Spat Over Course Etiquette Leads To Assault After Golfer Calls Man’s Wife Derogatory Term

Indiana: A casual day on the golf course in Camby escalated into a violent altercation, leaving one man hospitalized and another behind bars.

Fight Over Golf Etiquette Turns Violent

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the Links at Heartland Crossing golf course, located just outside of Indianapolis. Deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call about the fight. Upon arrival, they found the victim in the back of an ambulance, severely injured.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim was playing golf with friends when they finished the first nine holes and decided to stop at the clubhouse for food. While inside, a group consisting of two men and a woman allegedly cut in front of them, heading directly to the 10th tee. The victim expressed his frustration, citing poor golf etiquette, as the group had not asked permission to “play through.”

Argument Escalates to Assault

The victim, irritated by the group’s actions, confronted the woman as she left the clubhouse in a golf cart. According to the affidavit, he told her they were being disrespectful for cutting in front of them. In response, the woman allegedly flipped him off and returned to her group visibly upset. Moments later, her husband, 34-year-old Jerry Whitaker, approached the victim, demanding an apology for insulting his wife. Whitaker accused the victim of calling his wife an offensive name.

When the victim refused to apologize, Whitaker became violent, punching the victim multiple times in the face. According to witness statements, the victim fell to the ground after being struck, but Whitaker continued the assault by picking him up and slamming him onto the ground, rendering the victim unconscious. Witnesses also reported that the victim appeared to stop breathing for a few seconds and was bleeding profusely from a head wound.

Serious Injuries and Arrest

The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was treated for significant injuries, including seven broken ribs, a punctured lung, a fractured vertebrae, and a deep cut on his forehead that required several stitches. Meanwhile, law enforcement arrested Whitaker on multiple charges, including aggravated battery, disorderly conduct, and battery. He has since been released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 18. When contacted for comment, Whitaker’s lawyer declined to respond.

This altercation, sparked by an argument over golf etiquette, serves as a reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control. The victim’s injuries are severe, and the legal consequences for Whitaker may be equally serious as the case moves forward in the Indiana courts.