Lowcountry outdoors: 2012 PGA Championship

Monday, August 6, 2012

2012 PGA Championship - Monday at Kiawah

Adam Scott chats with caddie Stevie Williams after Monday golf

The spotty rain showers that have been active lately in the Lowcountry did not visit The Ocean Course on Monday. Sunny and hot conditions prevailed and that sent patrons scurrying for shade and relief from the heat. Of course the steady sea breeze did serve to offer a cool down to those who sought out locations where the breeze was not blocked by grandstands. Commute time from downtown Charleston to the Ocean Course on Monday morning was 60 minutes, and no delays of any kind were experienced. The public parking lot at Freshfields village was well utilized and a large number of shuttle buses are carrying the public to the Ocean Course. For those staying on Kiawah, a large number of bike racks are provided just outside the gates of The Ocean Course, and also the island is running shuttle vans from several different drop-off and pick-up locations. It would appear that all o the advanced planning by the PGA has paid off in terms of patrons accessing the Ocean Course. Tiger Woods was one of the first players to tee off today, and he was done playing golf by 11 a.m.. A smattering of other players were on the course during the noon time hour, and patrons had good viewing at both the putting green by the clubhouse and at the driving range prior to the players walking the course. Spectators need to remember to wear cool clothes, apply plenty of sunscreen and to continue to consume fluids while watching the golf. The golf shop is air-conditioned and can offer a brief respite from the heat, as can the Wannamaker Club for those with VIP access. Expect more practice rounds to be played on Tuesday, and the press conference schedule includes Tiger Woods, Keegan Bradley and Bubba Watson - so check back for Tuesday's report for the PGA Championship.