Good Sports: Taylor Gill

Taylor Gill.Photo/ Supplied.

Bay of Islands teen Taylor Gill is a real up-and-comer in Northland golf. The 16-year-old Kerikeri lad, who is a Northland representative, has certainly come a long way since starting golf at age 9. As the 2013 calendar year comes to an end, Taylor will no doubt be looking forward to a top year in 2014 ...

How did you get into golf? How old were you?

When I was nine I started going to coaching on a Sunday morning at my local club. I really enjoyed it so I joined up. My grandparents play so they encouraged me [to play also].

Since you got into the sport, what have been your highlights?

Being a member of the Northland team that won the 2012 Junior Interprovincial Tournament, winning the Tom Bonnington Cup (Mangawhai Open) and my result at the New Zealand Age Groups this year.

When I practice and play a lot it's great to have some success.

No doubt you would have had coaches or people who have helped out throughout the years - who has been most influential to you and why?

Arron Bartram, who is the Bay of Islands Kerikeri club professional, is my coach. He's always positive and willing to help when I need it. There's also a lot of people involved with Golf Northland that have helped me along the way.

What does the next year look like to you with regard to competing?

The first few months of 2014 I am hoping to play as many tournaments as I can, both local and national. I will be defending my Mangawhai Open title in May which is also a trial event for Northland representative teams.

I'm aiming to be in the Northland team again next year and also to get a good ranking on the New Zealand Golf Order of Merit.

From the last 12 months, what do you think is Northland's golfing highlight? Because there have been quite a few.

Kadin Neho from Whangarei winning the New Zealand Amateur Title. He's had an awesome year and he's a great role model.