A few years back, I had the opportunity to play a local Connecticut Open qualifier with Ivan Lendl. For those unfamiliar, Lendl is considered by many—including myself—to be one of the greatest men’s tennis players of all time. He held the No. 1 world ranking for 270 weeks and won 94 singles titles, including 8 Grand Slams. Growing up, I loved watching tennis, and from firsthand experience, I can tell you: in his prime, Lendl was virtually unbeatable.
On the day we played, his golf game didn’t match his tennis dominance—but his mindset absolutely did.
I’ve never played with someone who was more prepared. From tee to green, Lendl approached every detail with intention. But what impressed me most was how he managed the weather.
When we teed off, it was brutally hot—definitely triple digits. As we began walking down the fairway, Lendl immediately moved toward the trees to find shade. From the opening hole, he was fully committed to minimizing the effects of the heat on his performance. His pace was slow and deliberate. He avoided direct sunlight whenever possible. He drank water consistently. He wore a sun hat and sunglasses. He had a soaked cooling towel around his neck. He even changed his shirt and socks at the turn. Every decision was calculated.
Curious, I asked him about his preparation. He told me about playing in the Australian Open, where the on-court temperature could reach a blistering 156° before they installed a retractable roof. On the sun-exposed side of the court, he said it felt like being roasted alive—not exactly ideal for peak performance. In those conditions, preparation wasn’t optional—it was a competitive advantage.
We all know the physical effects of playing in extreme heat: exhaustion, dehydration, cramping. But the psychological effects are just as real—and just as dangerous to your scorecard. Research shows that high heat can:
- Slow reaction time
- Impair problem solving
- Cause confusion and disorientation
- Create memory lapses
- Increase irritability and anxiety
- Lower motivation
- Disrupt concentration and focus
Here in the Northeast, “hazy, hot, and humid” becomes our summer soundtrack. It’s tough enough to be outside, let alone play a four-and-a-half-hour round of competitive golf. Unless you’re prepared, the heat can take a toll on both your body and your brain.
Take a page from one of the greatest athletes of all time: prepare for the heat like your performance depends on it—because it does. Your body, your mind, and your scorecard will thank you.
