Was the rain not enough that now even the high temperature may disrupt the PGA Tour events? It has been well known that inclement weather has become the biggest enemy of PGA Tour events, as rain has always followed it around. But now a heatwave may tire the field at TPC Southwind as they battle out for the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs.

In the opening round, the temperature was predicted to hit the ceiling at 107F in the afternoon, and there was a heatwave warning from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Following suit on the second day, the temperature will be 107 F again, with a slight chance of a T-storm after 5:00 p.m. The day will start at 5:00 a.m. with an isolated storm and the players starting early will be met with a softer course. But as the day progresses, the clouds will move away and the sun will be extremely hot.

The Memphis weather will turn out to be more of a hassle for the 70 players, as the high temperature with head index crosses 100 degrees. Additionally, the humidity will be 82%, doubling the trouble for the St. Jude Championship field. It will make them lose more energy and water. And with the PGA Tour’s rule of no shorts, the temperature would disturb any players’ focus, making them miss a few shots with sweat-heavy clothes.

Unlike last week, when the Wyndham Championship was delayed by a day because of Hurricane Debby, The heatwave would probably not push another delay, as even the opening round was finished on time. But this isn’t the first time that the St. Jude Championship suffered from a heatwave, which implies that the PGA Tour might be savvy in combating the severe heat wave.

What measures could be found at the St. Jude Championship?

With growing temperatures in the Mid-South region, Memphis temperatures hit a historic high, with Friday’s temperature predicted to be 107F, as said. Since last year’s edition, there has been a three-degree rise at the TPC Southwind, and the additional measures would have probably improved too. Although high temperatures aren’t new for the pros, the heatwave might still become a nightmare for many.

Last year, the PGA Tour sent out a memo and informed the players about the additional measures prepared at TPC Southwind. There were coolers at every hole, and electrolyte drinks were prepared for the caddies and golfers to cool the body temperature. However, the Tour prohibited the golfers from using 200 ml of IV as it was against the anti-doping policy.

But PGA Tour trainer Kolby Tullier, who works for Tiger Woods, Justin Glover, and Justin Thomas, then suggested that only a water cooler wouldn’t be enough. With water and electrolytes, Tullier suggested eating snacks amidst holes, like PB&J sandwiches. The golfers and the PGA Tour will be similarly prepared for the 2024 heatwave in Memphis, and as last year’s editions concluded smoothly, hopefully, no interventions may be seen even now.