Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award

A Brief History of Walt Gooder

Some of Walt’s accomplishments:

1982    President, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA)

1984    Founding member, Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF)

1986    Founding member, Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA)

1988    Master Superintendent designation, CGSA

1997    CGSA Superintendent of the Year

2006    AGSA Distinguished Service Award

2008    CGSA John B. Steel Distinguished Service Award

brad eshpeter 1

2024 Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award Winner – Brad Eshpeter

Presented by the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA)
Canmore, AB – On November 19th, the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) presented Brad Eshpeter with the prestigious 2024 Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award at the AGSA’s annual Property Managers Conference. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the golf course superintendent profession in Alberta, and Brad’s career has exemplified the leadership, dedication, and professionalism that the award represents.

Brad Eshpeter has been a significant figure in the golf industry since the mid-1980s. Currently the superintendent of Redtail Landing Golf Club, Brad has been an active and engaged member of the AGSA, serving on its Board of Directors and as a Past President. He is also an accredited Golf Course Superintendent and holds the esteemed designation of Master Superintendent with the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA). His commitment to the turfgrass industry has helped shape the field, both provincially and nationally.

“Brad’s dedication to the profession and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Mark Begin, President of the AGSA. “He is a true example of the values we hold dear in the AGSA—leadership, professionalism, and a passion for the golf course superintendent role.”

The Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award was established in honour of Walter Gooder, one of the founding members of the AGSA. Walt Gooder was instrumental in the formation of the association in 1986 and had a distinguished career in the golf course management field, including serving as President of the CGSA and winning numerous accolades, including the CGSA Superintendent of the Year Award and the John B. Steele Award.
Brad’s selection as the 2024 award recipient reflects the same level of commitment and excellence that Walter Gooder embodied throughout his career.

A Personal Tribute
Joshua Davison, Head Golf Professional/General Manager at Redtail Landing Golf Club, shared his heartfelt congratulations:
“Congratulations, Brad, on this well-deserved recognition! I couldn’t be prouder to see your hard work, dedication, and passion for the profession acknowledged. Having worked alongside you at Redtail Landing for over 21 years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand your commitment to growth and excellence. Your work ethic and your leadership are truly inspiring, and I look forward to many more achievements ahead.”

The AGSA is proud to honour Brad Eshpeter with the Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award and to celebrate his outstanding contributions to the golf course management profession.

Congratulation Brad!

About the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA):
The AGSA is dedicated to advancing the golf course superintendent profession through education, advocacy, and the promotion of best practices. It represents golf course professionals across Alberta, supporting members with tools, resources, and opportunities for professional growth.

Past Recipients

YearRecipient
2022Jason Clouston
2021Hugh Greene
2020Dustin Zdan
2019Wade Peckham
2018Terry Shinkewski
2017Wade Bishop
2016Keith Blayney
2015Barb Alexander
2014Paul Dodson
2013David Boyd
2012Wayne Brown
2011Bruce Constable
2010Jay Leach
2009Ron Hume
2008Glenn Genereux
2007James Beebe
2006Walt Gooder
2005Dean Morrison
2004Jon Clark
2003John Ing
2002David Sluchinski
2001Debbie Amirault
2000Andrew AuCoin
2023Reid Solodan
2024Brad Eshpeter

NEW THIS YEAR!
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