Video reveals aftermath of strong windstorm at Springville golf course

The recent powerful windstorm at Springville’s Hobble Creek Golf Course has caused extensive damage, leaving trees uprooted and debris scattered across the property. City officials reported that crews are currently working to clear the debris from the 75-acre golf course, an operation that is expected to take several days to complete.

Drone footage captured the aftermath of the storm, showing nearly 25 trees that had been knocked down during the extreme weather event. Long-time resident Tom Hortman expressed his surprise at the level of damage, noting the intensity of the winds that had caused havoc at the golf course. He mentioned, “A lot of wind. It was bad.” Having lived in the area for 40 years, Hortman stated that he had never witnessed a storm of this magnitude impacting the course before.

Craig Norman, the golf professional at Hobble Creek Golf Course, described the extensive cleanup efforts required following the storm. He highlighted the widespread distribution of debris from fallen trees across the fairways, emphasizing the significant amount of work ahead. Norman commented, “I mean, it’s just there’s a mess everywhere.” He estimated that clearing the branches and debris would take several days to complete, considering the sheer amount that needed to be cleaned up.

Despite the ownership of the golf course by the city, Norman clarified that the repairs and cleanup costs would not be covered by taxpayer dollars. Instead, the funds necessary for the restoration efforts would come out of the revenue generated by the golf course itself. As an enterprise fund, the course operates independently like a business entity, using its generated income for maintenance and operations.

Norman also highlighted the potential impact of the closure on revenue, citing varying weather conditions and demand as determining factors. He noted that the closure due to cleanup efforts could result in lost revenue, particularly on days where weather conditions were favorable for golfing. Norman stated, “If it was 80 degrees like it’s supposed to be on Thursday, and we might lose $10,000.” The uncertain timeline for the completion of cleanup and repairs meant that potential revenue losses could vary depending on external factors.

Despite the challenges posed by the storm’s aftermath, neighbors and golfers expressed their fondness for the course, emphasizing its status as a beloved destination in the canyon. Officials expressed their hopes to reopen the golf course by the end of the week, but acknowledged that the timeline was contingent on the efficiency of the cleanup efforts. As crews work diligently to clear the debris and restore Hobble Creek Golf Course to its former glory, the community remains optimistic about the future of this cherished recreational facility.