Our Students

Taylor Kerr (22), from Dumfries and Galloway, graduated with a BA (Hons) in Professional Golf. He was named the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Sports Person of the Year 2024 after winning the Scottish Student Sports Championship as an individual and captaining the UHI Golf team to the final, where they finished as runners-up.

Reflecting on his journey, Taylor said:

“I started playing golf when I was about 8 years old. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I went to Elmwood in St Andrews and got an HNC and HND in Professional Golf. The progression there was to come up to UHI, and I went straight into year two of the degree.

It’s been great. UHI Golf in Dornoch is such a professional environment where the standards are set so high. Everyone surrounding you has the same goals; we kept pushing each other on, and it helped me raise my own standards to get me to where I wanted to be when I graduated.

The golf industry is so big – I’ve met people from all over the world, and my connections have broadened since moving to study here. I’ve also become so much more independent living here in Dornoch – it's really helped me grow up.

Taylor did a student placement with the Carnegie Club, Skibo Castle, and now works there as Assistant Golf Professional. He continued:

“I just feel I’m in a really good place – I’ve just continually been progressing, learning so much about the industry and about myself. I firmly believe if it wasn’t for the internship opportunity with UHI, I wouldn’t be working at the Carnegie Club today.

UHI has built me up ready for employment. It wouldn’t have been possible without UHI. I just love it – not a day goes by where I don’t appreciate the industry I’m working in and the job. It doesn’t feel like work; I’m just doing something I love. I’m really lucky and just so grateful.

“The support has been great. I’ve had such a great relationship with the lecturers, and they’ve always been there to offer help and advice. They’ve shaped me into the person I am today. Lesley Mackay was amazing in helping to support me in my role as captain of the golf team. She helped me develop my leadership skills, not to be afraid of instilling my standards in others and acting as a role model. She’s really helped me become the person I am today and a more mature golfer.”

On winning the Scottish Student Sports Championship, the most prestigious Scottish university event for golfers, Taylor said: “To win that as an individual was such a special moment for me, but leading the team to the final was an honour; it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Summing up, he added: “Dornoch and UHI Golf were amazing. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get into the golf industry. It will give you a platform to embark on an amazing journey, to develop as a person, and create the career you want. UHI has helped me so much, and I owe it a lot.”