If there was a movie titled, “Gentleman Golfer,” Rick Williams is sure that his Persimmon Ridge (PR) neighbor, long time friend and fellow senior golfer Baron Horne would have held the starring role. Baron passed in 2012 and is still remembered as the “Gentle Man of Persimmon Ridge.” Baron and his wife Chris (who still lives in PR) were one of the original builders in the neighborhood and, as Lawren Just tells it, “Baron kept an eye on the building of the course to make sure that all of Elmore Just’s vision of the course construction was being followed. Every day at noon, Baron would walk the property to make sure the dirt moving was running smoothly.”

It is for those reasons that Rick was intent on keeping the memory of Baron alive at PR. In 2013, The Baron Horne Senior Memorial Golf Tournament was launched to honor Baron, as well as, recognize those seniors who passed during the year. In 2015, a memorial wall was constructed and a proud American flag raised. Individual plaques honoring those seniors who have passed are now showcased in a place where all can come to show their respect to Baron, and, to the other senior golfers who are no longer with us. 

This year is the tenth anniversary of the Tournament and plans are developing for a very special two-day golfing event for senior golfers scheduled for October 3rd--4th, 2023. Funds raised from the tournament help with maintenance of the memorial wall, as well as, purchasing plaques for those who have departed. As is our tradition, the Opening Ceremonies of the Tournament will include the families of the departed. Together we will celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us.

This past year three senior golfers were lost, including two long time PR homeowners, who were instrumental in growing senior golf at Persimmon Ridge. 

Sonny Leonberger, like Baron, was a true gentleman and loved to play senior golf. Sonny was a captain for one of the teams in the Baron Horne Tournament, and always an enthusiastic supporter of promoting senior golf. Sonny’s wife, Joyce, is a major part of the Ladies’s Golf League at PR. Sonny’s presence will be greatly missed.

The other PR homeowner we will be honoring is George Breitenbach. It was George along with Baron and a few other senior homeowners who started the PR Senior Golf Organization. From just a few players who showed up daily to play, today the organization includes over 55 senior members. George was the catalyst for the success of where senior golf at PR is today.  

“Having such a great group of senior friends who have a common bond over the love of golf is an important part of my life living here in PR today,” says Rick Williams. “I can’t think of any other place I would rather be. If you are interested in joining the PR Senior Golfers and are a member of the PR Golf Club, we would love to have you. Simply call the PR Pro Shop 502-241-0819 and they will give you all the details.”