Mackenzie was born on October 30, 1891, in Toronto, Ontario. She went to Havergal College from 1903 to 1911 and became interested in sports like her parents, who were golfers. At Havergal, Mackenzie played various sports including cricket and tennis and was the college's top athlete three years in a row.[2]
Career
After completing her schooling at Havergal College in 1911, she remained at the college as an instructor until 1914. After leaving Havergal College, Mackenzie worked for the Canadian Bank of Commerce until 1930.[2]
Golf career
In 1924, Mackenzie created the Ladies Golf Club of Toronto in response to the time restrictions she was given as a woman golfer; women golfers could only access afternoon playing hours on many courses. She bought the land in what is now Markham, Ontario posing as a married person as there were restrictions on women buying land in Ontario at that time, then worked with famed course architect Stanley Thompson to plan the layout.[3][4] Later in 1930, she opened up a women's sportswear store after she felt that the women's golf apparel at that time was not appropriate.[5]
On the golf course, Mackenzie competed in various golf tournaments throughout North America and Bermuda. Her first tournament win was at the Canadian Women's Amateur in 1919, which she won five times throughout her career. Outside of Canada, Mackenzie medalled at the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1927. Mackenzie's last golf tournament win was at the Ontario Senior Women's Amateur in 1969.[6]
