OLDS — On Dec. 15, outgoing Olds Golf Club pro/manager Wade Bearchell had one more parting gift – praise for superintendent Jason Clouston.
He noted that on Nov. 22, Clouston received the 2022 Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award, the highest honour in the Alberta golf course superintendent industry.
“The Olds Golf Club has been blessed to have Jason Clouston as our superintendent for the last 21 years,” Bearchell wrote.
“His service during this time has taken the course to levels that we couldn't have imagined two decades ago. Please join us in congratulating Jason on this prestigious award.”
Dec. 15 was Bearchell’s last day on the job. He has retired after 20 years on the job and, as the Albertan reported earlier, he is being replaced by former assistant pro Randy Brown.
Olds Golf Club Association president Mike Dezall offered Clouston his congratulations.
“The high quality of golf course that we are privileged to play each year is a direct result of your 20+ years of dedication to your profession and to our organization," he wrote.
“To see you being recognized by your peers through this very distinguished award brings us great pride, as you are an integral part of our organization.”
In 2010, Clouston was voted president of the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) and was instrumental in leading and promoting the AGSA to where it is today.
Clouston received high praise for many members of the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA).
“We are extremely honoured, presenting Jason Clouston with the 2022 AGSA Walt Gooder Distinguished Service award. His passion, dedication and professionalism exemplify the association and the superintendent role,” AGSA President Jeff Lefebvre wrote.
Blackhawk Golf Club superintendent Dustin Zdan added his praise.
“Teaching at Olds College 17 out of the last 21 winters, he is molding the future superintendents of our industry and we couldn't have a better professional doing it,” Zdan wrote.
Clouston was humbled to receive the award.
“Being selected as the 2022 Walt Gooder Distinguished Service Award is a huge honour," he wrote in an email to the Albertan.
“To be singled out in a large group of hard-working superintendents in our province is very humbling.
“It's very rewarding to look back on a my career as I get nearer to the end and realize I did make an impact in our industry, not just at the club I work for.
“The number of members, industry colleagues, superintendents and even students from Olds College who have reached out to me – both from the present but as well my past – is amazing. It's definitely a highlight of my career to receive this award.”
