Temperature reaches 89 on first day of practice for Masters

Monday was a scorcher on the first day of practice at Augusta National Golf Club. Topping out at 89, it just missed 2010’s high of 90, the hottest first day in the past 12 years at the Masters Tournament.

The National Weather Ser­vice is predicting cooler conditions today, with a high of 81.

Since 2000, the temperatures for the first two days of practice have varied from a low of 49 on Tuesday in 2009 to the next year’s high of 90. Most years the temperature stayed in the 60s and 70s.

Most people on the course were not complaining Monday.

“It’s a little warm for us,” said Mike Mohan from Des Moines, Iowa, while carrying four empty beer cups. “But we’re northerners.”

Mohan was down for his second Masters. He recalled being hot also last year.

“We expect it coming down here, and at least it isn’t raining like last year,” he said.

The golfers were happy with the high temperatures, too.

“I love it hot,” said two-time Masters winner Ben Cren­shaw. “You feel like you can hit the ball a little bit further, but it’s just so long. I’d say, over the years, it’s probably pretty rare to have it this hot, although you can get some days like this. I’d say three quarters of the days are cooler.”

Charles Howell agreed, saying Monday’s heat made for good golfing conditions.

Officials with Gold Cross EMS, who were situated near Amen Corner, said they treated a few people for heat exhaustion but did not think the number was unusual.

Kelly Sprickle, a visitor from Florida, kept looking over at the gallery supervisor on No. 9 with sympathy. The supervisors wear their jackets on the course at all times.

“That looks awful,” she said. He told her he was fine in the shade.

Sprickle was happy to find a shady spot to sip her iced pink lemonade.

“The difference in the sun and the shade is remarkable,” she said. “I’m know I’m lucky to be here. I’m happy with my first, and most likely last, trip to the Masters.”

Staff writer Wayne Staats contributed to this article.