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.