weather and installed a few cool features to allow fans to escape the heat--at least temporarily.

The misting station near the practice putting green was a popular spot for spectators as were the fans mounted atop the bleachers overlooking the 18th green. The fans also spray a cool mist. A number of spectators were willing to climb to the top of the stands to take full advantage of the electric fans.

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch caught up with two young men taking a cool break while taking in the view of the 18th fairway of the Highlands Course--Dan Pelavin, 19, from Alpharetta and his cousin, William Starling, 12, from Suwanee, both true blue Tiger Woods fans. "We're rooting for Tiger to win," said Pelavin; his cousin nodded in agreement.

But while many in the galleries can stand in front of electric fans or find a bit of shade to watch the game, just what do golfers do to stay cool and keep their energy level up while spending some five hours on the course each day?

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's not very comfortable to play in, but we are going to be out there for 5 1/2 hours and going to have to deal with it," said Adam Scott, who just won last week at the Bridgestone Invitational. He said he'll take the advice of the experts and drink plenty of liquids to replenish electrolytes, and also not overdo it on the driving range before a round.

The heat on the golf course is not the only hot topic these days. When Woods recently announced that he would no longer be needing the services of his long--time caddy Steve Williams, who helped propel him to stardom in the golf world, it set off a storm of controversy.

Williams now caddies for Scott. The easy-going golfer from Australia won last week and his win was a sweet victory for Williams who has been outspoken since being fired by Woods.

Scott's win was almost overshadowed by the fact that Williams was on the bag bringing a storm of questions from the media after the win. On Tuesday Scott was asked, "Have you ever won a golf tournament where your caddy got more coverage?

"No," Scott admitted. "But it was incredible, even just walking around the course, so many of the gallery were cheering for Steve."

Scott said last week's win was a big confidence booster for him. The win may just propel the 31-year-old, currently ranked 9th in the official world golf ratings, to win his first major.

"I felt like I played really well on the back nine at the right time in a big tournament. Those are big things for your confidence that really help you believe that you can win a major championship."

That, and having a winning caddy on your bag to add another boost of confidence should give this talented player a chance to break into the majors.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here