Fighting On The Links

Nicholas Shampine, 33, of Puyallup has been charged with second-degree assault for hitting another golfer in the head with his 6-iron during an argument at Auburn Golf Course on July 13.

The victim, James Compton, 45, of Puyallup suffered a broken cheekbone, skull fracture and a subdural hematoma. He arrived in serious condition and is now in satisfactory condition and out of the intensive care unit.

It was in the middle of a sunny Sunday when the phone rang at the pro shop. The foursome of Compton; Jerry Jackola, 51; and Compton's stepsons, Shiloh Richter, 32, and Ramey Harguess, 32, called to complain about the slow-playing group in front of them. That foursome included Shampine; Shampine's dad, Jerry, 57; Shampine's brother, Greg, 34; and family friend John Harris, 43.

Because the course marshal was on the front nine, head pro Chris Morris asked John Coffey, who works behind the counter, to handle the complaint.

When he got to the 13th hole, Coffey asked Compton's group to be patient. He talked to Shampine's group, which volunteered to let Compton's group play through. But Coffey said it wouldn't help with several groups in front of them.

Nicholas Shampine saw the wrestling match and noticed that Harguess and Richter were on both sides of his brother.

"For me, it looked like I needed to go protect (him)," Nicholas Shampine said.

While struggling with Greg Shampine, Compton was facing Nicholas Shampine when he was hit on the left side of his head and face. The 6-iron was swung with such force that the shaft was bent, and Compton fell to the ground.

Fighting On the Links