A year ago, like many Germans before him, Martin Kaymer made himself at home in Wisconsin.
How could he not be comfortable? It was like Oktoberfest in August. His was one of the coolest PGA Championship victories, the thermometer dipping below par at the tournament’s start.
You're not at Whistling Straits anymore, mein freund.
Dire Straits maybe, when the sun starts beating down on the Atlanta Athletic Club this week and the air grows as thick as grits and a swamp builds in your nice Hugo Boss shirt.
The defending champ scouted out the conditions Monday, and made one important discovery: Better to not dress this week like you’re going to an apple festival.
“I had the wrong outfit on today,” he said, resplendent in dark slacks and shirt. “I’ll get the light colors for the weekend.”
The heat is bound to be, well, a hot topic at the PGA Championship, as if it’s news that the Atlanta summer can be warmish.
Golf’s young prince of social media, England’s Ian Poulter, chipped in his thoughts to his many followers Monday. He released a Twitpic of his courtesy car’s temperature reading – 99 degrees – with the notation, “Is it hot enough in Atlanta, you bet your [expletive] it’s hot.”
If the Europeans are taken aback by our climate, that may be the last best defense against the tyranny of foreign major winners (six for the last six). It may take more than a little humidity to throw off the South Africans and Australians, however.
With forecasts of temperatures in the low to mid-90s this week, and a triple-digit heat index, Georgia’s second major of the year will not break any records. The hottest PGA Championship was in 2007 at Southern Hills in Tulsa, where the temperature ranged between 100 and 102 that week. The player formally known as Tiger Woods persevered in that one.
Still, to spectators venturing out to Johns Creek this week, tournament organizers are dispensing plenty of common sense advice as well as erecting some formidable defenses against the heat.
David Charles, PGA of America senior director of championships, said for the first time this tournament is making use of water misters around the course. There are two at the main entrance, and two more at the food court area behind the 15th green.
Atop the grandstands around the 7th, 9th and 18th greens huge fans blow a fine mist over exposed fans.
Spectators may bring in their own water (in sealed containers, with the label removed if it is not the official water of the PGA). They may also bring empty containers that can be filled at various water stations around the course.
“I recommend to players like I’d recommend to fans,” said David Donatucci, PGA of America director of fitness and performance. “If you’re playing, on every hole you should be drinking six ounces of water. If you’re sitting at hole, watching players tee off, with every new group you should be drinking something. If walking the course, the same thing, six ounces of water every hole.”
And for those who might like to taste a beer or two along the way: “You are going to need to drink twice as much water because of the dehydration effects,” Danatucci said.
For players who walk up to 10 miles during a round, and for caddies who walk twice as far while toting 40 pounds of golf bag, the heat will exact some uncompromising demands.
“Dehydration alone can decrease performance by up to 10 percent,” Donatucci said. “You got a 150-yard shot, for most of these guys it’s a pitching wedge. (Once dehydrated) you now hit it 135 – and that’s bunker or water."
And mentally, the unprepared player can just fry in these kind of conditions, he added.
No player is going to say he is not up to playing in the excessive heat. After all, this is the age of the golfer as athlete.
“I’m used to this. This is quite normal,” Augusta native Charles Howell III said. “Guys are in such good shape now. It does take a bit of getting used to but we're so deep in the summer by this point.”
“I prefer this to having to wear a sweater,” said David Toms, the PGA Championship winner here a decade ago. “It’s just a matter of keeping your grips dry and maintaining your focus.”
Steve Underwood, who will caddie this week for Charley Hoffman, said because of the heat, the bags will be a little heavier this week. Even though there are ample supplies of fluids at every tee box, caddies will carry their own for the walk in between. Throw in a few extra towels and some added gloves – it all adds up.
But no big deal, he said. He has worked a lot hotter places.
“Singapore and Malaysia,” Underwood said, naming two. “Over there it’s just brutal; feels like it’s 20 degrees warmer over there.”
There is a handy sentiment for those seeking at least some mental relief from the Atlanta swelter: Chill. It could be worse. You could be in Tulsa or Kuala Lumpur.
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