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Lightning Strikes Tree At U.S. Women’s Open

The weather that was expected to make news at this week’s U.S. Women’s Open was the heat as Charleston, South Carolina’s index is reaching well into the triple digits.

However, as play was coming to a close on Friday, the horn sounded as a dangerous storm moved into the area.


After only a few minutes of light rain, thunder and lightning began spreading across the grounds, leading to a shocking lightning strike that split a tree in half near the 18th green at the Country Club of Charleston. 

Fox cameras were still rolling when the strike happened.

While the storm moved through and play was able to resume although not complete, the tree and area near the 18th green where the lightning struck was roped off as officials feared the tree may fall as a result of the strike.

Japan’s Mamiko Higa laid claim to the weather-delayed overnight lead by a stroke after a two-round total of 6-under par 132. Jessica Korda sits at 5-under par and a shot off Higa’s lead. Lexi Thompson is three shots back at 3-under par.