Capital City Country Club, located in Tallahassee, Florida, recently suffered significant damage due to severe storms that ravaged the area. The club’s general manager, Evan Neihaus, was shocked by the extent of the destruction when he arrived at the club following the storms. The National Weather Service confirmed that at least two EF-2 tornadoes and 100-mph straight-line winds had struck Tallahassee, causing widespread damage to the club’s facilities and golf course.
The historic Capital City Country Club, nestled among the pines and Spanish Oaks of the Myers Park District, has been a staple in the community for over 100 years. The storms downed hundreds of trees along the course, damaged the clubhouse, pro shop, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and five tennis courts, leaving many members heartbroken. Despite the devastation, the club’s maintenance workers were on the course when the storm hit, seeking shelter and safety as the winds wreaked havoc.
The club’s maintenance staff, who were preparing for a tournament hosted by Miller’s Tree Service, acted quickly to return to the maintenance shop as the weather worsened. Cameron Dowden, a maintenance worker, described the terrifying experience of hearing trees snap as the storm intensified. Capital City Country Club is known for its challenging 18-hole course, which was ranked the best in Tallahassee and the 13th best in the state of Florida by Golfweek in 2021. The semi-private club is beloved by its members for its layout, elevation changes, and well-maintained facilities.
Club President Blake Hayward informed members that the club and golf course will be closed indefinitely while the damage is assessed and repaired. The closure has left many long-time members saddened by the loss of a place with so much history and memories. Despite the challenges, there is optimism among members that the club will reopen as soon as possible and continue to provide a quality golfing experience. The greens superintendent’s efforts in maintaining the course have not gone unnoticed, with many members praising the condition of the greens.
In conclusion, the recent storms that struck Tallahassee have caused significant damage to the iconic Capital City Country Club. The club’s facilities and golf course sustained extensive destruction, leaving many members heartbroken and in disbelief. Despite the challenges, the club’s management and staff are working diligently to assess the damage and begin the process of rebuilding. The closure of the club has impacted members who cherished the history and camaraderie of the club, but there is hope for a swift recovery and reopening. The community remains united in its support for the restoration efforts of the Capital City Country Club, a cherished landmark in Tallahassee.
