Shadow Creek

The water wasn't all that deep, but the narrow rickety bridge spanning it sloped precipitously toward a potentially embarrassing situation.

It was the inaugural Jamie Farr Toledo Classic held at the Glengarry C.C. This was a welcome change from the cookie cutter tournaments we usually play. The course was dotted with concession tents, masquerading as MASH units, olive green and adorned with a large red cross. We even had a caddie, giving his impression of Corporal Klinger, work the entire final round in drag.

We had never played Glengarry prior to that week, so on Monday all the caddies walked the course to check the yardages. The first par five was a long dogleg left. About thirty yards off the tee you come to what was to be known as Shadow Creek.

It wasn't very wide and the bridge didn't look very safe. Sloping sharply from right to left, with a pronounced sag in the middle, I remembered thinking it would very easy to misstep and wind up in the drink. The sign proclaiming "No Carts" warned the members of the bridge's shortcomings. 

Jeff Jones (Shadow) was working for Vicki Singleton that week. He got his nickname by following everyone around just like their shadows. The practice round was uneventful until that hole. While crossing the bridge Shadow turned to talk to his player and the inevitable happened. Off he went! But all was not lost. He made a great save and the clubs never touched the water. 

Upon reaching the bridge the next day I couldn't help myself. Above the warning of "No Carts" I wrote "Shadow Creek". It was still there the next year.

To Vicki's credit she never lost confidence in "Shad". She  finished 2 under and tied for fourth.

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