CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — A worker for a trash hauling company was struck by lightning at the Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands golf course on Saturday night.
Cromwell Fire Department officials said the man was in his mid-30s, but would not release further details. Security officials said the man was conscious when he was placed in an ambulance and taken to Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. The man’s condition was not released.
A thunderstorm struck the course less than an hour after play ended Saturday night.
Security officials near the scene where the man was hit said he was picking up garbage behind a hospitality tent near the 18th tee. They said he was putting his key into the driver’s side door when lightning struck.
HAY FEVER
Spectators and players alike were bothered by the hay and pine mulch used by course workers this week to help absorb moisture after a daily dose of rain at the TPC course.
The odor bothered Bubba Watson, too.
“I’ve got a little sickness right now, so I’m drugged up,” Watson said after shooting 7-under 63 in Sunday’s final round. “I’m trying to take some allergy medicine. My allergies get real bad out here with the hay and last week (at the U.S. Open) with the hay.
“But I got around, scraped it around.”
Tournament officials said rubber mats will be installed in high-traffic areas next year instead of spreading hay and mulch to absorb ground moisture and improve traction for spectators.
QUICK ROUND
Vaughn Taylor and Marc Leishman were the first group to tee off in the final round, and they made quick work of the TPC River Highlands golf course, finishing in 3 hours and 4 minutes.
“We’re both naturally very fast players, so that helps, I think,” said Leishman, who shot a 71 and completed the tournament at 1-over par. “It’s nice to have two quick players together and have a round without waiting.”
Taylor was 3-over par for the round after opening at even par.
Taylor’s wife, Leot Chen, said she was happy about the quick round, because it gave her more time for shopping in New York City.
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