C
Clarity News Hub

Has any golfer been struck by lightning?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 06, 2026

During the 1975 Western Open at Butler National in Oak Brook, Illinois, Lee Trevino was standing on the 13th green. But suddenly, as the rain started pouring down; he opened an umbrella. However, along with rain, lightning struck Trevino and left him unconscious.

Has anyone been struck by lightning playing golf?

There have been a dozen documented cases of golfers killed by lightning since 2006, officials say. Nine of them were hit as they actively played, while the others were standing under a tree or other unsafe sheltering spot, data shows.

What golfer has been struck by lightning the most?

Thing is, despite lightning being about five times hotter than the sun, according to NASA, most people struck by lightning survive, up to 90%. Lee Trevino, winner of six major championships and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, was struck by lightning three times on the golf course and survived.

Is it safe to play golf in lightning?

Do not continue to play golf and do not seek shelter under trees. Trees do not protect you from lightning. During competitions, if there is a lightning risk, play will be suspended and players must leave the course.

What are the odds of getting struck by lightning playing golf?

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.

15 related questions found

Has anyone ever died from lightning in a pool?

Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring." So it sounds plausible that it could happen to you. But according to Aquatic Safety Research Group, "There are no documented reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools. None!

How many golfers are struck by lightning every year?

In 2018 and 2019, there were 21 deaths reported each year. "Although we don't like to see any lightning deaths, we are pleased that the numbers so far this year are extremely low," Jensenius wrote in an email. The latest incident is the first fatality in July.

Are you safe in a golf cart during a lightning storm?

If a substantial building is not available, enclosed motor vehicles can provide shelter as long as patrons do not touch the metal framework during the thunderstorm (golf carts are not safe vehicles). No place outside is safe if lightning is in the vicinity.

Do golf carts get struck by lightning?

MORE MYTHS DEBUNKED. MYTH: The rubber tires on a golf cart will protect you from a lightning strike. REALITY: Bolts pack up to two billion volts of electricity. Small rubber tires offer little protection.

What to do if there is lightning on a golf course?

You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly. Stay away from water. If you are old-school and have metal spikes on, take them off. If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, or the lowest spot you can find.

Does Topgolf close during thunderstorm?

Do you close due to weather? Unless it's an extreme weather event, nothing can stop a good time at Topgolf, not even rain or snow. Our venues are all-weather facilities with covered hitting bays that are fitted with fans for the summer and heaters for the winter.

When was Lee Trevino struck by lightning?

Trevino was struck by lightning in 1975, which led to back surgery. Rich from golf, he lost millions in the 1970s because of ill-advised investments. His passion for his sport cost him one marriage and left him out of touch with his children. Two more surgeries came later while on the PGA Senior Tour.

How many professional golfers have been struck by lightning?

He died at the golf course. John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Lightning Safety Council, said there have been 12 golf-related lightning fatalities in the U.S. since 2006.

How hot is a lightning bolt?

In fact, lightning can heat the air it passes through to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5 times hotter than the surface of the sun).

Which state has the most lightning deaths?

Florida recorded most lightning deaths in 2021, all of them along Gulf Coast. There were 11 U.S. deaths in 2021, compared to a 15-year average of 36. Possible reasons: CPR education and fewer agricultural workers. As it often does, Florida recorded more deaths from lightning strikes than any other state in 2021.

Which state has the most lightning strike?

Florida regains its title as the lightning capital of the United States when it comes to strikes per square mile. Vaisala, the company that owns the National Lightning Data Network, has issued its report on lightning strikes in 2021 for the U.S. and the world.

Has anyone been electrocuted in the shower during a thunderstorm?

THE FACTS It has the ring of an urban legend and seems too bizarre to be true. But the claim that taking a shower during a lightning storm can electrocute you is no old wives' tale, experts say.

Is it safe to be on a lake during a thunderstorm?

Lightning often strikes water, and water conducts electricity. That means that the currents from a lightning strike can seriously injure you. In fact, it can even kill you. This is why, when you hear thunder or see lightning, it's a good idea to avoid the pool, beach and any other large body of water.

Is Greg Norman a billionaire?

No. Greg Norman is not a billionaire, though he seems to be doing all right with his small net worth of only $500 million.

How rich is John Daly?

John Daly is an American professional golfer who has a net worth of $2 million.

What is Lee Trevino known for?

Lee Buck Trevino (born December 1, 1939) is an American retired professional golfer who is regarded as one of the greatest players in golf history. He was inducted to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981. Trevino won six major championships and 29 PGA Tour events over the course of his career.