Armed Robbery in the 16th Fairway

When I think about avoiding danger on the golf course, it's usually in reference to laying up short of a fairway bunker, keeping my ball away from the water or preventing golf stains from ruining new golf pants.

Steering clear of trouble took on a very different meaning Wednesday afternoon at Newman Golf Course, an 18-hole layout in Peroria, Illinois that is part of the city's Park District.

The Peoria Journal Star reported that two 19-year-old men attempted to rob a golfer at gunpoint as the man played the par-5 16th hole around 1:15 p.m.

As the man attempted a getaway in his golf cart, on of the robbers fired a shot.

Luckily the man wasn't hit by the bullet, was able to reach the clubhouse safely and provided a detailed description of the assailants, who were later apprehended by Peoria Police.

"That's a first for me," said Bill Woolard, superintendent of golf for the Peoria Park District.

Ironically, a top headline in the Peoria Journal Star's sports section was 'Armed in Outfield,' which topped a story about one of the talented young outfielders on the city's minor league baseball team, which is an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. 

The google earth aerial photo here shows Sterling Avenue on the left, which is where the 16th green was situated according to the report. At the top of the photo is Newman Parkway, which was used as the escape route for the bandits.

This is certainly one way to increase pace of play, but I doubt it will catch on.

Email (will not be published)

Name

Title

Comment
 remaining characters

Post