LITTLE ROCK — HERE’S hoping all our golfing visitors feel welcomed this weekend when . . . . Well, let’s leave “feel” out of it these 100-degree days, shall we?
How about this: Just welcome to Arkansas, golfers one and all. Especially the pros walking the fairways and greens in Rogers this weekend. This is the weekend the Ladies Professional Golf Association picked for the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship Tournament. And we’re mighty glad about it, too. The tournament should make a whole lot of chambers of commerce happy. Not to mention locals who look forward to having guests on frequent occasion. In this part of the world, guests are treated like family. Want another helping of cobbler?
It’s just that it’s . . . June in Arkansas. According to the calendar, it’s almost July. Even if it feels like August. In the nether regions.
The papers in Arkansas are full of the LPGA right now. And not just the sports pages, either. Arkansas doesn’t mind the spotlight. We’re not shy. And we do like our sports. As our visitors may be aware.
Speaking of. We remember some German friends-actual Germans who came from the Old Country and sprechened the doiych-who visited this part of the world, and at this time of the year, too. They spent the first few days indoors, well indoors, just to acclimate themselves before daring to venture into the open. A prudent move. We can’t recall a single heat casualty among them.
It’s doubtful many of the holes this weekend will be played indoors. So y’all be careful, hear?
The pros doing the actual swinging and putting needn’t be told as much. Anybody who’s watched a tournament, whether in person or on television, knows that the caddies take care of their players. They always seem to be offering their charges bottles of water, and the bottles look dripping wet, too, as if they came straight out of a cooler. No telling what those golf bags hold in the way of food and drink.
But spectators may not be as wise. Especially if they’re out-of-towners just following a favorite player who hails from more temperate climes. So take this as a warning label: Don’t fool around with this heat stuff. Nobody is that tough. Teenaged football players who are used to Arkansas summers need cool water and afternoon breaks in this weather. So do you.
The folks running the tournament are doing what they can. Those in charge at Pinnacle Country Club plan to have misting fans scattered around the course. And ambulances will be at the ready just in case. Good moves.
Remember: In this heat, by the time you feel thirsty, it may be too late to avoid problems. Rehydrate regularly. Have a cool drink even before you walk out on the course.
No fooling around, now. Summertime in Arkansas is not to be taken lightly. These stifling days hot water in your bathroom comes out of both taps. We’re not kidding. Any local can confirm it.
Editorial, Pages 19 on 06/30/2012