Thornhill golf pro earns award

YorkRegion.com
March 20, 2014
By Michael Hayakawa

Dustin Kerr-Taylor has only served as the head golf professional at Bayview Golf and Country Club for two years.

But during that time, he’s made quite an impact on the Thornhill club’s membership through his ability to provide quality golf programs and service.

Those efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as Kerr-Taylor was named the PGA of Ontario’s Retailer of the Year for 2013.

Kerr-Taylor was quick to credit several individuals for helping him attain a level that others in the profession would take careful notice of.

“I have always been passionate about merchandising,” he said in a news release. “It was instilled in me by the head professionals I worked for previously, Warren Crosbie at Bayview, John Porter at Rosedale Golf and Country Club and Brad Johnston at The Briars Golf and Country Club.

“We aim for perfection when it comes to the golf shop experience. There is always a wow factor when members walk into the golf shop. We want them to feel that this is a special place for them, where they can be comfortable and also know they’re getting the best pricing possible.”

Previously serving as the head golf pro at The Mandarin Golf Club in Markham, Kerr-Taylor was quick to point out the award he earned should be shared with other staff members.

“This is totally a team award; there are so many people at the club, from the back shop to accounting, who help create an atmosphere where members enjoy coming into the golf shops simply to chat or to make their purchases,” he said.

While estimating he spends half of his time on golf shop merchandising, Kerr-Taylor felt the key to success has been in connecting with club members.

“I am the starter on the weekend and this is a great way to promote new items in the shop and for me to see what everybody is wearing and the equipment they’re using,” he said.

Introduced to the game through his father at a nine-hole course in Dryden, Kerr-Taylor also produces a personal weekly video posted to the club’s website with upcoming events, congratulating winners each week and promoting the golf shop.

A father of two, Hudson and Addison, and married to his wife, Monique, for 16 years, Kerr-Taylor is also quick to note that printed posters, member newsletters, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, bathrooms and the first tee message boards are where golf shop sales are promoted to the 700 members.

Another key to delivering a profitable golf shop at Bayview has been offering member pricing for members and their guests.

The club is at 25 Fairway Heights Dr., just off Steeles Avenue East, between Bayview Avenue and Hwy. 404.