Major flooding in and around The Greenbrier in West Virginia has raised the possibility that the resort may not be able to host the PGA Tour's The Greenbrier Classic in two weeks.
UPDATE: The 2016 Greenbrier Classic has been canceled
Thursday rains in Greenbrier County, in the southeastern portion of the state, led to the declaration of a state of emergency. A number of residents in White Sulphur Springs, the town in which Greenbrier is located, were stranded in the highest rooms of their homes, awaiting rescue and hoping to avoid the flood waters.
In addition to the flood damage, landslides have been reported in the mountainous area, with more anticipated by the National Weather Service, which maintains a Flash Flood Emergency for the 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.
Prayers for @The_Greenbrier & surrounding areas. We are without power & it's still raining. Never seen this much rain! #WestVirginiaBeSafe
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) June 23, 2016
Watson also shared video of the flooding on the Old White.
Hope @The_Greenbrier drys out soon!! #GreenbrierClassic #hole18-17-1 pic.twitter.com/n2HRUTYpw7
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) June 23, 2016