Saving a Golf Course

Barbara and Lornie Palmgren, a retired married couple, live on a golf course in the Florida Panhandle. Faced with the possibility of losing the course to a developer, they and other residents are determined to fight to see it doesn’t happen. Many challenges arise as they work with others to save the course and their way of life for the good of the small community on Choctawhatchee Bay.

Golf courses are closing nationwide with an aging generation of retirees, maintenance costs, and expense and length of time associated with playing an 18- hole round of golf. There are those who believe that golf will be a game for future generations and it is up to the ones who have played the game the longest to provide the game for a future generation. Organizations like “The First Tee” encourage children to learn to play golf, sponsoring competitions and providing clothes, clubs and balls to offset expenses for low-income families. The golf course in this story is a proud part of this outreach program.

This story is based on actual events that occurred in a small Florida community. All incidents and dialogue are products of the author’s recollections and inspired by generous people who were key to the success of this venture. Names of main characters have been changed at their request to respect the privacy of those individuals.

This story also serves as an example that change can begin with one motivated person. In this case, a group of courageous people begin this crusade and see it through to the end.