Fire destroys clubhouse at West Essex Golf Club in England

The clubhouse at West Essex Golf Club near London burned Monday, with dramatic video showing the two-story structure engulfed in flame as firefighters battled the blaze. No injuries were reported, and there has been no report on what might have started the fire, according to multiple online stories from England. 

Located in Chingford, England – just north of London – West Essex was founded in 1900 and features a golf course designed by James Braid.

Before becoming a prominent golf course architect, the Scottish Braid was part of the Great Triumvirate of players along with Harry Vardon and John Henry Taylor, and he won five Open Championships from 1901 to 1910. Braid went on to design some 400 golf courses. 

The club’s website reports that the clubhouse opened in 1989 overlooking the 16th and 18^th holes with views in the distance of the London skyline. 

The BBC reported that close to 60 firefighters responded to the scene.