With temperatures reaching nearly three digits this week, the dangers of health-related injuries increase for both athletes and fans.
But a team of 25 volunteer medics is always on call to treat anybody who might need medical attention.
"If anybody should have a situation where they would feel like they need medical assistance there are marshals and security and personnel all over the place, said Greenbrier Classic Tournament Director Tim McNeely. "Just grab a marshal or grab a security officer and they can radio the necessary people and get attention right away."
Medics are stationed near the courses, as well as in a first aid trailer near the green.
Five physicians monitor the 25 medical students and a team of sports medics, who volunteer to help at the tournament. One student said the biggest threat to competitors—and spectators—is dehydration.
"Out on the course, we're working the first aid tents," said Taylor Walsh, a third-year medical student. He also worked the Greenbrier Classic last year. "So if somebody comes there, that's the first line before bringing them to the hospitals."
He explains that many people forget to drink water during the day, which can become dangerous when they've also been consuming alcohol.
"You see a lot of elderly patients forget to take their medicine in the morning, and there are flare-ups from those people," Walsh said.
But he added doctors will send patients to the hospital in cases of serious injuries.
"We're part of the frontline on the diagnosis," Walsh said. "If it's real serious, we're going to have to ship them out. But it's kind of like a triage here."
The team has yet to encounter major injuries from the crowd yet. But just in case, they're ready to "swing" into action.
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