On Thursday, I went hunting at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
Not for birdies, eagles, or aces. Not for groups and marquee players. Masks were what I was searching for.
Smoke from Canadian fires continues to produce a pungent fog over the Great Lakes Region. The skies above Detroit Golf Club looked like the parking lot of your favorite cannabis dispensary around 4:20 pm, or any random scene in a “Cheech and Chong’ movie.
I assumed that fans would grab their masks from the 2020 season and wear them to protect themselves while walking around the course. It was obvious that after 45 minutes of walking the front nine it would be easier to locate Waldo than any masked fans.
I saw around a dozen tournament staff or volunteers wearing masks. But I only encountered two fans: a couple who were dating. He never thought about missing the tournament because of the poor air quality. It was his first and hers third. I am confident that this relationship will last.
The PGA Tour’s official air-quality index, airnow.gov, measured 210 at 3 p.m. and was deemed “very unhealthy.” If the AQI reaches a level of 300, it is considered to be a serious issue.
It’s time to give a shout out to the Detroiters, who after a year of waiting turned up in their thousands to Michigan’s premier Golf event on Thursday. They’re certainly a hardy group.
The air quality on Thursday was not as bad as it had been Tuesday or Wednesday morning. As I walked, I wore the mask for 15 minute. I did notice a slight improvement in the air quality I was breathing, but not a dramatic one.
Sam Ryder was a tie for second place after shooting a 7-under par 65. He had dealt with air quality issues at previous tournaments held in Minnesota and California. He said that it was not a factor on Thursday.
Golf fans celebrate after Sungjae im (not pictured), who birdied the ninth hole at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, held at Detroit Golf Club. Mandatory Credit Junfu Han – USA TODAY Sports
He replied, “Not really.” “Yeah, it is a bit different. Yesterday, we played in a similar haze. It actually seemed a little better today.”
Air quality is probably not a major concern for PGA Tour participants. The wind and rain have a greater impact on the trajectory of shots. You can tell by looking at the Rocket leaderboard after the first round that few players were affected by the poor air quality. Peter Kuest, Taylor Moore and others were all tied at 64.
The course is not just for players. Tens of thousands fans and staff are on the ground, and many people have health issues. It is best for those with respiratory sensitivities just to stay at home. Michigan is a golf-mad state, where the summers are prized and golf is gold for many.
The PGA Tour adopted a policy on air quality two years ago after smoke from California fires made it difficult to see the balls flying at the Barracuda Championship in Tahoe. The AQI threshold of 300 was set at that time, allowing for the chief referee of the tournament to suspend play if the index stays above 300 over a prolonged period.
Wade Stettner told me on Thursday that it was not a mandatory stop. It’s up to him, but it is more of a suggestion, depending on the kind of situation.
Stettner reported that the AQI had been 160 at dawn. After the storms, it rose to 212.
He said, “So, we continue to monitor and answer questions.” “And people ask them.”
Stettner stated that several people, including caddies and players’ wives, asked him about the air quality. People often ask him questions because they consult the basic weather apps that come with their smartphones, which do not always give accurate readings.
The Tour uses Airnow.gov which has access to official weather stations as well as monitoring devices.
Airnow.gov advised people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, and teenagers to avoid outdoor physical activity. All others were encouraged to limit outdoor activity, keep it short or bring them inside.
But airnow.gov has never met a Michigander who is a golf enthusiast. Especially those who chose to smile rather than wear a mask while they chased after their favorite players at Detroit Golf Club making birdies or eagles, regardless of the AQI on Thursday – even at 4:20.
Contact Carlos Monarrez: [email protected]. Follow him on twitter @cmonarrez.
