On Thursday, over 300 players started their arduous run through the first stage of the 2022 LPGA and Epson Tour Q-school.

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It’s an incredible number, and whilst spread across three courses – Dinah Shore and Palmer at Mission Hills, and Shadow Ridge at Palm Desert – rounds are sure to take longer than usual, and be boiling hot!

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The hopefuls will initially look to complete 54 holes without a score of 88 or higher, all gaining an Epson card, with the top 100 gaining access to Stage II in October.

The enormous field contains seven Epson Tour players that will now have played for six weeks in a row, many admitting that the balance between rest and competition is vital, yet taking no time off to prepare for the desert heat. As Ryan French might say, “That’s grinding.”

The pressure to succeed here is as high as it is for any event, with the reward of a full main tour card in the dreams of many. Therefore, as a player, you would expect the best of treatment from the organizers.

Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols revealed on Twitter on Wednesday that they may not be the case!

Beth Ann let her followers know that at Mission Hills this week the temperature is well over 100 degrees, and whilst the players can use carts to get around, there is very little water available on the course.

Stage I of LPGA Q-School is this week at Mission Hills, where it's currently 104 degrees. There are 300+ players in the field.

The good news: Players get to take carts.

The bad news: Hearing there's no water on the course. No snacks.

It's BYOC! Bring your own cooler. Oh my.

— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) August 17, 2022

Originally saying there was ‘no water…no snacks’, she agreed with one respondent that there was some water on the opening holes of each half at both of the Mission Hills courses, although commented:

“If I’m paying $2,500 for a tournament, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for water on the course in coolers like a standard event. Especially when it’s outrageously hot.”

Tweeters were very much in support of the exasperated Nichols, an outspoken and fervent supporter of the women’s game, with one pointing out the affluent area in which the event is set: “Wow that is kind of sad that those that run the event and collect all the entry fee $$ can’t provide drinks. Especially in Rancho Mirage.”

One thought was that Mission Hills may have been responding to the way it lost the Chevron Championship after a 51-year run, backed-up by another stating, “Why doesn’t the LPGA get it? Mission Hills doesn’t want you there!”

The LPGA amended its rules after many years of allowing amateur players to play all stages of Q-school, this year insisting that those that advance to the final, grueling, eight-round stage turn professional.

They will clearly need stamina from the very get-go and Beth’s followers were quick to back her up.

That is unacceptable and embarrassing. Actually it’s outright offensive. $2500 and trying to play in a tournament that can make your career…but, bring your own refreshments. Asinine.

— Diablo Sandwich (@sandwich_diablo) August 18, 2022

Of course, the weather is as hard to read as the outcome of any golf tournament and, yes; the courses have held the event for many years beforehand, but it is hard to believe that the organizers could not have made conditions at least a tad more comfortable.

Thankfully, on day two things were put right.

LPGA Q-School water update: Players had water on the carts today. And a few coolers were added to the course.

Good to hear.

Also, Anais Meyssonnier shot ? 63 ? to take the first-round lead.

— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) August 19, 2022

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