Watch shocking moment lightning bolt destroys tree during US Women’s Open

THIS is the shocking moment a lightning bolt struck a tree at the US Women's open.

The astonishing moment was caught on camera just moments after crowds had been asked to clear the course.

Charleston Country Club is hosting the event and the television cameras caught every second of the dramatic incident.

Images show a huge bolt of lightning striking an oak near the 18th green - nearly splitting the ancient tree in half.

Luckily, no one was injured as the storm warning had been issued just moments before which prompted crowds to make their way to safe zones.

Despite the dramatic scenes, play continued at the South Carolina course just 90 minutes after.

Slowed down images show the bolt travel right through the trunk of the tree illuminating the surrounding area.

Somehow the tree stayed standing despite the powerful shock from the heavens.

Mamiko Higa currently tops the leader board at -6.

England's Jodie Ewart Shadoff is T66 at +1 heading into the final day on Sunday.