Where was the golf ball struck by lightning?
The one-in-a-million moment happened at Topgolf in San Antonio, Texas. SAN ANTONIO — It's a moment you have to see to believe. One teen was hitting some shots at Topgolf San Antonio with his friends over the weekend when one of his golf balls was struck by lightning — mid-air.
What are the chances of getting struck by lightning on a golf course?
The odds of being struck by lightning on a golf course is 1:3,000. The odds of becoming a lightning victim in the US is 1:700,000. Lightning can kill people or cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, permanent brain damage, memory loss, and personality changes.
Did lightning hit a golf ball?
SAN ANTONIO, TX (NBC) – Most golfers dream of the perfect strike on the ball. In Texas, that strike was electrifying. The golfer was at a San Antonio driving range hitting into a storm that was in the area.
What happens to a golf ball when hit by lightning?
0:151:08Lightning strike hits golf ball in mid-air - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhile. There we go of course that video is now blown up around the world. And they say they won'tMoreWhile. There we go of course that video is now blown up around the world. And they say they won't let this freak incident affect them from going out to play again they'll just be more careful.
Why do golf courses attract lightning?
And in a typical year, lightning kills more people than tornadoes or hurricanes. A golf course is an especially dangerous place during a thunderstorm because it has isolated, tall trees and wide-open spaces where golfers can be the tallest target.
How many golfers are killed by lightning each year?
Since 2006, there have been 12 golf-related lightning fatalities in the nation, including two this year, according to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Lightning Safety Council.
How Far Can Mike Trout drive a golf ball?
Mike Trout's handicap has been as low as a 2. The longest dinger to date by the MLB superstar traveled 163 yards. His longest drive on a course? Four-hundred-plus!
How does Topgolf know where you hit the ball?
The ball dispensers are equipped with RFID readers that can tell when you wave a club over the sensor. The ball also contains an RFID chip that tells the Topgolf system that it's you who's about to hit.
Has anyone ever hit a ball out of Topgolf?
Bryson DeChambeau smashes golf ball over the net at Topgolf, continues to be a driving range menace | This is the Loop | GolfDigest.com.
Is it safe to golf in lightning?
Golf and Frisbee Golf are the only sports with regulations relating to lightning. A good rule for everyone is: "If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it."
Is it safe to play golf in lightning?
Lightning can be a killer. And, yes, lightning does kill golfers. The number of lightning deaths per year on the golf course is small, but the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association says that five-percent of all lightning deaths and injuries in the United States happen on golf courses.
Does Topgolf shut down for lightning?
Does Topgolf Close for Lightning? Topgolf does not close for lightning, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when playing in stormy weather. If there is lightning in the area, the staff may ask players to take shelter indoors.
Who were the golfers who were struck by lightning?
That’s when five professional golfers were struck: Jim Ahern, Jerry Heard, Tony Jacklin, Bobby Nichols and Lee Trevino, They were lucky to survive, though in some cases the injuries were career threatening if not career ending. Today, most golf courses are equipped with lightning detection or early warning predictive technology ...
How many people are injured by lightning?
Worldwide, about 250,000 people are injured annually from lightning; one tenth of them fatally. Countries with poorly developed shelters, metal-roofed housing and primarily agricultural are far more vulnerable. Outdoor exposure increases susceptibility, with golf, fishing and hunting among the most exposed activities.
How far away is lightning detection?
As explained by company Sun Belt Golf president John Cannon, all eleven sites have comprehensive lightning detection and prediction technology covering areas that range from eight to ten miles away. The variance depends upon site size as well as local topography. “It’s an automated warning system,” says Cannon.
How old was William Fadell when he was hit by the 11th tee?
A strike by the 11 th tee hit six fans, one of them, fatally - 27-year old William Fadell.
Who said "I'm not worried about lightning"?
Back at the Robert Trent Jones Trail, Cannon recalls an incident with a golfer who was determined to head back out onto the course to complete his round despite the absence of an all-clear. “I’m not worried about lightning ” he told Cannon . “I’ve already been hit three times.”.
Does Sun Belt Golf offer rain checks?
If they don't get to complete their rounds that day because of lingering storms, Sun Belt Golf offers all golfers rain check on the unused proportion of the round left unplayed. They can also trade that in for pro shop credit. Of course some people just don’t care.
What happened to the tree that was hit by lightning?
John Amis/AP. Several people were wounded after lightning hit a tree at the East Lake Golf Club on Saturday. PGA Tour added that officials who were brought in to assess the tree struck by lightning determined that it was safe.
What happened at the 16th tee of the PGA?
Nearly 30 minutes after organizers suspended activities, dual lightning struck a maintenance area and a tree near the 16th tee and the driving range, Mark Russell, PGA’s vice president of rules, competition and administration, told reporters on Saturday. Russell said organizers encouraged everybody to leave the course and take shelter.
How many people were treated at the scene of the PGA Tour?
Five were taken to hospitals and were released on Saturday night, PGA Tour said in a statement on Sunday. A sixth person was treated at the scene.