A large tree branch fell during Wednesday’s Pro-Am tournament at Firestone Country Club, just one day before the Kaulig Companies Championship was scheduled to begin in Akron.

The branch, which was about 9 to 12 meters long, suddenly crashed to the ground between the first and ninth holes shortly before 3 p.m. A team of chainsaws managed to clear the tree out of the way relatively quickly.

The PGA Tour Champions released the following statement regarding the incident:

“Today at approximately 2:40 p.m., a portion of a tree at Firestone Country Club broke off and struck a spectator as it fell to the ground. Club and tournament medical personnel immediately responded, caring for the fan and administering first aid. Local emergency responders arrived on scene shortly thereafter and transported the spectator from the course to a local hospital where he received further medical care. After the fan was safely transported off the grounds, club grounds personnel removed the fallen portion of the tree from the grounds.

“We remain in contact with the spectator and will continue to follow and monitor his recovery. The safety and well-being of all participants in our tournaments is always our top priority.”

The festivities began on Wednesday with a Pro-Am. The tournament begins on Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning will be honored with this year’s Ambassador of Golf Award on Thursday evening for his work inside and outside the golf world.

This is the second consecutive year that Kaulig Companies, a Hudson-based company involved in sports, entertainment, home products, financial services and philanthropy, is sponsoring the tournament.

Ryan Lewis can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on threads at @ByRyanLewis.

The story originally appeared on GolfWeek