Wildfire rages across Nebraska golf course, contained by fast-acting staff
Josh Sens - GOLF - February 28, 2024
We’ve seen scorching performances before, but this was extreme
On Monday morning, when a fast-moving wildfire raged across the Sandhills of Nebraska, one of the landmarks in its path was GrayBull Golf Club, a soon-to-be completed course, tucked amid the dunes and prairie grasses, just east of North Platte.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, the course, which is part of the Dormie Network of private clubs, has all its holes grassed in and much of its infrastructure in place, including a clubhouse, 15 cottages and a party barn.
At around 10:30 a.m., GrayBull director of agronomy Michael Sheely, who was on site with several members of his crew, looked to the west and saw dark plumes rising over North Platte, some 15 miles away. According to radio reports, the blaze, which investigators believe was started by a lawnmower, was spreading quickly, whipped by winds of 40 to 50 miles per hour.
“We heard those first reports, and then suddenly the fire was only eight miles away,” Sheely says. “By noon, we could see flames.”
Fifteen minutes later, the fire had reached the course.
Help Fight Fires in the Nebraska Sandhills
A fundraiser has been kickstarted to support the Maxwell Volunteer Fire Department to fight future wildfires in the region and protect the Sandhills. All funds raised up to $100,000 will be matched by Dormie Network and will help with the purchase of another fire engine for and to expand the current facilities of the Maxwell Volunteer Fire Department. All donations up to $100,000 will be doubled.
A donation of $100 or more enters you to win a 2-day, 1-night Stay and Play.
