Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Huge sinkhole swallows pond and bunkers after appearing on US golf course

The hole appeared on the Top of the Rock course in Missouri, where a PGA Tour event was played last month

Lizzie Dearden
Saturday 23 May 2015 17:20 BST
Comments
The sinkhole at the Top of the Rock Golf Course in Branson
The sinkhole at the Top of the Rock Golf Course in Branson (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A huge sinkhole has opened up on a US golf course where the world’s top golfers competed just last month.

The crater, which is 80ft wide and 35ft deep, swallowed part of a pond, turf and bunkers on the Top of the Rock complex in Branson, Missouri.

Managers told the Associated Press that it would not affect play at the main course, where it costs $135 (£90) to play nine holes.

A sinkhole at the Top of the Rock Golf Course in Branson
A sinkhole at the Top of the Rock Golf Course in Branson (AP)

The phenomenon started as two sinkholes near the golf course entrance before they merged into one on Friday, local media reported.

Top of the Rock lies in the Ozark Mountains, which frequently see the appearance of sinkholes thanks to the water wearing away bedrock below the ground.

The chasm has been fenced off for safety but before it is filled in, geologists will carry out research to discover more about the local topography.

In 2013, a golfer was swallowed by another sinkhole at the Annbriar Golf Course in Illinois but survived the fall.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in