TEAMS of specialists have been checking trees at a golf course after a man was left fighting for his life on Thursday.

As reported, the casualty – a greenkeeper at Dibden Golf Centre – was operating a ride-on mower on the 18-hole course when a huge tree fell on top of him.

Officials at the club confirmed it would be open “business as usual” from today.

The incident happened in windy conditions and left the mower buried beneath a huge number of branches.

Following the accident, a probe was launched to find out exactly what happened.

Members of Environmental Health were on site, in Main Road, Dibden, to check the course ahead of its reopening this weekend.

Dibden Golf Centre is owned by New Forest District Council but managed by MyTime Active, which runs 18 courses across the country including in Southampton.

MyTime Active has operated the Dibden facility since April 2012, when it signed a 30-year contract with the Tory-controlled council.

The organisation, which delivers a variety of leisures services to local authorities, said it would keep its members and the public notified if there was an update.

Wellwishers posted messages to the casualty, who remains in hospital.

They included Hampshire PGA golf professional Shaun Hall. He tweeted: “Thoughts are with you all from Boundary Lakes and a speedy recovery.”

Paul Staples said: “Good luck and we all wish you a speedy recovery.”

Ian Harrison added: “Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.”

Golfers and onlookers expressed their shock at the accident, with people anxiously watching from the ground’s clubhouse as emergency services converged on the facility near Hythe.

Jackie Cleary, one of the people who took to social media after witnessing the aftermath of the incident, posted: “I saw all the emergency vehicles and the helicopter. A lot of commotion. Hope the poor chap survives.”