A weekend round at The Oregon Golf Club turned frightening on Saturday afternoon when a golfer was struck by lightning on Pete's Mountain Road near West Linn. The man was taken by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel's Oregon Burn Center in Portland and was reportedly conscious when crews arrived. Authorities said he was in stable condition. He had been playing alone and was outside his golf cart when a fast-moving storm rolled in.
Response And Condition
The emergency call came in around 2:45 p.m. from The Oregon Golf Club on Pete's Mountain Road, according to KATU. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue reported that the golfer regained consciousness after the strike, managed to call for help, and was then transported by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel's Oregon Burn Center, where he was described as stable. Club staff moved him into the pro shop to get him out of the downpour before firefighters arrived, TVF&R said.
What Crews Saw
TVF&R Captain Ryan Stenhouse told KPTV the man recalled "a reflection of a flash and a boom" before losing consciousness. After he came to, he called for help. Stenhouse said crews arrived to find the golfer in the pro shop, conscious and alert but clearly shaken. He noted that while thunderstorms pass through the Portland area every year, a confirmed lightning strike injuring a person is rare in the district.
Storm Warnings And Safety
The same turbulent weather that swept over the golf course had already triggered a brief tornado warning for west central Clackamas County after spotters reported a funnel cloud near Molalla, according to the National Weather Service. TVF&R described the storms that afternoon as having "quick-rolled in" at the course.
The National Weather Service reminds people that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. The rule of thumb is simple and catchy, When thunder roars, go indoors, and wait 30 minutes after the last rumble before heading back outside. For more detailed steps on how to stay safe around storms, see the National Weather Service.
Regional Burn Care
Legacy Emanuel's Oregon Burn Center is the region's specialized facility for serious burn injuries, and Legacy Health has outlined recent upgrades designed to expand capacity and treatment space. The center treats hundreds of patients each year and includes adaptable patient rooms along with rehabilitation facilities, according to Legacy Health. Officials have not released the golfer's name or detailed the extent of his injuries.
What Golfers Should Do
Course managers and first responders say golfers, and really anyone outdoors, should head for solid shelter at the first sound of thunder rather than trying to squeeze in one more hole. The Oregon Golf Club, located at 25700 SW Petes Mt Rd in West Linn, asks members to follow staff directions during severe weather, and the club's website lists contact information and policies. Local fire officials also reminded players to stop play and seek an enclosed vehicle or building when storms approach, instead of relying on a golf cart canopy or open pavilion.
