[1][2][3] His parents, Ivan and Joan introduced him to bowls when he was unable to play contact sports due to his limited mobility.

[8] In addition he has won the gold medal at the 2007 World Cup Singles in Warilla, New South Wales, Australia,[9] the 2006 Scottish International Open and was twice winner of the Welsh International Open in 2004 and 2005.

In January 2009 Kerkow released his autobiography Rolled Gold in which he tells the story of his childhood battle with Guillain–Barré syndrome and how lawn bowls helped him overcome his disability with help from his friend Steve Glasson.

[10] Kerkow received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2010 for his services as a player, coach and mentor.

[11] In 2017, Kerkow was inducted as a Legend in the Bowls Australia Hall of Fame.