Less than two weeks away from The Greenbrier Classic, the iconic West Virgnia resort’s golf courses are underwater after major flooding from torrential rains in the southeastern portion of the state.
Thursday rains in Greenbrier County led to the declaration of a state of emergency. Many residents of White Sulphur Springs, the town in which The Greenbrier is located, were stranded in the highest rooms of their homes, awaiting rescue and hoping to avoid the flood waters.
In addition to substantial flood damage, landslides and mudslides have been reported in the mountainous area. Officials said anywhere from 1-4 inches of rain fell in a three-hour period on Thursday evening.
“It’s like nothing I’ve seen,” said Greenbrier owner Jim Justice in a Thursday statement. “But our focus right now isn’t on the property, the golf course or anything else. We’re praying for the people and doing everything we can to get them the help they need.”
Bubba Watson, who has a home in The Greenbrier’s Sporting Club development, is in the area. and shared video and imagery of the flooding on the host course, the Old White TPC.
It’s unclear right now if the tournament can still be held, though it appears doubtful. Justice, who is also the Democratic candidate for West Virginia governor, had intended to offer free admission to the tournament as part of a political fight with Republicans in the state legislature over their nearly $ 4 million in annual support for the event.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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