A powerful storm system swept across south-central Kansas on Monday evening, leading to significant disruptions throughout the region. One of the most affected sites was Crestview Country Club in Wichita, the designated venue for the upcoming Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, a prestigious stop on the Korn Ferry Tour.
This sudden weather event brought with it extremely strong winds, with reports of gusts reaching up to 101 mph, according to KWCH, a local news outlet.
The damage was widespread, knocking out power in multiple neighborhoods and causing extensive harm to infrastructure, including public and private properties.
Korn Ferry Tour Issues Closure Statement
In response to the storm damage, the Korn Ferry Tour released an official statement confirming the temporary closure of the golf course and its practice facilities.
“Due to extensive storm damage throughout Wichita, the golf course and practice facilities at Crestview Country Club have been closed for the remainder of the day,” the statement read.
“The agronomy team is working tirelessly to repair damages and prepare the grounds for the tournament competition. The golf course grounds are planning to reopen tomorrow morning.”
This decision was made in the interest of safety and event readiness, as crews began assessing the damage and removing debris almost immediately.
Storm Leaves a Visible Mark on the Golf Course
Photos and videos from the aftermath at Crestview Country Club show the extent of the storm’s impact. Large tree limbs were downed, hospitality areas suffered structural damage, and debris was scattered across the greens and fairways.
The cleanup and repair process is currently in full swing, with grounds crews and support staff working around the clock to restore the course in time for the tournament.
While the golf course remained closed on Tuesday, officials aim to reopen the facilities by Wednesday, giving players at least one day of practice before competition begins.
Wichita Open to Proceed as Planned
Despite the challenges, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open remains scheduled to start on Thursday, June 19. The tournament is a key part of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Midwest swing, which continues the following week in Springfield, Illinois, with the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS.
This event is not only a significant opportunity for rising golf talents but also a major draw for local fans and sponsors.
Organizers are determined to ensure the tournament proceeds without delays, relying on rapid response and cleanup efforts to keep everything on track.
Wichita Area Hit Hard by Storm
Beyond the golf course, the Wichita community also bore the brunt of the storm. Local reports highlighted widespread power outages, fallen trees, and damaged structures.
Emergency crews have been deployed across the region to assist in restoration efforts, while utility companies work to bring electricity back to affected households and businesses.
Residents are being urged to exercise caution while cleanup operations continue, especially in areas where debris and fallen wires remain hazards.
As preparations resume, both players and fans are hopeful for clear skies and smooth play throughout the tournament week. The resilience shown by organizers highlights the importance of adaptability in hosting major sporting events under unpredictable conditions.
The unexpected storm that hit Wichita on Monday evening delivered high-speed winds and caused substantial disruption, particularly at Crestview Country Club, the host venue for the upcoming Korn Ferry Tour event.
Thanks to the fast and dedicated work of the agronomy team and event staff, the venue is expected to be restored in time for the Wichita Open, which remains on schedule.
The incident underscores both the unpredictability of nature and the resilience of communities and event organizers in the face of such challenges.