This month’s instructional article will be a very different one! It was Wednesday, 19 August, a normal day at RSGC. I had finished my morning golf classes and had my lunch break before starting my afternoon golf lessons. I could see the weather starting to become cloudier. My 3.00 pm lesson was cancelled, so I decided to head to the Staff Canteen to purchase some iced tea and refresh myself before my 4.00 pm lesson.
While I was at the Canteen, the lightning siren sounded, followed by heavy rain, lightning and thunder. After talking to some of the caddies and Members, I decided to head back to the Driving Range at about 3.45 pm to prepare for my 4.00 pm lesson. By this time, the rain and lightning had stopped, but the Red Warning was still on.
I proceeded to walk back via the pathway alongside the 9th Hole, First Nine, Old Course. I could see all the Members sitting indoors at the terrace, and I was parallel to the Men’s Bar. There was no rain or sign of lightning. Suddenly, I saw a bright flash and heard a very loud crash next to me!
What I remember next is being about four metres in front of where I had been standing (see photo). I felt stunned and shocked, and had cuts and bruises all down my right-hand side after being lifted and pushed down the path.
The Members came out to help me after witnessing what had just happened. They sat me down and explained how lucky I was to still be alive. The staff dressed my wounds, and a Member kindly drove me home. My girlfriend took me to hospital to be checked out, and all was okay.
When I arrived home, I was still in shock and felt charged — a very odd feeling that is difficult to explain. When my girlfriend came close to me, her hair appeared to be drawn towards me. I also felt as though I could not touch any metal because it seemed as if I was going to get a shock from it.
Looking back, I felt so stupid because the warning alarm had been on. I thought that because I was close to the Clubhouse, it wouldn’t happen to me. But nature has its own course. I have learned a very valuable lesson: when the warning alarm is on, never go outside or risk even walking a few metres
If I can offer some advice to Members, it is very simple. Once the warning alarm sounds, please don’t risk going or staying outside. Nature has its own course. I was very lucky to survive this, and it could have ended up being a very different story.
