WORLDWIDE GOLF INSIDER

MEET THE TEAM I n business, significant milestones are often measured in decades rather than years. That's why the story of Darryl Taylor, the VP of Operations at Worldwide Golf Shops, hits an unusual sweet spot. It's a tale of golf, resilience, and diligent ascent through the ranks. Taylor's journey with the company started in May 1994 at Roger Dunn Golf Shops in Anaheim – a convergence of fate indicating his future with the company. "I was a golf professional at the Islands Golf Center when Worldwide Golf Shops came in and leased the shop. It's technically my 30th year with the company," he said. Over time, his roles have evolved, shift- ing from sales to managerial positions, over to a regional manager with an ultimate landing as the VP of Operations. Stepping into the role about a year and a half ago, Taylor's responsibilities now re- volve around the brick-and-mortar opera- tions of the company. Everything from sales to personnel management at Worldwide Golf Shops falls within his purview. Reflecting on the evolution of the golf in- dustry, Taylor recognizes the fundamental transformations the game has undergone through technological innovations. "The advent of products like GPS, rangefinders, and Callaway's Great Big Bertha have significantly improved the game," he said. "But I think the most radi- cal transformation I have seen is not a prod- uct we sell, but a service we deliver. The technology in stores, such as launch moni- tors, has revolutionized how we assist our customers in selecting the right products." Taylor says he sees the emergence of personal launch monitors as the wave of the future. Despite his hectic schedule, Taylor finds solace in playing the sport he loves, usually at Yorba Linda Country Club. An excep- tional golfer with a 2.4 index, he recollects qualifying for the U.S. Amateur as his best golf experience because the tournament was hosted at the esteemed Merion Golf Club during the anniversary year of Bobby Jones' Grand Slam victory. As a part of the tournament, Taylor got the chance to visit the Bobby Jones Museum. "It was just a week of nostalgia," he said. "It made me think about what the game of golf really means to a lot of people and how it touches so many lives." As Worldwide Golf Shops sets its sights on the future, with Taylor at the helm of op- erations, the company is not just celebrat- ing its past achievements, but also preparing to deliver continued excellence and innovation. SHAPING SUCCESS Drawing on his three decades of experience, VP of Operations Darryl Taylor has helped drive advancement at Worldwide Golf Shops "The technology in stores, such as launch monitors, has revolutionized how we assist our customers in selecting the right products." – DARRYL TAYLOR VP of Operations at Worldwide Golf Shops, pictured above with his family

• Cover