CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Lightning struck a large tree near the Country Club of Charleston clubhouse Friday during a weather delay at the U.S. Women's Open.
Fans, players and staffers were mostly cleared of the course when a large, explosion-like sound echoed through the common area where people took shelter during the thunderstorm during Friday's second round. The large tree stood between the 18th fairway and the 11th green. Parts of its bark were scorched by the lightning bolt.
The area is close to one of the tournament entrances and a large merchandise shop.
Scary scene during the weather delay at the #USWomensOpen. Players and fans are safe, and play is about to resume. pic.twitter.com/wAW3ivGjKv
— USGA (@USGA) May 31, 2019
"It was very scary. I'm glad everyone was OK," said Emma Talley, who won the 2013 U.S. Women's Amateur here and is competing this week. "I was scared it hit one of the tents, but I'm glad it hit the tree instead."
When the course was reopened, security personnel surrounded the tree and directed fans to steer clear. Still, many took pictures near the affected area.
The tree appeared sturdy enough to survive, at least through the remainder of the tournament.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
