Since 1991, the North Florida PGA recognizes its Members for lifetime dedication to the profession and game of golf through leadership, promotion of the game, serving their communities, and playing accomplishments. We are honored to announce the following inductees to the Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Todd Bork, PGA and Walter Smith, PGA.
Let’s meet the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. *Each Member is listed alphabetically.
| Todd Bork, PGA
Todd Bork embodies a lifelong commitment to excellence, leadership, and community service in golf. As the Director of Golf at the San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, he has made significant contributions to the sport, his fellow PGA members, and the community at large.
Todd Bork’s professional journey in golf began in earnest when he achieved his PGA Class A Membership on December 1, 1988. He started as an Assistant Golf Professional at Marsh Landing Country Club, then served as the Head Golf Professional at Orange Park Country Club. His first Director of Golf and General Manager role came at Heron Bay; then he moved onto the Director of Golf role at San Jose Country Club. He made significant contributions in each role and continues to serve the San Jose Country Club membership in exemplary fashion.
Todd’s impact on the North Florida PGA extends far beyond the golf course. He has received numerous Northern Chapter awards including Junior Golf Leader of the Year, Golf Professional of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Merchandiser of the Year, and the prestigious Bill Strausbaugh Award. At the Section level, he has received the Bill Strausbaugh Award, Merchandiser of the Year, and Presidents Plaque.
Beyond the duties of the roles he has held, Todd has played in the PGA Professional Championship and Northern Chapter GATE PGA Open. Todd’s involvement in the Underwood Cup as both a player and Team Captain reflects his commitment to team success and sportsmanship.
Todd Bork’s goals revolve around serving others, promoting lifelong learning, and maintaining the highest standards of operation. His passion for making a positive difference in the lives of those he encounters, whether in the golfing world, his church, or the community, is evident in his actions and achievements. As a leader, mentor, and ambassador for the sport of golf, Todd Bork continues to inspire and uplift all who have the privilege of knowing him.
| Walter Smith, PGA
Walter Smith’s journey in the world of golf has been nothing short of extraordinary. He became a PGA Member in 1990 and his career is a testament to his passion, talent, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Throughout his career, Smith has amassed an impressive list of achievements, including being a 2-time North Florida PGA Section Champion (1994 and 1998). It is believed that he won 11 Section majors and each major at least twice. The expertise he showed in Match Play was evident as he claimed the NFPGA Match Play Championship titles in 2003 and 2004, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor under pressure. His contributions to team events were equally noteworthy, with multiple appearances for the NFPGA Cup Team and Porter Cup Teams. He was also the winning Captain of the 2016 Underwood Cup team, one of his most cherished memories.
Smith’s play on the national stage only added to his playing legacy, with notable performances in six PGA Professional Championships, four PGA Tour starts, and six Korn Ferry Tour starts. Each time he played in an event on a big stage, he showcased his skill and represented the NFPGA with pride.
Beyond playing, Smith’s impact extended to coaching and mentoring. As the past owner of Turkey Creek/Heritage Links near Gainesville, FL, he demonstrated a genuine interest in growing the game and nurturing future generations of golfers. Smith’s success as a coach and teacher is widely acknowledged, with his expertise sought after by aspiring golfers looking to hone their skills and achieve their full potential.
Among his many accolades, Smith’s induction into the North Florida PGA Hall of Fame is a crowning achievement. His legacy in golf is defined by excellence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong dedication to the game he loves.
We will be recognizing their significant accomplishments at this year’s Celebration of Members on Sunday, June 9th at Heathrow Country Club.