Hot enough for ya?

ST. LOUIS -- Leave it to a St. Louisan to complain about the lack of heat and humidity.

Normally muggy St. Louis was unseasonably cool this week as golfers prepared for the U.S. Senior Open that begins Thursday at Bellerive Country Club.

Jay Haas barely broke a sweat on a practice round -- and seemed disappointed.

"I just wish it was a little hotter," he said.

Haas grew up across the Mississippi River in Belleville, Ill., and calls St. Louis home. He has played Bellerive many times.

But that's only a small part of why he is considered a top contender at the 25th Open.

Haas, 50, will be playing just his second Champions Tour event in his rookie season. He is having one of his finest years on the PGA Tour, ranking 27th on the money list at nearly $1.5 million.

He will take any advantage he can get at Bellerive, the longest course (7,117 yards) in Senior Open history.

Women have a major, too

Annika Sorenstam will try to defend her Women's British Open title this week at Sunningdale Golf Club.