Ken Burger knows Charleston. A long-time sports and news columnist for the city’s Post & Courier newspaper, the 62-year-old retired a year ago and now writes a regular blog about Charleston, the Lowcountry and the South in general, www.kenburgerblog.com. He also still contributes regular columns to his old newspaper under the auspices of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, a sponsor of his blog.

Burger and his wife, Bonnie, will take in the 2012 PGA Championship this week as fans/spectators – though chances are good he’ll glean some blog material in the process. After all, the couple owns property on nearby Seabrook Island, so getting to The Ocean Course will be easier for them than most of us.

An avid golfer, Burger has played The Ocean Course numerous times and hosted a charity event there, hitting shots at the wicked par-3 17th hole, so he knows what PGA spectators will have to deal with when following their favorite PGA Tour stars around the dune- and marsh-dotted course. His advice: “Be sure to pack some common sense.

“Experienced golf fans know … how to dress and pace themselves over the course of a week-long, outdoor tournament such as” the PGA, he writes. He offers up safety and health advice from Jerry Flury, clinical manager for Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s emergency department.

The basics: Drink lots of water to combat the expected heat and humidity. Pack sunscreen – and bug spray. Wear a hat and sensible shoes. Oh, and beware of other pests besides the dreaded “no-see-ums” (gnats), such as fire ants – South Carolina’s unofficial state insect.

Burger presents some good information in a humorous, engaging manner. After all, he twice was named America’s best sports columnist in the annual The Associated Press Sports Editors competition. And moreover, he’s a “good ol’ boy” from Allendale.

To read Burger’s Kiawah/PGA blog, click here.