Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose has joined golfers across Manchester in passing on support to Northenden Golf Club after their clubhouse was gutted by fire yesterday.
The blaze ‘all but destroyed’ the century-old building after it was engulfed by flames in the early hours of Sunday morning and firefighters took two hours to bring under control.
The Palatine Road club, known as ‘Manchester’s jewel in the crown’, has received a flood of messages from well-wishers on Twitter, most notably from 2013 US Open champion Rose, who top-scored in last month’s Europe vs USA clash.
Very sorry to hear of the clubhouse fire @NorthendenGolf today. My thoughts are with you.
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) October 19, 2014
And the message from the Florida-based professional went down well among the devastated club members after it was announced the club would be closed indefinitely in the wake of the fire.
That’s so kind @JustinRose99. Our members will love this! What a gentleman.
— Northenden Golf Club (@NorthendenGolf) October 19, 2014
No one was injured in the blaze, though one man was rescued prior to the fire service’s arrival shortly before 6am.
Despite extinguishing the fire, the building was too badly damaged to be saved, with terminal damage to the roof and first floor, and has been partially-demolished.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
Our clubhouse at the turn of the 20th century, last Summer, this morning @NorthendenGolf #WeGoAgain pic.twitter.com/EGEDjPVkGA
— Ant (@Swiss69) October 19, 2014
A statement released by the club directors read: “During the night of Sunday 18th October Northenden Golf Club experienced a fire in the clubhouse that has all but destroyed the building.
“A full investigation is underway to assess the extent of the damage and in the meantime the course will be closed until further notice.
“We will endeavour to be back up and running as soon as possible and will update members when we have more news.”
Greater Manchester Fire Station Manager Jon Crawley said: “We received the call at 5.20am this morning and spent several hours tackling the fire in the 100-year-old building.
“When crews arrived at the premises the Golf Steward who lives on-site had self-rescued and escaped uninjured.
“The two-storey building was well alight, but firefighters from Moss Side, Withington and Wythenshawe worked hard to tackle the fire using hose reel and a high volume pump and we also used an aerial appliance to get water in to the building from above.
“We are now liaising with the club director to see how we can support the members through what is obvious quite a tragic and unpleasant experience.”
And golf enthusiasts and clubs across Manchester joined Rose in passing on messages of support to the fire-stricken club and their members.
Devastated to hear news of the clubhouse fire @NorthendenGolf today. We wish the club best of luck coming back bigger & better.
— Your Golf Travel (@yourgolftravel) October 19, 2014
Shocked and saddened to hear @NorthendenGolf has burned down. Lovely club with strong links to United and the Former Players’ Association.
— Mark Froggatt (@Mark_Froggatt) October 19, 2014
@NorthendenGolf devastating scenes today best wishes from all at @HeatonMoorGC anything we can do to help you know where we are .
— Danny Procter (@DannyP_72) October 19, 2014
Image courtesy of Manchester Fire via YouTube with thanks
