Whew, talk about timing! Figured I’d squeeze in nine holes quick after lunch yesterday. Sun was out, sky was mostly clear, felt good. Then, bam. Maybe halfway through hole number three, things got weird. Didn’t even notice the clouds rolling in at first – you know how it is when you’re lining up a putt. Head down, focus on the ball.
The Sky Changed Fast
Next thing I knew, my arms got this prickly feeling. Like all the hairs standing up. Looked up, and oh boy. Those fluffy clouds? Gone. Replaced by this massive, ugly dark gray wall coming straight at the course. You could smell it too, kinda metallic? Like pennies. And then the first rumble. Not super loud, more like a warning growl from way off.
Thought about just toughing it out – rain jacket’s always in the bag, right? But that prickly feeling? That felt serious. Remembered something about that being a sign lightning might be close. Made the call: Golf can wait. Packed up the clubs double-quick.
Getting to Safety
Started walking fast towards the clubhouse – it looked miles away! Rule is, you need solid shelter. Not just under a tree or the little rain hut by the tee box. Those are death traps if lightning hits. Needs to be a proper building, preferably with plumbing and wiring, something they said channels the charge better.
- Saw folks huddled under a big oak tree: Bad move. Trees are tall, lightning likes tall things.
- Guy stayed out near the cart: Nope. Metal roof, open sides? Recipe for disaster.
- Kept walking: Legs were going faster than I thought they could!
The Big Strike & Waiting it Out
Got maybe fifty yards from the clubhouse porch when WHAM! This blinding flash and the BOOM hit at almost the exact same time. Sounded like a bomb going off right next door. Honestly jumped a foot in the air. Felt the vibration in my chest. That one hit close. Way too close. Bet it landed somewhere on the back nine.
Made it inside, soaked and shaking. Joined a crowd huddled away from the windows, near the bar. No one was touching anything metal. Someone joked about the plumbing, remembering old advice. We just stood there, listening to the rain absolutely pounding the roof. Thunder kept rolling, one after another. No rushing this.
What I Learned (Again)
- Don’t Ignore the Sky: Get your head up! Watch the clouds, feel the air.
- Hair Standing Up = GO NOW: That prickly feeling is nature’s alarm bell. Don’t second-guess it.
- Know REAL Shelter: A sturdy building is the only safe spot. Trees, umbrellas, carts? Forget it. Run.
- 30/30 Rule Matters: Saw the flash, heard the boom instantly? That means lightning is within 6 miles and danger is immediate. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back out. We waited almost an hour yesterday.
Drove home later, course emptying out. Still felt a bit shaky. Coffee helped. But mostly, just felt grateful I listened to that little prickle on my arms. Always pays to respect the weather, folks. This stuff is no joke.