“Total loss and devastation.” That is what Hurricane Helene meant to many, including John Daly. Saddening, not to mention how incredibly frustrating and scary it was to be under nature’s wrath. But if you think the worst has passed, that might just turn out to be wishful thinking. Another danger is on its way to Florida, and the golf world has already been affected!

Many golf courses, including the Southern Oaks Championship Golf Course, along with many recreation facilities, as per Villages News, have been shut down. The reason? Well, the National Hurricane Center has forecasted the arrival of Tropical Storm Milton into Central Florida.

That’s not all. The forecast also indicates a probability for Tropical Storm Milton to reach the strength of a hurricane, all the while hitting Central Florida by the middle of this week. In preparation for the same, Gov. Ron DeSantis had gone ahead to declare a state of emergency in as many as 35 counties. It seems like the tragedy that hit many, including John Daly, might happen again!

Coming back to the case at hand. Much to the dismay of many, a lot of grounds, including the Southern Oaks Championship golf course, were closed to manage the stormwater retention basins. The reason? Well, the storm Milton, which is developing in the Gulf of Mexico, will bring with it to Florida torrential rainfall by the week.

Other facilities, including the likes of Sweetgum, Longleaf, and Loblolly, were also shut down owing to the same on October 5, Saturday. Meanwhile, the grounds, including Mira Mesa, Truman, Oakleigh, Roosevelt, and Silver Lake, were already closed owing to Hurricane Helene. Yes, the same tragedy that made many, including John Daly, lose their homes and so much more.

John Daly faces much loss and devastation

“Prayers for all those in the path of the Big Bend!” wrote the senior golfer before Mother Nature hit the state of Florida with Hurricane Helene. “God bless and everyone, please be safe during Hurricane Helene! #thisismyhome.” The prayer sent waves along the community, causing many to extend their wishes to John Daly and his family, along with the other people who were in Helene’s way.

Soon after, he shared an update as he addressed his fans and well-wishers. “For everyone that has reached out, my family is all safe, but all our homes are not!” divulged the 58-year-old. “As water is pouring out of every crevice! Total loss and devastation after living here all my life! I still cannot imagine ALL we have lost, but we are safe, and all can be replaced! Praise God!” 

The 2-time major winner then took to confirm how his home in Clearwater, Florida, was lost to the hurricane, along with three or four homes that belonged to his close friends and family. Although the golfer only used to visit his Clearwater home at times, it held a close meaning to him because of the memories it had. “I more think it’s the memories that mom, Chrissy and Matty over the years have in that house,” conveyed Daly. “The memories is what you miss when you lose something like that.”

A lot of devastation and destruction took place because of Hurricane Helene. Major cities, including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, were especially hard hit. This resulted in the authorities declaring a state of emergency in these five states.

It’s truly quite disheartening to witness many suffer at the hands of the hurricane. But as the senior athlete expressed, we can only convey our hope and prayer towards those who lost so much because of the tragedy.