Lightning Strikes Michigan Golf Course – What’s Left Behind Is Stunning

A popular resort in Northern Michigan is showing the true power of nature in just two photos. Treetops Resort, located in Gaylord, Michigan, shared the photos on Facebook on June 11.

The photos show just what happens when lightning strikes on a golf course.

Gaylord, Michigan's Weather is Wild

Gaylord is no stranger to odd weather happenings. It was smack in the middle of the massive ice storm that hit Northern Michigan back at the end of March. Gaylord also saw a damaging tornado rip through the town back in February of 2022.

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As someone who frequently drives through the area, I often joke that no matter what the weather is doing in the rest of the state, it's always snowing or raining in Gaylord.

Thunderstorm Leads to Lightning Strike on Gaylord Golf Course

On June 9, a line of thunderstorms moved across much of Northern Michigan, including Gaylord. With that storm came plenty of thunder and lightning. As the storm blew through the area where Treetops Resort is located, at least one bolt of lightning struck the ground, right on the 11th fairway of the Smith Tradition golf course.

An Unusual Aftermath on the Treetops Resort Fairway

Now, I would have thought that the result would be a small fire? But that's not what happened at all. Instead, the lightning strike caused an amazing natural phenomenon.

Is it just me, or does the pattern left behind on the grass look like a lightning bolt?

To us, it would appear that the lightning considerably damaged the turf.

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But according to Treetops, the lightning strike could be beneficial. They say,

Lightning can release nitrogen in the soil, which can actually be very good for the grass. This is why the grass always looks greener the day after a storm.