'cross Jim Dixon's Bridge

Wayne emailed documentation of one of the great golfing achievements of the Dixon family:

The first golf "experience" Michael (Hostetler) had with his Grandpa Jim occurred at Killbuck Golf Club in Anderson at age 5 or 6. While he had been previously introduced to the game with "custom made cut-down" clubs from Grandpa, this was the first "course" outing. That alone would have made it memorable, but a single event on the back nine made it legendary -- at least in the Dixon family.

The 13th Hole (413 yards, par 4) is bisected by the mighty Killbuck Creek (or ditch most days). The tee shot for "mere mortals" is "blind" -- usually a lay-up to the bottom of the hill followed by a 2nd shot to an elevated green. The creek crosses the fairway at the bottom of the hill. Spanning the creek at its widest point is a modest concrete bridge (about 8' wide and 12' long) without siderails.

Near the bridge stands a "dinner bell" mounted on a post. By pulling on the rope attached to the bell the golfer signals "all clear" to the group back on the tee -- it's safe to proceed. This being Michael's first official visit to Killbuck, Grandpa thought Michael would get a "kick" out of ringing the bell (which I'm sure he did). Michael rang the bell successfully (and without incident). However, when he got back in the cart Grandpa accelerated (some say launched) it across the bridge. Unfortunately, he crossed the bridge's width, and not its length, propelling the two of them into the creek. Fortunately upright and unhurt, but with all four wheels in the mud. As was his nature, Grandpa Jim was unflappable and took it all in stride.

Michael's biggest (and single) concern was what Killbuck's golf pro Butch Penry's reaction was going to be. Their round abruptly ended, Michael and Grandpa Jim hiked cross country back to the clubhouse to admit their "misfortune" to Butch. A log chain and a little muscle later things were back to normal. From that day forward the "Jim Dixon Bridge" always reminds us fondly of the good ol' days and the many wonderful rounds of golf that followed with Grandpa Jim.

I've actually crossed "Jim Dixon's Bridge", and hit a few balls into the aforesaid creek. I had not heard this story, but somehow when I read the word "siderails", I knew what was coming.

Here's a an aerial view:
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Note: Most of our golfing history will be added to this or the first post about our golfing history. Be sure to check for updates or comments added to these posts. However, I thought this merited a special feature.