A reflection on Storm Darragh
Last weekend Storm Darragh arrived and left its mark. It caused havoc with damage to houses, electrics, trees and of course people. This weekend we reflect…
(Photo Credit: Clwb Golff Pwllheli)
Many across the industry will have felt the effects of Storm Darragh; both during and after it swept through the UK. In this article, I will reflect on the impact it had on those in turfcare.
Thankfully, in most cases groundskeepers and greenkeepers have managed to survive the storm. However, it has been a team effort for all; Herefordshire Golf Club recently posted to social media to thank its greens team and volunteer members for clearing debris and fallen trees after Storm Darragh: saying “Thank you all”.
Belvoir Park Golf Club in Belfast also showed gratitude to the green staff, posting on X: “Busy clearing up after Storm Darragh with a tree down by the side of 7th green. Thanks to greenkeepers for their hard work and keeping the course open for the members.”
Some haven’t been so lucky: one greenkeeper took to social media to showcase some damage, putting it simply: “I don’t think Storm Darragh liked trees”.
After losing 11 trees to the storm due to saturated ground, another added: “I think it will be months of clearing up for us”.
For some, the damage was quite unbelievable, Andy Wood, Course Manager at Enville Golf Club posted on X: “The storm damage over the weekend has been the worst I’ve ever seen. We’ve had 100 trees uprooted or snapped. The team have been working flat out to make the courses safe so we can try and open again soon.”
Clwb Golff Pwllheli in North Wales also posted after being forced to close: “Storm Darragh has certainly left its mark on the course with a significant number of trees down and several others damaged. The course will remain closed until further notice.”
The wider damage
In an article from the BBC, on the 8th December, it stated: “Tens of thousands of people are facing another night without power after Storm Darragh swept across the UK.”
A further article from the 7th December from Net Weather stated: “Storm Darragh has been with us today, and has already caused considerable impacts. At the time of writing, a gust of 93mph had been recorded in Wales, with an estimated 35,000 people (and rising) without power.”
On the 7th of December, Liam Dutton who is a weather Presenter for Channel 4, posted on X: “Storm Darragh is really packing a punch! Gusts up to 93mph so far. The wind is howling.“
Everyone at Pitchcare would like to show support for those impacted by Storm Darragh and hope everyone stayed safe.