By Bruce Meadows
August 2026
A tough, but ‘great experience’ . . .
Windsor Golf Club’s Jason Schmuhl has a long and distinguished playing career, both locally and out of the area.
Most recently he competed in the U.S, Senior Open at Scioto CC in Columbus, Ohio. His effort was not what he would have preferred, but the whole idea that he managed to qualify is impressive in itself.
He missed the cut after firing rounds of 80-76—156.
“Even though I didn’t score well, the Senior US Open was a great experience,” said Jason. It was extremely hot, the heat index reached 110 degrees one of the days.
“The golf course was really cool, but it was set up extremely difficult with long rough and fast greens. The long rough exposed my course management and the green sites exposed my short game” he added.
Jason has competed in a number of PGA Tour events, including the 2018 PGA Championships at Whistling Straits, the 2023 Senior PGA Championship, the 2024 U.S. Senior Open, the Safeway Open, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the Reno-Tahoe Open and other events.
“I also played in the Senior Open 2 years ago at Newport Country Club in Newport Rhode Island (awesome place).,” he says.”This time I got in as an alternate last minute, so I basically got there the day before the event. I got to play a practice round with Steven Alker.”
“I guess the highlight of the event was that I made an eagle the second round. Which was my 5th eagle that I’ve made in tour events. I’ve figured out that it’s hard to shoot well at US opens without hitting fairways.”
Among several course records he holds is one at his own Windsor club, where his 62 bested the record held by PGA veteran David Duval.
We have a feeling Jason will be back at the Senior Open.
Beating the heat . . .
Yes, it’s been hot lately !!!
Ever feel like you’re melting into a puddle by the 9th hole on those scorching summer days? There’s nothing worse than watching your game fall apart as the mercury rises, especially when you’ve been dreaming about that round all week.
But playing good golf in extreme heat isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving when other players are wilting. The secret? It’s not some magic swing thought or fancy gadget. Adapt your approach to match conditions. Finding shade between shots can lower your body temperature by several degrees and help maintain mental focus.
Here are a few tips I saw online you might consider:
Understanding How Heat Affects Your Golf Game
Most weekend warriors don’t realize that high temperatures impact virtually every aspect of your game—from how far your ball travels to how your brain processes information on the course.
When temperatures soar above 90°F, your body diverts blood flow to your skin (to cool you) and away from your muscles and brain. This physiological response changes your game in ways you might not notice.
But here’s where it gets interesting: while heat works against your body, it actually helps your ball. According to studies compiled by The Left Rough, “For every 10-degrees increase in temperature results in nearly a yard distance more with each club. Going from 40 to 100 degrees can change a 6-iron by nearly eight yards and driver by nine yards.”
Mental Game Changes
Remember that birdie putt you missed on the 14th hole last month? Your brain might have been literally overheating.
Research shows that “heat stress induced impairments to cognitive and motor functions increase the risk for accidents. The impact of heat stress on performance is related to both the complexity of the task and the ability of a person’s body to maintain a constant internal temperature.”
Master Your Hydration Strategy
If you’ve ever felt a sudden headache or dizziness on the back nine during a hot day, you were likely dehydrated.
That beer at the turn might taste amazing, but it’s sabotaging your back nine performance. Alcohol actually speeds up dehydration when you’re already losing water through sweat.
The hydration secret most pros use is starting the process 24 hours before their tee time. Fill a gallon jug the night before your round, lots of golfers follow the “one bottle every three holes” rule.
Sports drinks have their place too. Mayo Clinic research suggests that when you’re sweating heavily, you need to replace electrolytes and water.
Dress Strategically for Hot Weather
The old cotton polo and khakis combo is a recipe for disaster in extreme heat. Modern golf clothing isn’t about looking good.
Switch to lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics.These shirts pull sweat away from your body, allowing for better airflow and cooling.
Color matters too. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it. White, light blue, and tan are your friends on scorching days. Don’t forget to protect your head and face. A wide-brimmed hat offers more protection than a baseball cap.
Golf Ball Selection
Those premium urethane-covered balls might be great in moderate weather, but can get sticky in very hot, humid conditions. slightly firmer balls with ionomer covers perform more consistently in high heat.
Keep my extra balls in the coolest part of my bag and avoid leaving them in the sun when taking practice swings or reading putts.
Grip Considerations
Ever notice how your grips get slick with sweat on hot days? This is a major swing killer. Carry a small towel that stays wet (for wiping your face and neck) and another that stays dry (for grips and hands).
Another game-changer was switching to cord grips on your clubs. They maintain tackiness even when hands get sweaty. If you prefer softer grips, try applying a small amount of grip-enhancing powder before your round.
Time Your Round Strategically
Playing at high noon during a heatwave isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s potentially dangerous. The simple act of choosing an earlier tee time can dramatically improve your experience and performance.
Become a big fan of first-light tee times during summer. Not only is the temperature 15-20 degrees cooler, but pace of play is usually faster, and the greens are in pristine condition.
If you can’t play early, consider twilight rounds. Most courses offer discounted rates for late afternoon play,
The Midday Break Approach
If you’re on vacation and can only get a midday tee time, consider the 9+9 approach. Play nine holes, take a long lunch break in the air-conditioned clubhouse, then finish your round when things cool down a bit.
Master Green Reading in Heat
One aspect of summer golf that often gets overlooked is how greens change throughout a hot day. According to the USGA, putting surfaces can change dramatically as temperatures rise.
Morning greens may be smooth and receptive, while afternoon greens become firm and faster. This is even more pronounced during heatwaves.
Putt a few extra balls on the practice green right before starting your round and get the most current read on green speed and firmness.
Use Course Features to Stay Cool
The strategic use of natural features on the course can help you manage body temperature throughout your round. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about maintaining performance.
Make a habit of standing in available shade while waiting for my playing partners. Even 30 seconds in the shade can lower your body temperature.
Water hazards aren’t just obstacles—they’re cooling opportunities. The air temperature near ponds and lakes can be several degrees cooler.
Adjust Your Swing for Heat and Fatigue
The physical stress of heat requires some adjustments to your normal swing to maintain consistency throughout the round.
As fatigue sets in, your full-power swing becomes harder to control. Playing with an “effortless” 80% swing helps maintain accuracy .
Maintain Mental Sharpness
The cognitive effects of heat can be subtle but devastating to your score. Research shows “performance on simple tasks is relatively unaffected, while complex tasks that require sustained attention are more heavily impacted.” In golf terms, this means routine shots might be fine, but risk/reward decisions and creative shots become more challenging.
Decision Simplification
Another tactic is simplifying decisions when playing in extreme heat. Decide club selections for certain distances and stick to them rather than deliberating over small yardage differences.
Recovery and Post-Round Routine
How you treat your body after a hot round dramatically affects your performance in subsequent rounds that week.
Immediate rehydration is crucial. Drink at least 32 ounces of water or electrolyte beverages within the first hour after finishing. This rehydration helps prevent the pounding headache that often follows hot rounds.
One overlooked aspect of recovery is mental review. Take a few minutes to jot down what worked well in the heat and what didn’t.
Hope some of these tips help you a little.
Coming Up . . .
At Foxtail GC
Foxtail Junior Club: Tournament Series
Calling all competitive junior golfers (ages 10–18). Step up and test your game in 10 full 18-hole stroke play tournaments this season at Foxtail.
• Win prizes after every event; • Earn points toward the Player of the Year Trophy; • Compete against players in your age flight; • One low price covers the entire series $100 includes entry to ALL events; Flights may change based on entries; Flights will based on age of as of 10/24/2026
Not a beginner program. Golfers should be able to play 18 holes walking.
Tournament Dates: 8/22/2026 S, 9/12/2026 S, 9/26/2026 N, 10/10/2026 S, 10/24/2026 N (Bonus Points)
Open to the public. Call 707-584-7766
At Fairgrounds GC
Now Enrolling for the Adult Academy at the Fairgrounds GC.
– 3-week program, $275 total ($45 per session), – small groups (max 4 players)
Schedule Options: Mondays & Wednesdays; • Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time Slots: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Early Birds); 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Lunch Break); • 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Happy Hour)
What’s Included: 3 Practice Sessions to build skills and confidence; 3 On-Course Lessons to apply your skills in real play. Have a group? Coordinate your foursome and get started together. Joining solo? Let us know and we’ll match you with a group.
To register, email mlekwart@gmail.com or call (415) 450-1033. Joining solo?
At Bennett Valley GC
Drive for Dreams Tournament
On August 29, Bennett Valley Golf Course will host our 2nd Annual Drive for Dreams Golf Tournament, a special event dedicated to creating opportunities for local youth to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf. Last year’s event raised more than $5,000 to support youth golf instruction and programming, and we’re hoping to make an even greater impact this year.
We would be honored to have you join us as a player, sponsor, or supporter. Every contribution helps create opportunities for local youth to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf. The day will feature great golf, food, contests, prizes, and camaraderie, all while helping provide access to instruction and opportunities for young golfers in our community. We know there are many worthy causes and events competing for your time, and we appreciate your consideration. We hope you’ll join us in helping grow the game and create lasting opportunities for local youth.
Jessica Schroeder | Director of Sales & Marketing | 707.852.1162
We’d love to have you join us . . .
GOLF 707 currently has sponsorships available. If you’d like to support our online golf column, we would be able to feature your golf course or business in the column on a regular basis
If you’d like some details, contact Dave Cox at ysn365.com
Thanks . . . Bruce Meadows
We would like to hear from you . . .
Thanks for your comments, questions and suggestions. I appreciate them and would like to get as many as possible.
If you have information about anything golf-related, including upcoming clinics, activities, tournaments or sales, let me know.
And if you have questions, complaints or compliments about golf in our area, let me know and I’ll make some inquiries. Email me at bmeadows4sports@aol.com