Moore’s breakthrough win leaves Soerensen beaming with pride

Above, Brian Soerensen, center, flanked by Taylor Moore, right and his caddie Chris Tichenor, left, during a visit to Ohio Stadium.

By Ken MacLeod

As incredible as Sunday’s victory in the Valspar Championship was for Taylor Moore, it had to be nearly as exciting and fulfilling for Kickingbird Director of Golf Brian Soerensen, who started teaching Moore at the age of 10 and regards him as a third son to go along his two.

“It was just fantastic and I just got off the phone with him,” Soerensen said Monday. “It couldn’t have happened to a better young man. Now he gets to play in The Masters and all the majors. He’s worked really, really hard to get to this point and only the people who have been with him behind the scenes realize just how hard.”

Soerensen and Moore began working together on his swing early. Moore made some changes when he went to Arkansas under coach Brad McMakin, and again later with instructor Josh Gregory, but still consults with Soerensen. Their relationship is much more than coach-student however, as the families are close. Sorensen and Taylor’s father Rod are good friends and Taylor is close to Brian’s son Brandon, a year older than Moore at age 30.

Moore began supporting the Oklahoma Golf Association Junior State Amateur with a sponsorship while he was on the Korn Ferry Tour. The event is usually at Kickingbird but held at Lincoln Park in Oklahoma City in 2022 and again in 2023 while Kickingbird’s $20 plus million renovation is completed.

“His character and willingness to give back while he was on the Korn Ferry Tour prior to making it big time shows you what kind of kid he is,” Soerensen said. “

“He’s really a solid player and you could see that on the back nine yesterday. And then to go 64 for 64 on putts inside 7 feet. That’s incredible. You’re going to keep yourself in a lot of golf tournaments doing that.”

Moore is one of five players to grow up in the 405 area code who currently have a PGA Tour card, including Robert Streb, Kevin Tway, Max McGreevy and Austin Eckroat. Talor Gooch of Midwest City is a LIV Golf regular.

“Six guys from the 405 and five are from Edmond, pretty crazy,” Soerensen said. “I can’t think of any other community that can match that.”