BMW Championship responds to weather

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - The rain that moved through the area Friday managed to miss the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick.  
Thousand turned up to watch the world's top golfers.

Nancy Mills of Crawfordsville was one of them.  As she watched the pros, she also kept her on eye the sky using the weather app on her phone.

"We are just keeping an eye on the weather so we won't get stuck out here if we have thunder and lightning going on.  Right now it looks pretty calm," said Mills.

Throughout the afternoon, spectators were warned about the approaching weather. Organizers flashed warnings across the large video boards.

Fans were urged to seek shelter. They seemed more interested in seeking out Tiger Woods. No one seemed to heed the warnings.

"They've really helped you but when you look at it, we didn't see lightning.  An old football coach wouldn't say hey guys let's get off the field we are not going to play, stuff like that. So we've been around. It broke up. You can see it going over the top of us," said Bruce Lake of Fort Wayne.

Most spectators came to Crooked Stick dressed for a hot day. Only a handful brought umbrellas.

Joe Heerens and his son, Joey, came prepared. Joey did his weather homework before he left the house.

"I was looking at the cell in Illinois and Indiana that was making it's way over here and now we are under a severe thunderstorm watch," said the younger Heerens.

Organizers were prepared as well. Because of the possibility of severe weather, they moved up the start times by 90 minutes. That allowed players to complete their round of golf before any rain ever fell.

Spectators got their money's worth, without getting wet.

"We've seen Tiger and Phil come through so our day is pretty complete" said Brad Case of Crawfordsville.

Parking will be at 111 Congressional Blvd., located at the corner of Pennsylvania St. and Congressional Blvd. All BMW vehicles will continue to park at Coxhall Gardens located at 2000 W. 116th St.

Shuttles will run continuously to and from both locations.

The original story appears below:

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Carmel police and organizers for the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club said early Friday they were ready for any severe weather that may blow into the area on Friday.

Carmel Police say if an evacuation of the golf course is necessary, spectators will be notified using message boards located throughout the course and by police officers, fire fighters and event staff.

An evacuation was necessary early this week .

Spectators are asked to move quickly and calmly to their vehicles to wait out the severe weather. Shuttles will continue running to take spectators to their cars.

Police ask the public to avoid the use of tents or temporary structures as shelter during severe weather.

Even though play may continue on the course, it is important to listen to the evacuation announcement and begin to leave the course immediately.

The BMW Championship has also affected traffic in the area. Click here for the latest on road restrictions.