Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award

Ken Mackenzie Receives 2025 Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award Presented by the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA)

Canmore, AB – On November 18th, the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) presented Ken Mackenzie with the prestigious 2025 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 Ken’s career has exemplified the leadership, dedication, and professionalism that the award represents.

Ken Mackenzie has been a significant figure in Alberta’s golf industry for decades. Most recently serving as the superintendent at Canyon Meadows Golf Club before retiring last year, Ken was influential in shaping the profession and mentoring countless colleagues throughout the province. Over his distinguished career, he led Canyon Meadows through two major renovation projects and served as Superintendent for 11 Shaw/Rogers Charity Classic tournaments. Ken also contributed to the industry as a long-standing member of the Property Managers Organizing Committee, always holding the AGSA in the highest regard.

“Ken Mackenzie exemplifies the very best of our profession. His dedication to excellence, mentorship of colleagues, and unwavering commitment to creating outstanding golf course conditions have set a standard for all superintendents in Alberta. The AGSA is proud to recognize Ken with the Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award for his remarkable contributions to the golf industry,” said Michael Roberts, President of the AGSA.

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.

Ken’s selection as the 2025 award recipient reflects the same level of commitment and excellence that Walter Gooder embodied throughout his career, and serves as a fitting tribute following his retirement from a long and impactful career in golf course turf management.

A Personal Tribute
Jim Hope, former General Manager at Canyon Meadows Golf Club, shared his heartfelt congratulations:

*”When I started at Canyon Meadows in March 2008, the first person who welcomed me to the club was Ken Mackenzie. I am fortunate to have worked with Ken for eight years and to be able to call him a friend. Ken’s abilities as a superintendent are unmatched. He relished the opportunity to work with his team to provide incredible conditions to the members every single day. I remember the first year we hosted the Rogers Charity Classic, and the agronomist with the PGA Tour looked at our greens on May 2nd after we had been open for two weeks and said, ‘We could play a tournament on these today.’ Ken was quick to share his knowledge and experience with others, including a GM (me) who asked lots of questions!

Ken is a true professional, and someone who understood the value of relationships and the need to treat people fairly and with dignity and respect. Ken has had a huge impact on many of the people who worked for him, who still look up to him as a mentor and a friend.

Ken, congratulations on receiving the Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award. It’s well deserved, my friend!”*