Will MacKenzie Golf: Career, Wins & Legacy

By Sarah Miller · January 29, 2028

Will MacKenzie is a professional golfer known for his unique journey from extreme sports to the PGA Tour, where he played full-time between 2005 and 2014. A two-time PGA Tour winner, MacKenzie brought an unconventional background—surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding—to professional golf, standing out for his laid-back style and resilience after overcoming Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his 20s. Though no longer a regular on tour, he remains a respected figure in golf for his authenticity and perseverance.

Who Is Will MacKenzie?

Will MacKenzie is a former professional golfer who carved a niche in the PGA Tour with his distinctive lifestyle and inspiring personal story. Unlike many of his peers, MacKenzie didn't follow the traditional path to professional golf. He embraced a life of adventure, competing in extreme sports before turning to golf later than most professionals. His rise through the ranks was both unexpected and motivational.

Early Life and Career Shift

Born William D. MacKenzie on December 28, 1974, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Played college football at the University of North Carolina before pursuing a career in outdoor sports.
Was deeply involved in surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding during his 20s.
Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2000; underwent treatment and used golf as part of his recovery.
Took up competitive golf seriously in his late 20s, quickly rising through amateur ranks.

PGA Tour Career Highlights

MacKenzie's transition to professional golf was remarkably swift. By 2005, he earned his PGA Tour card and began making waves with both his performance and persona.

Tournament Wins and Notable Performances

2006: Won his first PGA Tour event at the Reno-Tahoe Open.
2007: Captured his second title at the Viking Classic (now Sanderson Farms Championship).
Recorded multiple top-10 finishes, including a T-4 at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open.
Known for consistency in fall series events, benefiting from his comfort in varied climates due to his outdoor lifestyle.

Year	Events	Made Cuts	Top 10s	Money List Rank	Earnings (USD)
2006	28	18	4	45	$1,548,350
2007	26	17	5	38	$2,012,718
2008	25	16	3	67	$1,103,452
2009	23	14	2	89	$782,103
2010	21	12	1	123	$438,221

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates MacKenzie’s peak performance years between 2006 and 2008, where he consistently made cuts and achieved top-10 finishes, securing a place inside the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings twice. His earnings peaked in 2007, reflecting strong performances across the season, particularly his victory at the Viking Classic.

Playing Style and Legacy

Will MacKenzie was known for a free-swinging, aggressive style reflective of his action-sports roots. He emphasized feel over mechanics, often practicing less than his peers but relying on natural athleticism and course management.

Key Characteristics

Unconventional Background: One of the few PGA Tour players to transition from a non-traditional athletic path.
Resilience: Overcame cancer and late entry into competitive golf to reach elite levels.
Lifestyle Influence: Advocated for balance, often seen surfing or skiing during off-weeks.
Fan Appeal: Gained popularity for authenticity and relatability, especially among younger audiences.

Post-Tour Activities and Current Status

After gradually stepping back from full-time PGA Tour play post-2014, MacKenzie remained involved in golf through media appearances, charity events, and occasional starts on the Korn Ferry Tour or PGA Tour Champions qualifiers. He has also been active in promoting health awareness and youth programs that blend outdoor activity with personal development.

In recent years, MacKenzie has maintained a lower public profile but continues to influence golf culture by embodying the idea that success can come from diverse paths.

About Will MacKenzie: Common Questions

How many PGA Tour wins does Will MacKenzie have?

Will MacKenzie has two official PGA Tour victories: the 2006 Reno-Tahoe Open and the 2007 Viking Classic.

What happened to Will MacKenzie on the PGA Tour?

After battling injuries and inconsistent form in the early 2010s, MacKenzie reduced his PGA Tour schedule after 2014. He did not retain full status and has since played sporadically, focusing more on personal interests and family life.

Did Will MacKenzie really surf and snowboard professionally?

No, MacKenzie did not compete professionally in surfing or snowboarding, but he was deeply immersed in those cultures and competed at high amateur levels. His lifestyle and skills in these sports were central to his identity and media portrayal.

How did Will MacKenzie get into golf?

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2000, MacKenzie took up golf during recovery. He found focus and discipline in the sport, eventually dedicating himself to competitive play in his late 20s, rising rapidly through mini-tours and qualifying school.

Is Will MacKenzie still playing professional golf in 2025?

As of 2025, Will MacKenzie is not actively competing on the PGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions. He occasionally participates in charity events or regional tournaments but is largely retired from professional competition.