AKRON, Ohio — A large tree limb fell during Wednesday’s pro-am at Firestone Country Club, just a day before the Kaulig Companies Championship was slated to begin.
The limb, about 30-40 feet in length, suddenly fell to the ground between the ninth and first holes with a crash just before 3 p.m. A crew working with chainsaws was able to clear the tree from the path relatively quickly.
The PGA Tour Champions released the following statement on the incident:
“At approximately 2:40 p.m. today, a portion of a tree at Firestone Country Club broke off and struck a spectator as it fell to the ground. The club and tournament medical staff took immediate action, attending to the fan and providing first aid. Local EMTs arrived on-site shortly thereafter, transporting the spectator from the course to a local hospital to receive additional medical attention. Following the fan’s safe transport off-site, the club’s grounds crew removed the fallen portion of the tree from the property.
“We remain in touch with the spectator and will follow-up and monitor his recovery. The safety and well-being of everyone at our tournaments is always our top priority.”
The festivities began with a pro-am Wednesday. The tournament kicks off Thursday and lasts until Sunday.
Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning will receive this year’s Ambassador of Golf Award for his work in and out of the golf world on Thursday evening.
This is the second consecutive year Kaulig Companies, a Hudson-based business that works in sports, entertainment, home products, financial services and philanthropy, will sponsor the tournament.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Follow him on Threads at @ByRyanLewis.