With triple-digit temperatures predicted Thursday, players at the Travelers Championship were taking advantage of early morning tee times.
The first round of the tournament got underway just before 7 a.m. at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell.
Several players were making birdies early, including Players Championship winner, Matt Kuchar, who was the early leader at five-under par, before finishing his first rournd with a three-under 67. Nathan Green carded the first 65 of the day to finish at five under par.
The heat will be a factor for golfers and fans alike. Medical personnel has been doubled on the course to deal with any patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. Wednesday, between 40-50 people were treated during the Celebrity Pro-Am, according to Saint Francis Hospital. Most of those patients were overcome by the heat.
Temperatures Thursday were expected to approach 100 degrees.
Players with afternoon tee times will have to endure the hottest temperatures of the day. Newly-crowned U.S. Open champion, Webb Simpson, and current Masters Champion, Bubba Watson, teed off at 12:55 p.m.. Watson won the 2010 Travelers Championship.
Local
The tournament runs through Sunday.
