Florham Park, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred at Pinch Brook Golf Course where a 36-year-old golfer was struck by lightning while playing. Bystanders, including first responders, provided immediate assistance, and the golfer remains in critical condition. This incident adds to a concerning trend of lightning-related injuries among golfers in New Jersey, prompting local authorities to implement new safety measures. Golfers are urged to prioritize safety and be prepared for unexpected weather changes while on the course.
Florham Park
Shock on the Green: Golfer in Critical Condition After Lightning Strike at Pinch Brook
A quiet Sunday evening on the fairways turned into a scene straight out of a nightmare at Pinch Brook Golf Course in Florham Park. Just after 6:00 p.m. on August 17, a 36-year-old man was struck by lightning while playing between the 2nd and 16th holes, collapsing on the turf and losing consciousness.
The immediate moments after the strike were chaotic but also showed the best side of the golf community. Several bystanders rushed in, and among them were a veteran member of the Florham Park First Aid Squad and a retired captain from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. They started CPR and kept the victim stabilized until first responders arrived. Emergency crews were able to revive the man and took him to a local hospital before transferring him to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for further care. The victim’s exact condition remains critical and sensitive details were not released.
Why this feels like déjà vu for New Jersey golfers
This frightening incident follows a string of recent lightning tragedies in the state. Less than two months earlier, 28-year-old Simon John Mariani was struck at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hardyston on July 8 and died from his injuries on July 14. In that case, an alarm had sounded to warn people to seek shelter, but some golfers reportedly did not hear it. Around the same time, Robert Montgomery, 61, was fatally struck while at an archery range in Jackson Township.
Those events and the latest strike at Pinch Brook are part of a wider, grim tally: 13 lightning-related fatalities reported across the U.S. so far in 2025, including two recent deaths in New Jersey. While the National Weather Service notes that the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than 1 in a million, the emotional impact on local clubs and outdoor communities is enormous — and the numbers nationwide still average about 27 deaths annually.
How courses and parks are reacting
The recent spate of incidents has pushed local authorities and parks to act. Over a dozen parks in Paterson have rolled out a new weather alert system to warn people when storms approach. Golf courses and outdoor venues are being reminded to review their policies for lightning warnings, evacuation plans for players on the course, and clear procedures for clubhouse staff and marshals.
What golfers should take away
As a golf writer who watches the game and its people closely, this is the kind of wake-up call that hits home. Golfers love the freedom of the course — the open sky, the walk, the rhythm — but that same open sky can become dangerous in the blink of an eye. It’s worth treating every thunder roll as a call to action:
- Have a plan before you tee off. Know where you’ll take shelter if weather turns.
- Pay attention to course alerts and alarms. If you don’t hear an alarm, check with staff immediately.
- When thunder is heard, seek safe shelter indoors or in a fully enclosed vehicle with windows up — do not wait.
- If someone is struck, call emergency services and begin CPR if trained. Bystander intervention can and does save lives.
In the clubhouse and on the course: practical steps
For course managers and players alike, simple steps can reduce risk. Make sure alarm systems are tested, marshal coverage is visible during storms, and signage reminds players of lightning safety. Clubhouses should be ready to receive players quickly and have staff trained to handle medical emergencies. These aren’t glamorous details, but they matter more than any gear on the bag.
What this means for golf culture
There’s a cultural bend in golf toward independence — many players prefer finishing a hole, getting one more swing. But when the sky turns angry, the smart move is the team move: trust the warnings, trust the course staff, and leave the vanity behind. If you love the game, you want to keep playing it for many years. Safety is part of that future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Pinch Brook Golf Course?
A 36-year-old golfer was struck by lightning between the 2nd and 16th holes shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17. Bystanders performed CPR and first responders revived the man before he was taken to a hospital and later transferred for further treatment.
How common are lightning strikes affecting golfers?
Lightning strikes that cause injuries are rare but not unheard of. The National Weather Service estimates the odds of being struck in a given year are less than 1 in a million, but outdoor activities like golf can increase exposure during storms. The U.S. averages about 27 lightning deaths per year.
What should golf clubs do to protect players?
Clubs should have clear lightning policies, working alarms, trained staff, visible marshals, and a plan to get players off the course and into safe shelter quickly. Regular drills and public reminders help.
What should a golfer do if someone is struck?
Call emergency services immediately. If it’s safe, check responsiveness and breathing. Trained bystanders should begin CPR. First responders should handle further medical care and transport.
Are there new safety measures in the area after recent incidents?
Yes. A number of parks in Paterson have implemented a new weather alert system. Local courses are also reviewing their protocols in response to recent strikes and fatalities.
Quick Reference Table: Lightning Safety for Golfers
| Topic | What to Know |
|---|---|
| When to stop play | At first sound of thunder or sight of lightning; do not wait for an alarm you might not hear. |
| Where to shelter | Fully enclosed building or closed vehicle with windows up. Avoid open pavilions and tall isolated trees. |
| If someone is struck | Call emergency services, begin CPR if trained, and wait for first responders. Bystander action matters. |
| Course policies | Test alarms regularly, position visible marshals, and post clear lightning-safety signage. |
| Statistics | Odds of strike in a year: less than 1 in a million. U.S. average deaths/year: about 27. 2025 reported U.S. fatalities so far: 13. |
The green is a sanctuary for many, but it can turn dangerous fast. Take the warnings seriously, look out for each other, and keep the game alive by being smart when the clouds roll in.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Golfer in Critical Condition After Lightning Strike at Pinch Brook
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for New England
Boston Weather Forecast: Variable Conditions Ahead
Additional Resources
- ABC7 NY
- Wikipedia: Lightning Strike
- 6ABC
- Google Search: Lightning Safety in Golf
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Lightning Strikes Golfers
- NJ101.5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- New York Post
- Google News: Florham Park Golf Lightning Strike
- News 12 New Jersey
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
