The grounds crew at Detroit Golf Club are receiving widespread praise for their swift action following a severe storm that ravaged the area just days before the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The storm, which knocked out power for over 70,000 residents on Sunday, left a trail of destruction, including uprooted trees on the golf course.
Videos circulating on social media showcased the extent of the damage, with large trees toppled onto the course. The tournament's official Twitter account acknowledged the herculean efforts of the grounds team, labeling them the "MVPs of the week" alongside drone footage of the aftermath.
While golfers were initially scheduled to access the course Monday morning, access was delayed until noon to allow for cleanup. Fortunately, reports indicate the course itself sustained minimal damage. A statement from tournament officials confirmed that practice facilities and the clubhouse reopened to players at noon on Monday, while the course remained closed for further cleanup.
The storm's impact extended beyond the golf course, with one unfortunate incident involving a car parked outside the club being crushed by a fallen tree. The car's owner, 20-year-old Yuri Didoszak, shared his dismay with FOX 2 Detroit, lamenting the loss of his first vehicle.
As of Monday morning, over 73,000 residents in the area were still without power. Despite the disruption caused by the storm, the Rocket Mortgage Classic is expected to commence as planned on Thursday.
