News Summary
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach faced significant disruptions this past weekend due to a severe storm that uprooted 20 to 25 large trees. The intense weather forced the club to close its doors temporarily for cleanup and safety assessments. By Monday, the club reopened, but efforts to restore normal operations were ongoing. Despite the damage, the club’s golf course integrity remained largely intact, thanks to the community’s swift response and support in recovery efforts.
Myrtle Beach Faces Storm Aftermath at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club
This past Friday night, the usually serene atmosphere of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach was jolted by a fierce storm. The sky opened up, and wild winds wreaked havoc, leading to the unfortunate downfall of about 20 to 25 large trees scattered across the golf club’s property. The intense weather left the club with no choice but to shutter its doors on Saturday and Sunday, causing quite a disruption in its typical weekend operations.
A Weekend of Closure and Cleanup
Following the storm, the hustle and bustle of golfers was noticeably absent from The Dunes as cleanup efforts began in earnest. By Monday, the club was back in business, but the effects of the storm were still palpable. Workers rolled up their sleeves to clear fallen trees and debris, including limbs and branches that had come crashing down. It was a scene reminiscent of a low-level hurricane, as described by the club’s director of golf.
Safety First: Assessing the Damage
As the staff assessed the damage, safety became the number one priority. With broken or damaged tree limbs still posing hazards, several areas had to be roped off while others saw immediate attention to remove hanging threats. Fortunately, the main part of the course was spared from significant disruption; most of the fallen trees were located on the periphery of the golf holes, ensuring that the integrity and playability of the course remained intact.
What Caused the Chaos?
Though the storm caused widespread damage, initial assessments suggest it resembled a microburst rather than a tornado. The scattered nature of the damaged areas reflected the storm’s unpredictable wrath. The ferocity lasted for about nine minutes but was enough to leave a mark on the club and the surrounding community, with approximately 10,000 residents also experiencing power outages that evening.
Community Impact and Neighborhood Concerns
The storm didn’t just affect the golf club; trees fell in nearby neighborhoods too, adding to the growing list of cleanup tasks for local residents. On the golf course, several holes, including 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16, and 18, were impacted, with cart paths blocked due to the chaos. As a result of the storm’s timing, the club also had to cancel notable events such as the Men’s Dunes Derby, which had over 80 eager players registered, and another Sunday event for 170 players who were looking forward to a great day of golf.
Getting Things Back to Normal
In a spirit of camaraderie, the golf staff transitioned from their usual uniforms to work gear, joining forces to tackle the extensive cleanup process. They employed wood chippers and blowers to manage the mess. Highlighting a silver lining to the storm’s destructive path, some club officials mentioned that the tempest resembled a natural process of “thinning the herd” among trees, as many affected were already showing signs of damage prior to the storm.
On the Road to Recovery
In a bid to expedite the restoration, the club hired a tree company for large tree removals while the staff managed smaller debris. It’s clear that while The Dunes Golf and Beach Club may have faced tough times after the storm, the community’s spirit and resolve are shining bright as they work hand-in-hand to restore the beloved golf course to its former glory.
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Additional Resources
- On The Green Magazine
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach storm aftermath
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Fox Weather
- Google News: Myrtle Beach weather
- The State
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach storm
