A 54-year-old golfer was hospitalized after a fight broke out at The Links at Heartland Crossing in Camby, Indiana last Friday. The incident reportedly happened after the man approached a group of golfers who played through while his party was in the clubhouse, as per Fox 59.
Fox 59 reported that the incident began after the 54-year-old golfer accused a group of golfers of breaching golf etiquette by "cutting in front" of his group. The other group of golfers reportedly included Jerry Whitaker, his wife, and another individual.
According to witness accounts reported by Fox 59, The 54-year-old's group stopped to order food at the clubhouse when the other group "played through". He then went up to the latter despite one of his own friends telling him “it wasn’t that big of a deal.” The man told police he confronted Whitaker's wife, telling her that she and her group were "a**holes" for not following the golf etiquette.
He also reportedly called her a "c***." He said that after the confrontation, the woman "flipped him off and went crying back to her group." The woman's husband then charged into the 54-year-old's group and asked him to apologize to his wife which the latter refused.
The confrontation escalated thereafter and Whitaker, 34, punched the 54-year-old several times. Whitaker then lifted him and slammed him into the ground. The victim's friends reported he lost consciousness and stopped breathing for "10 seconds."
After the altercation, the victim was transported to Indianapolis Hospital. Medical professionals at the hospital told police that the man was left with seven broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a fractured vertebra. He also received stitches on his forehead because of a severe laceration.
Other members of the 54-year-old's golf party reported that they played nine holes and took a break to grab food at the clubhouse. During this time, Whitaker's group decided to bypass them and continue playing. The victim's friend also tried to downplay the situation. Witnesses said that then the two men "got in each other’s faces," when Whitaker punched him.
Jerry Whitaker was arrested by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department
Jerry Whitaker, 34, who was reportedly involved in an altercation with a golfer at The Links at Heartland Crossing has been arrested by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. Whitaker is facing several charges, including aggravated battery (a Level 3 felony), battery resulting in serious bodily injury (a Level 5 felony), and disorderly conduct (a Class B misdemeanor).
Whitaker was released on a bond and his next court date is November 18. A level 3 felony in Indiana can be punishable by 3 to 16 years in prison while a conviction in a level 5 felony can lead to a jail sentence of one to six years. A Class B misdemeanor can lead to 180 days jail time and a fine of up to $1,000.