Posted by Olivia Reiner, USA TODAY Sports |
Aug. 4, 2021 1:39 p.m. ET
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KAWAGOE, Japan – On the 15th hole of the Olympic course at Kasumigaseki Country Club, Lexi Thompson’s caddy Jack Fulghum had to give up his duties due to the heat on the first day of the women’s golf tournament.
In the 93-degree weather which felt more like 105 on the course, Thompson said she didn’t notice that Fulghum wasn’t doing well until the 15th hole.
“He just asked me, he said, ‘I’ll see for you know? ‘”said Thompson. “And I think I didn’t really notice. He just didn’t look good. I just want him to be healthy, that’s all. ”
Thompson directed Fulghum, who never passed out, to sit in the shade and take care of himself. At that moment, the last thing she thought about getting him to read a putt.
Luckily for Thompson, Donna Wilkins, Director of Player Services at LPGA, was around to see Thompson and Nelly Korda while playing too. She managed to fill in and replace Fulghum for the remainder of Thompson’s outing.
« I’m not usually a caddy, » said Wilkins. “The straps were a bit off, but everything was fine. I’m so happy to step in and help out, and my first concern was that Jack was sure he was okay and then I was happy to jump in. «
Wilkins provided Fulghum with Electrolyte drinks and salt tablets to replenish your fluid balance. She said she will make sure everyone on the team is focused on hydration in preparation for the coming days of the tournament.
Right now, Thompson’s biggest concern is that Fulghum regains his health and strength. Until then, she’ll be working with Wilkins to work out a caddy contingency plan.
« If he can’t, I’ll just find a local, » Thompson said. “Figure out how to read a treadmill because I had no idea about the last couple of holes. I’m like, I really hope it’s about that number. But yeah, it worked out in the end. «
Thompson finished the first round of Competition 1 over with birdies on four holes, including 15th through 17th without Fulghum.
Fulghum’s battle against the heat comes after Another heat-related incident in women’s Olympic golf. According to The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lionel Matichuk, caddy of US Women’s Open winner Yuka Saso, was hospitalized Tuesday for heat stroke.
The National Golf Association of the Philippines said that National coach Miko Alejandro replaces Matichuk Caddy for Saso.
The weather doesn’t get any cooler in the second round of the competition and Thompson understands the importance of maintaining your fluid and energy levels in the searing heat.
« Probably focus just because it’s so hot you need to make sure you drink as much water as you can, » Thompson said you lose all kinds of focus. It just happens so all you have to do is make sure you are hydrated. But otherwise every part of the game is certainly difficult in this heat. ”
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