CROMWELL, Conn. — Two people were taken to the hospital Saturday after lightning struck a tree near a home along a golf course that is hosting the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship.
The home is just north of the fifth green at TPC River Highlands, which is hosting the tournament one week after the U.S. Open.
Cromwell Police started getting 911 calls around 4:30 p.m. about a lightning strike. When first responders arrived, they found a tree that had been hit and three people who were near it.
Cromwell Fire Department Chief Jason Brade said in a statement that an emergency medical crew treated two people and took them to the hospital for further evaluation. He did not elaborate on their condition. A third person refused treatment.
Weather delayed the third round of the Travelers Championship, where earlier in the day Cameron Young shot a 59 for the PGA Tour’s first sub-60 round in four years.
Lightning is an ever-present danger on golf courses. In 2019, six people were injured when a strike hit a 60-foot (18-meter) pine tree at the Tour Championship.
Two individuals were hospitalized after a lightning strike hit a tree near the PGA Tour event in Cromwell, Connecticut. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon during the third round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.
According to reports, the lightning struck a tree near the 15th green, where a group of spectators had taken shelter from the rain. Two individuals were directly affected by the strike and were immediately attended to by emergency medical personnel on site. They were then transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of lightning strikes, especially in open areas such as golf courses. Lightning is a powerful force of nature that can strike with little to no warning, and it is important for individuals to take precautions when they are outdoors during a storm.
PGA Tour officials quickly suspended play and evacuated the course following the incident. Spectators were urged to seek shelter in designated safe areas until the storm passed. The safety of players, spectators, and staff is always a top priority at PGA Tour events, and protocols are in place to ensure that everyone is protected from potential hazards.
In recent years, there have been several incidents of lightning strikes at golf events, prompting organizers to implement stricter safety measures. This includes monitoring weather conditions closely and having evacuation plans in place in case of severe weather.
As we head into the summer months, it is important for everyone to be aware of the risks associated with lightning strikes and to take appropriate precautions when outdoors. This includes seeking shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle if a storm is approaching, avoiding open areas such as golf courses or fields, and staying away from tall objects such as trees or light poles.
The two individuals who were hospitalized after the lightning strike near the PGA Tour event in Connecticut serve as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to severe weather. Our thoughts are with them and their families, and we hope for a speedy recovery. Stay safe and be prepared during stormy weather conditions.
