Clody's One Eye returns Sept. 13

Sometimes a joke among friends can get way out of hand.

In the case of Terry Clodfelter and his friends, one joke has lasted more than two decades, and way more than $100,000 has been spent in its name.

And that's a good thing.

The annual Clody's One Eye Golf Scramble is set for its 21st year on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Old Hickory Golf Course.

The world's only one-eyed golf tournament has done a lot of good during its 21-year run, raising more than $130,000 for the Riley Children's Hospital ophthalmology department, but it all started out as a joke.

Clodfelter, who has sight in just one eye, got tired of taking grief from his friends about his golf game.

Instead of simply complaining, he challenged all of them to play with just one eye, and the tradition of golfing in an eye patch was born.

Rather than remaining just a fun time for friends to laugh about, the tradition grew into a tournament to make a difference for kids going through the same challenges Clodfelter had experienced.

Sponsored again this year by Greencastle Elks Lodge 1077, the scramble is set for an 11 a.m. start at a cost of $100 per two-man team. Mulligans will be available for $5 per player. Registration begins at 10 a.m.

As always, the principal rule will be that all players are required to wear eye patches while hitting, thus making it a one-eyed golf tournament.

Removal of the eye patch for driving the cart is acceptable, if not encouraged.

The winning team will take home a prize of $300, followed by $200 for second and $100 for third.

Sponsors are needed for this year's tournament as well as players. All donations are 100-percent tax deductible.

Organizers are hoping for another big year after donating $5,700 to Riley in 2013.

A reception will follow the scramble at around 5 p.m. at the Greencastle Elks Lodge, 202 S. Indiana St.

To sign up a team or inquire about sponsorship, contact chairman Jim Skinner at 653-1449, Clodfelter at 653-9322, Jim Jackson at 720-8344, Brad Alspaugh at 653-7273 or Patty Evans at 376-4552.