Bill Kerr Sr.

Born: January 14, 1911, in Lisburn, Ireland

Died: January, 1997

Inducted: 2025

Golf tradition started for Bill Kerr at 11-years old when he took on “water boy” duties for the workers building the York Downs Golf Club in Toronto. Caddying at York Downs led to the position of Assistant Pro at the club in 1927.

Stops at the Toronto Hunt Club, Cedar Brae, and the Thornhill Golf Club laid the foundation for his development as a player and a teacher.

Born in Lisburn, Ireland, on January 14th, 1911, Bill Kerr immigrated to Toronto in September of that same year, where he remained until 1947 when he became professional at the Beaconsfield Golf Club – an appointment which would last for twenty-eight years.

Already a fine golf competitor before arriving in Montréal, Bill Kerr had twice won the Miller Cup Match Play Championship, a title he would capture twice more during his competitive career. While in Toronto, Bill established his credentials with a fifth-place finish in the Canadian Open in 1941, and a PGA of Canada Championship win in 1945. He improved upon his Canadian Open finish in 1949 with a 3rd-placce finish. 

While Head Professional at Beaconsfield, Kerr enhanced his reputation as a top-flight competitor representing Canada in international golf matches. From 1953 through 1961, Bill Kerr represented Canada at; the multi-national Canada Cup, now known as the World Cup, the US – Canada Hopkins Trophy Matches, and the 1961 Masters at Augusta.

In addition, Bill Kerr twice served as president of the PGA of Québec, as well as president of the PGA of Canada from 1955 through 1958.

Bill Kerr’s legacy was not limited to competition and instructing his club members. His progeny has, with distinction, contributed to the development of golf in the Montréal area and beyond. Sons Robbie and Bill Jr. have been respectively President of the Beaconsfield Golf Club, and President of the Montréal District of the Québec Golf Association.

The golf community was devastated to learn of Bill Kerr III's passing last year after a distinguished career.

A tower of prestige within the golfing community during his lifetime, William H. Kerr, who passed away in January 1997, at the age of 86, left an enviable legacy of playing and teaching excellence, and the nucleus of a dynasty to further Canada’s proud position in the golf world.