“The Heat Is On”

Wow, is it just me, or did someone crank the global thermostat up to an absolute sizzle? In fact, I just read that this past July is on track to be one of the hottest on record, potentially challenging or breaking historical thresholds in the U.S., pending final data analysis.

I’m currently parked in our home on wheels, watching the digital dashboard thermometer steadily climb. When the numbers hit triple digits at midday, you know you’re in for a true “Reads from the Reds” kind of day!

Our ongoing, cross-country love affair with golf has taken us to some absolutely breathtaking pieces of architected greenery over the years.

We’ve crossed off more than half of our 50-state bucket list, tracked down incredible hidden gems, and recently celebrated a huge milestone by playing in our 41st state!

But let me tell you, when the summer sun turns the fairway into a literal frying pan, the game changes entirely.

Just the other day, we stepped up to the tee, and the air was so thick you could practically slice it with a 5-iron. Marc looked at me, completely dripping with sweat, and gave me his usual encouraging nod.

I looked back, my eyes probably as big as quarters, and thought, “I am playing as easy as I can, and yet my golf shoes are about to melt into the turf!”

When the heat is on like this, you have to throw your standard game plan right out the window. Forget chasing the perfect low score or stressing over a bunker shot.

When it’s 102 degrees out, a successful round isn’t measured by how many pars you save – it’s measured by how well you manage your hydration, how much shade you can steal under a stray oak tree, and whether or not you brought enough ice for your cooler.

Lately, we’ve even had to make the ultimate executive decision a few times: avoiding the midday solar flare altogether.

Instead of melting on the back nine, we’ve pivoted to exploring beautiful local indoor landmarks or taking a breather inside the RV with our the A/C blasting.

Because at the end of the day, golf isn’t just about the numbers on a scorecard. It’s about the journey, the local charm, the incredible people we add to our golf gallery, and the memories we make along the way.

So to all my fellow recreational golfers and RV road-trippers out there braving the summer sun: stay safe, drink your water, and lean heavily into those afternoon breezes!

My Reads from the Reds – No matter how hot it gets, we wouldn’t trade these adventures for anything!

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting!

Written By: Kathy Festa