By Barbara Palmgren
Over the last two years, I introduced readers to each of our outstanding golf courses in the community. With fascinating stories of golf course layouts and the managers who organize and provide golf to members, community, and visitors, it’s no wonder Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties are a golf mecca for the Florida Panhandle.
Some courses are private; but, the majority are semi-private with members and open to public play. Important to each course is to develop opportunities for youth and members to compete. I have featured several civic and non-profit tournaments as well as tournaments for our young, ages 7 to 18 golfers.
With golf being an outdoor sport, often the weather is uncooperative. Still, if lightning is not eminent, rain gear and umbrellas protect the golfer who is sure that the next drive will hit the center of the fairway.
Each year at most clubs, the golf rivalry reaches its peak with the Men’s Club Championship and the Women’s Club Championship. Looking at these competitions, we meet and honor the winners. This month, we meet Ray LeBlanc, a man who rose to the challenge of posting the lowest score in the 2025 Men’s Club Championship.
Ray LeBlanc, a Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force with over 20 years of service, works to guide the enlisted force’s welfare, readiness and morale. Off duty, Ray heads to Shalimar Pointe Golf Course to enjoy a sport he was introduced to by his uncle when Ray was just age 7.
Growing up in Sierra Vista, Ariz., Ray helped his high school golf team achieve second place in the state championship. Ray also credits his mother and her unwavering support. At a time when finances were a challenge for the family, she bought him his first set of fitted clubs, Snake Eyes. That sacrifice and so many others were part of the foundation to mold this young man into the man who serves his family and nation with pride. Family support continues with Ray’s wife, Lauren, cheering him on as their family enjoys living in the Shalimar community.
Of course, as fate allowed, his daughter Madison, age 7, now tees up her ball as a member of the First Tee golf program to continue the golf legacy. So, special thanks, Ray’s uncle. Your gift and love of the game are alive and well.
Both Ray and Madison began playing golf at age 7. What goes around, comes around—and the golf world is better for it!
