As communities recover from Storm Eowyn’s destruction, many formerly tree-lined golf courses across Northern Ireland remain in ruins.
Among those destroyed was Bright Castle Golf Club in Downpatrick, which commands expansive views of the coast and the Mourne Mountains.
However, those views came at a heavy price last Friday, as its close proximity to the southern coastline meant the club took the full brunt of the powerful south-westerly gusts.
Lynda Ennis, who manages the golf club, told of how there was nothing she could do but watch the destruction from her home, which overlooks the green. She estimates that more than 150 trees were uprooted.
Downed trees at Bright Castle Golf Course
“None of us really slept the night of the storm,” Lynda explained.
“We just knew what we were going to be greeted with when we woke up.
“Trees were just falling like dominoes on the course. I could have just cried.
“We have a lot of nature on the course, like wild birds, rabbits and foxes. It was sad to see some of the birds flying about [not knowing] what to do or where to go.”
Many of the trees held sentimental and historical value to the club, many being planted when it opened more than fifty years ago.
Bright Castle Golf Club faces a “mammoth clean-up”, which must be done carefully in order to preserve the delicate greens. Large machines continue to roam the venue, lifting sections of trees cut by chainsaw.
“A lot of trees at certain holes have just fallen onto fairways and on top of each other,” explained Lynda.
“We’ve ended up having to get in a big track machine, because they would have been there for months otherwise.”
“We’re trying to tidy up as quickly and as swiftly as we can, with minimal damage.”
The club remains closed until more debris is cleared, but Lynda is hoping to reopen at least nine holes soon.
She added: “I think this has been the worst [storm] ever. It’s a mammoth clean-up but we’ll get it done.
“I don’t think there’s a golf course in Ireland that hasn’t been affected by the storm.”
An uprooted tree at Banbridge Golf Course
Banbridge Golf Club in Co Down was also left “counting the cost” after the ‘red warning’ event tore through the course last week.
Around 40 trees were felled, forcing the club to run on a semi-operational basis as recovery efforts continue.
“The clean-up operation began on Saturday,” said club staff member Michelle Wilson, “with dedicated club volunteers coming and going throughout the weekend to lend a hand — a contribution that’s been greatly appreciated.
“Meanwhile, the greens staff, led by Chris Moran, have been working tirelessly to clear debris and restore the course.”
The 111-year-old club will rely on access to specialised machinery in order to clear the large amount of debris.
Watch: Banbridge Golf Club clear-up operation after Storm Éowyn