It has barely rained in the south-eastern United States for months. Crops are struggling, lakes are low and grass is dying.
The situation is so bad that even the final Atlanta event in the $10 Million FedEx Cup may be cancelled because the greens are brown. Tiger Woods is on course to win that much money but will he even be able to get on course?
What’s wrong with the Golf Course Grass?
The weather. The strain of grass used at East Lake Golf Club has wilted in the 100-degree summer heat and the greens have almost died. The course’s creeping bentgrass-covered greens, which are severely hurt by hot, dry conditions, will be replaced with Bermuda grass for the 2008 tournament.
Starting Tuesday, golfers will be able to practice on a few holes but all non-essential rounds have been cancelled.
How hot has it been in Atlanta?
Ridiculously.Atlanta reported record temperatures of 90-plus degrees (32 Celsius) for 28 days last month, including 10 straight days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 100 degrees. The average daily high in Atlanta in August was 96.5 degrees, compared to a normal average of 87.9. The area also had 25 consecutive days without rain, and year-to-date rainfall is at 20.90 inches (52.3 centimeters), 17.84 inches below its average total.
Who’s Going to Get the $10 Million?
Tiger Woods. He leads the FedEx Cup standings going into the final event, and second-ranked Steve Stricker are the only players who can capture the FedEx Cup and its $10 million prize by winning the Tour Championship.Phil Mickelson, at No. 3, could claim the cup by winning at East Lake as long as Woods finishes lower than second place by himself. K.J. Choi and Rory Sabbatini also have chances of winning the cup.
The tour said Monday that Aaron Baddeley, at No. 6, is alive only if Woods withdraws or is disqualified.
