The father of a Co Tyrone teenager has told how his son was left ‘battered and bruised’ after a lightning strike during a golf tournament in the USA.
Cookstown man Ryan Murphy (19) was following Rory McIlroy when lightning struck a tree he and several other people were taking shelter under.
He was later taken to hospital before being released.
He and his father Terry Murphy are both members of Killymoon Golf Club in Cookstown.
Mr Murphy took to Facebook last night to speak about his family's shock.
"He's battered, bruised and a bit shaken up. You never ever think you’re going to get that gut wrenching call.
"(It's) hard to deal with when it’s on the other side of the world but our little community stretches right around the world and the help was amazing.
"I spoke to Ryan and he explained he was at the base of the tree when it was struck and they were just blown of their feet unconscious.
"Having seen the video we are so thankful he’s alive."
Arrangements are now being to bring him home.
