Kendall Taylor taught his sons to play golf on the very greens they now own.
Long-time Orcas residents Kendall and Sandra, their son Justin, and Justin’s wife Keary are new owners of the Orcas Island Golf Club.
“Justin has played at the Orcas golf course since he could walk,” Keary said.
The sale became final at the end of March, almost immediately after the property’s price dropped. The club was owned by a group of nine Orcas Islanders and had been on the market for some time.
“It happened fast,” said Kendall. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s exciting.”
All three sons played the game throughout their youth; Justin and his brother Matt both went to state on the high school team. As teens they worked at the golf course during the summer.
Justin is now the assistant coach of the current Orcas High golf team, after returning to the island last January. He has an 18-month-old daughter, MaKenzie, and another child on the way.
“We want this to be a family-friendly course,” Kendall said. “We want to get kids involved.”
Other plans for the course include a discounted family night, special twilight rates, men’s and women’s days, an end of the season club championship, and adding a full driving range, which means rerouting the last three holes. The club’s annual Orcas Center and Turtleback tournaments are still on the docket.
The new range will be unveiled on Saturday, April 18 during an Open House. The Taylors are offering a free round of golf for anyone who shows up as well as membership deals.
Justin says long range plans are renovating the clubhouse and improving the watering system. The kitchen will stay open, but the menu will be limited to a snack bar, sandwiches, and beverages.
In addition to being golf enthusiasts, Kendall owns his own contracting business and Justin is a self-taught bronze artist. His six-foot tall golf ball sculpture was installed on a course in Colorado. A smaller version of the piece is in the clubhouse.
Justin says he “loves the personal challenge of golf,” and both he and his dad encourage others to give it a shot.
“We want people to come out here whether they know how to golf or not,” Kendall said. “We can help you learn or offer lessons. It’s a slow, casual course so everyone can enjoy it.”
