Players tee off for $6 million prize

CROMWELL, Conn. (WTNH) -- There's no cancelling the Travelers Championship.

While most were looking to escape the heat, for golfers and spectators there was no way to avoid it.

"You realize, okay, these guys are teeing it up for $6 million today," said Tournament Director Nathan Grube.

After days of festivities, the players had their game faces on.

"The mood kind of changes," Grube said. "You kind of feel the guys, kind of, 'Alright, you know what, this is my job.' It gets a little more intense."

The temperature, though, not just par for the course, and though the pros often play under the heat of high pressure, free water was available for spectators who were sweating it out.

"They can do things to keep from becoming ill. If they do we'll take care of them, but if they just consume a fair amount of water, make sure they stay hydrated," said John Quinlavin, the Director of Emergency Services.

"Well, it is really hot, but what you have to do is just stay hydrated," said Lynn Rossini, a spectator. "Drink the water and stay cool, and try to get in to some of these tents."

The day featured not just the first shots of the 2012 Travelers Championship, but for one golfer the first professional shot of his career.

California's Patrick Cantlay, all 20 years old of him, left behind his number-one World Amateur ranking to play in the Tournament. Just one reason even near-triple digit temps can't melt the anticipation.

"One of the pairings this afternoon is Webb Simpson, the U.S. Open champion, Bubba Watson, the Masters champion, and Keegan Bradley, the reigning PGA champion. So, we have three reigning Major champions right now, that are going to play together this afternoon, so it should be a fun group to watch," Grube said.

Doing battle with 18 holes while everyone contends with 90-plus degrees.

"I will be holding up less well than most people because I'll be working in a food tent, so... (laughs)," Tournament worker Whitney Dionne said.