Cooler heads prevail

Haven — It’s amazing what a slight dip in temperatures and a few more places to buy water can do for the mood of the crowd at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

On Friday, sweltering spectators were confronted with scorching temperatures and long lines for water before a storm rolled through.

But Saturday, the weather cooled off slightly, a wind came in off Lake Michigan and more vendors were dispatched to the course to sell water and other beverages from carts.

“It’s going OK,” said Bridgette Sessler of Sheboygan. “I wish they had more water stands and bathrooms. But it’s what I expected. It has been a good experience.”

Kevin Lambert of Portage and his friend Jim Miller of Nebraska were waiting for water in a line of about 30 people.

“The temperature is down and you don’t have people screaming that there should be water for free,” Lambert said.

Miller said he saw people become agitated Friday as temperatures soared and water was difficult to get at concession stands. Some people in the crowd also fainted.

“When you go to a golf tournament, you’re there to enjoy it,” he said. “If you can’t enjoy it, don’t go.”

Some fans grumbled about spotty cellphone service — the PGA put out an app to help people follow the action.

There also were complaints about the lack of misting stations on the course, as well as some long lines for concessions and portable bathrooms.

Polly Jahmke of Racine sat with her father, Robert Knapp, of Kewaskum on a mound overlooking 10th hole. A friend warned her to bring an umbrella to create some shade in the sun.

“The wait for food was terrible for a cold hot dog,” she said.

Temperatures could rise into the upper 80s for Sunday’s final round.

The PGA has announced that spectators are allowed to bring unopened bottles of water for the remainder of the championship. The bottles need to fit into a bag no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches.

“We’ve taken the extra step today to make sure we got additional distribution points,” said Jason Mengel, PGA Championship director. “Then we had the policy expanded. Because you were allowed to bring in a bottle of water during championship week.”

Mengel’s advice for fans coming out Sunday: “I think you’ve got to be prepared. And that doesn’t just mean bringing water with you, which is a sensible option. You’ve got to stay hydrated through out the day. But make sure you’re wearing sunscreen.”