Well, what can be said about Tiger Woods except that he is the best player of our generation and perhaps of all time? It is amazing to watch him perform and go after the record books like he does.

I could write a book on how we could benefit from just watching him go about his craft. But this week, we'll focus on just one aspect of Tiger's performance, one that I think made a real difference last week as he won the 89th PGA Championship.

Tiger putted extremely well all week, but it wasn't how he handled his hot putter that I noticed as much as I noticed how he handled the hot weather.

For those who followed the PGA Championship all week, one of the major storylines was the weather. With temperatures hovering near triple digits all week, obviously it was something that many of the players were concerned about.

The need to stay hydrated and protected from the sun is critical, of course, but I'd say that a player's approach to playing in hot weather makes for a great advantage.

If you love golf, you are going to play your fair share of rounds in hot weather. In fact, I think it can be a great advantage to play in hot conditions, and the world's best players know all about playing in the heat. Once you know the advantages of playing when the conditions are hot, you will be in great shape to have a hot round.

First of all, the ball goes farther when it's hot outside. Why? Because the ball is able to compress more. Longer drives mean shorter approach shots, which hopefully will mean more greens in regulation and more birdie opportunities for you. Don't swing any harder -- your normal swing should produce more distance when playing in hot weather.

One related note: When it's cold outside, always keep a ball in your pocket. Rotate between the balls on alternating holes.

Secondly, your body warms up faster and you limber up more quickly. Thus, you don't have to stretch as much before your round. If you don't believe me, try Bikram Yoga, where the room temperature is set at 105 degrees. You'll be amazed at how quickly you are able to stretch out the muscles and relieve any tightness and tension in your body.

Third, the ball flies straighter. It's true. The air conditions allow for less spin so you're less likely to lose shots to the left or right.

Finally, the golf course, in order to protect the grass, has to syringe the greens often. Softer greens means more control on your approach shots.

So when you elect to play this summer and conditions outside are broiling, think of it as an opportunity to play some of your best golf. Your mental approach will give you a big advantage when you are able to get out.

One other note that I'd like to make. There was some talk before the week from some so-called "experts" that Tiger's game wasn't suitable for Southern Hills because it wasn't a bomber's course.

That may be true, but Southern Hills is a course designed to reward creativity and shotmaking. And who does that better than Tiger?

Tiger is a very visual player, who can "see" a shot happen before he ever takes the club back.

It's no surprise that he performed so well last week. I suggest that the hot weather and the layout of the course actually suited someone who might be the most cerebral player we've ever seen.

Bill Forrest is PGA Director of Instruction at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. He is also the 2006 PGA Teacher of the Year. He has instructed golfers on all levels in over 40 countries, from absolute beginners to major tournament winners. He is a PGA Master Professional who has been named PGA Southwest Section Teacher of the Year four times.