Cleanup efforts continue at Yankee Run Golf Course

By SAMANTHA PHILLIPS

sphillips@vindy.com

BROOKFIELD

The community is volunteering time and tools to help clear storm debris and fallen trees from Yankee Run Golf Course.

Thanks in part to all of that help, the golf course’s owners expect to reopen to the public Saturday.

The golf course was in the path Sunday of an EF1 tornado that swept through Brookfield Township up to West Hill in Masury.

Gary McMullin, golf course co-owner, said about 300 trees fell on the course, but at least a thousand more were down in the woods surrounding the course, including a wall of trees that used to completely block the view from state Route 82.

McMullin said between 70 and 80 people have volunteered since Sunday, and at least 50 people were there Sunday alone. The golf course management’s families have been part of the cleanup efforts.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support from the community,” McMullin said.

“We were watching the storm and when we saw it go over the first green, we knew we were in trouble,” he recalled.

Patti Luchette, golf course general manager, said the course has been with her family for 88 years. She, McMullin, and co-owner Paul McMullin are cousins.

It was hard for the family to see the damage caused by the storm, but they are touched by the almost-immediate response from patrons who became friends over the years and community members.

“There was golf cart after golf cart going back to the courses,” Luchette said. “It was Father’s Day, but fathers were bringing their families to come help. People were bringing their rakes; at least 50 people were there the first day.”

People even brought chain saws to help clear trees.

Tuesday afternoon, volunteers were still working hard to restore the course.

Luchette said businesses including Mr. D’s and Strimbu Trucking, and even other golf courses, were assisting by sending food or volunteers.

“Every golf course in the area has extended well-wishes,” Luchette said.

A couple of tournaments had to be canceled, including a Girard Alumni Association tournament scheduled for Monday.

But Luchette said the important thing is that nobody was hurt.

“People keep coming back to help, even though it’s not the most fun thing to do, being out there cleaning everything up,” Paul McMullin said. “We’re very grateful.”

Anyone interested in helping out can call the golf course at 330-448-8096.