USGA offers fans relief from the heat
Posted June 17, 2014 4:15 p.m. EDT
Updated June 17, 2014 4:32 p.m. EDT
Pinehurst, N.C. — The hundreds of fans who are expected to converge on Pinehurst Resort this week should keep an eye on both the women's U.S. Open leaderboard and the weather forecast.
While they root for scores to go low on Pinehurst No. 2, fans are assured of temperatures soaring – close to and above 100 degrees, according to WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze.
With an eye toward the safety of those crowd, the United States Golf Association on Tuesday announced plans to provide each pass-holder with a voucher for a bottle of water (usually $2.50 at the concession stands) and to set up hydration stations and air-conditioned cooling tents for fans.
When the first groups tee off Thursday at 6:45 a.m., it will be no cooler than 70 degrees. By noon, the forecast calls for a temperature of 92 degrees and humidity of about 57 percent.
Friday's early groups could see light rain before play begins, but heat and humidity return quickly by mid-morning, Maze said. Saturday and Sunday bring more of the same.
