What Happened to Chris Schiavone Lightning Strike Incident?
Chris Schiavone, a golfer from Cincinnati, Ohio, gained widespread attention in August 2026 after he filmed the terrifying moment he was struck by lightning on a golf course. Despite the direct hit, Schiavone survived the incident, sustaining non-life-threatening burns to his arm and has since been discharged from the hospital, expressing immense gratitude for his survival.
Quick Answer
Chris Schiavone, a golfer in Cincinnati, Ohio, was struck by lightning on August 7, 2026, while taking shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm and filming his friends. The incident, which he captured on video, resulted in non-life-threatening burns to his arm. Schiavone was treated at a hospital and subsequently discharged, considering himself "unbelievably lucky" to have survived.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Lee Trevino Struck by Lightning
Legendary golfer Lee Trevino was struck by lightning during the Western Open. His heart reportedly stopped, and he sustained injuries that threatened his career, though he later made a full recovery and won another major.
Fatal Lightning Strike at U.S. Open
During the U.S. Open at Hazeltine National Golf Club, a severe thunderstorm led to a lightning strike near the 11th tee, injuring six spectators and fatally killing 27-year-old William Fadell.
Six Injured at PGA TOUR Championship
Six people were injured by debris after lightning struck a pine tree near the 16th green at East Lake Golf Club during the PGA TOUR Championship. Play had been suspended, but some fans were still in the area.
Fatal Lightning Strike in Gunter, Texas
A father and son were struck by lightning at The Bridges Golf Course in Gunter, Texas. The son, in his 40s, died, while his father, in his 70s, was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Golfer Hospitalized in West Linn, Oregon
A golfer at The Oregon Golf Club in West Linn was struck by lightning while alone and outside his golf cart. He regained consciousness, called for help, and was transported to the Emmanuel Burn Center in stable condition with entry and exit wounds.
PGA Tour Meteorologist Discusses John Deere Classic Storms
PGA Tour Meteorologist Stewart Williams discussed with News 8 Meteorologist Morgan Strackbein how storms could impact the 2026 John Deere Classic, highlighting ongoing concerns about weather safety in professional golf.
Lightning Strikes Flagstick in North Carolina
The 7th hole flagstick at Eagle Creek Golf Club and Grill in Myock, NC, took a direct lightning hit, shredding the flag and leaving a mark on the green, serving as a vivid reminder of lightning's power.
Lightning Strikes Vehicle on Florida Golf Course
A picture circulated showing a lightning strike near a vehicle on a Florida golf course, prompting meteorologists to reiterate warnings about lightning safety.
Chris Schiavone Struck by Lightning in Cincinnati
Chris Schiavone was struck by lightning on a golf course in Cincinnati, Ohio, while filming a storm. He sustained non-life-threatening burns to his arm and was later discharged from the hospital.
Chris Schiavone's Story Goes Viral
News outlets widely report on Chris Schiavone's lightning strike, with his self-filmed video going viral and sparking discussions about golf course safety during thunderstorms. He expresses gratitude for his survival.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The phenomenon of golfers being struck by lightning, while statistically rare, remains a significant hazard in the sport due to the open nature of golf courses and the presence of metal clubs. One of the most recent and widely reported incidents occurred on August 7, 2026, when Chris Schiavone was struck by lightning on a golf course in Cincinnati, Ohio. Schiavone had sought shelter under a tree during a severe thunderstorm and was filming his golf partners when a lightning bolt appeared to strike his golf cart and him.
Schiavone described the experience as "extremely terrifying and painful," reporting that the strike knocked him to the ground and temporarily left him unable to hear or feel his body. He suffered burns to his arm but was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital before being discharged. Meteorologist Matt Devitt, who shared Schiavone's viral video, confirmed his recovery and noted Schiavone's sentiment of being "unbelievably lucky" to be alive.
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers of lightning on golf courses, a risk that has affected golfers for decades. A notable historical case involves legendary golfer Lee Trevino, who was struck by lightning in 1975 during the Western Open. Trevino's heart reportedly stopped, and doctors initially believed his career was over. However, he made a remarkable comeback, winning his sixth major championship nine years later at the age of 44. More recently, in June 2025, a lightning strike at The Bridges Golf Course in Gunter, Texas, resulted in the death of one golfer and critical injury to another. Just a month prior to Schiavone's incident, on June 27, 2026, another golfer in West Linn, Oregon, was hospitalized after being struck by lightning at The Oregon Golf Club, sustaining an entry and two exit wounds but remaining in stable condition.
Golf courses and governing bodies like the PGA Tour have implemented various safety protocols, including lightning detection systems and evacuation procedures, to mitigate risks. However, incidents continue to occur, underscoring the importance of individual awareness and adherence to safety guidelines, such as seeking immediate shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle when thunder is heard or lightning is spotted. The National Weather Service reports that while lightning kills approximately 20 people annually in the U.S., the idea of golfers being the most frequent victims is a myth, with fishing and hunting statistically accounting for more fatalities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chris Schiavone Lightning Strike Incident made different choices?