Golf was always apart of Al’s life. Like many, he became a caddy as soon as he could carry a bag around the course and started earning money at the age of 10.

After his caddy days, Al went on and graduated from Massachusetts State College in 1941, followed by joining the Air Force. Sergeant Al Zikorus earned a Purple Heart when he was shot down over Germany.

Hardened beyond his years, Al was ready to get back out to the golfing world when he returned to the U.S. and received a job as the superintendent at Ould Newbury Golf Course. His solid performance there soon earned new assignments at other courses, such as Wellesley Country Club in Massachusetts and Woodbridge Country Club in Connecticut.

Al, however, always had an itch to design. He finally got his chance in the early ‘50s, when he got a chance to work with Bill Mitchell, who pioneered projects along the Eastern seaboard, as well as residential golf courses for senior citizens. He then went on to work for Orrin Smith, who was associated with several projects in the New England area and was a boss for several ASGCA members in the past. When Smith retired in 1955, Al took over his practice. Al was elected into the ASGCA in 1969, and as an ASGCA Fellow in 1992.

Al would continue to be a strong contributor and member of the organization up until his death in 1997. “When it’s all said and done, those are pretty nice words to have associated with your name. Al Zikorus was a nice man as husband, father, grandfather and architect. I am proud to have called this nice man from Maine my friend.” – Paul Fullmer, ASGCA Executive Secretary Emeritus