Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County officials commended the joint efforts of county crews that enabled a rapid reopening of Brighton Dale Links after a severe storm caused major damage in May.

The Brighton Dale Links golf complex, which spans 45 holes and is the county’s largest facility, along with its neighboring park, was heavily affected by a thunderstorm on May 15. According to Jim Wallace, Kenosha County’s director of golf, wind gusts reached up to 60 miles per hour and hail the size of golf balls damaged more than 140 trees across the 550-acre property. Debris was scattered throughout golf courses, trails, and surrounding grounds.

Wallace said straight-line winds entered from the southwest corner and moved northeast through the property. The Blue Spruce course suffered the most, with large trees blocking fairways and significant damage to two greens. Safety concerns included hanging limbs and leaning trees worsened by continued winds after the storm.

Cleanup operations began immediately. “Thanks to our teams mobilizing quickly and harmoniously, debris was cleared, and the facility was reopened to golfers as soon as possible,” said County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “I can’t say enough about how proud I am of the staff from various Public Works divisions who came together to tackle this challenge.”

Golf Course Superintendent Randy Schultz arrived within half an hour after the storm passed to clear debris from entrance roads and assess damages. By early morning, less than 12 hours later, staff from Golf, Parks, and Highways divisions had started restoration work.

Eighteen holes were reopened within 24 hours; another eighteen followed within 48 hours; all forty-five were back in operation by May 23.

“To have 36 holes of golf re-opened within 48 hours was an amazing accomplishment by our staff, and it could not have been done without crews from our Parks Division coming over to help us,” Wallace said.

County Board Supervisor Bill Grady visited Brighton Dale Links after the storm. He noted that while some trees were uprooted as expected with straight-line winds, others snapped at their trunks—suggesting rotational forces may also have played a role in the destruction.

“The damage being as widespread as it was, at the outset it was rather uncertain of how long the capacity to have players on the course would be impacted,” Grady said. “But with the pulling together of Golf, Parks and Highways staff, it’s truly a testament to their capabilities that the facility was open for a golf outing the day after the storm damage was evaluated.”

Grady also acknowledged County Executive Kerkman for her involvement at the site starting on storm night.

Elsewhere in Kenosha County, intense winds and hail damaged vehicles, rooftops, and additional trees according to reports from the National Weather Service.

Wallace emphasized that coordinated action helped reduce disruption: “This was probably the best place for a storm of this nature to hit,” he said. “Had it struck a more densely populated area, the outcome could have been much worse. This event serves as a reminder that severe weather can strike at any time —and that with communication and collaboration, we’re able to meet the challenge.”

Brighton Dale Links is one of several recreational facilities serving Kenosha County residents alongside schools such as Indian Trail High School & Academy (2,001 students), Tremper High School (1,458), and Bradford High School (1,448) during 2023-24 (source). The county's student population is diverse: white students made up about 55.6% (14,124) in that year; Hispanic students accounted for approximately 25.7% (6,528); Black students represented around 10.4% (2,642); American Indian students were among smaller groups at just 0.2% (source).

More information about Brighton Dale Links is available at www.kenoshacountygolf.com/.