By Nick Creely

One of Australia’s busiest public golf courses will welcome in a new superintendent next Monday (April 28) with Nick Kinley (CSTM) set to take over from the retired Darren Wilson (CSTM) at Wembley Golf Complex in Perth.

Wembley, which features two 18-hole courses – the Old and Tuart layouts – as well as an 80-bay driving range and mini-golf course, will welcome in the 43-year-old who has extensive experience. Kinley (pictured above) previously worked under Wilson at Wembley 20 years ago, not long after his apprenticeship, and comes across from members-only Hartfield Country Club where he was superintendent for nearly 12 years.

“My excitement levels are high. It was obviously a tough decision because Hartfield was terrific to me, I loved the members, loved the course and I loved the staff,” Kinley said. “I’ve worked at Wembley previously, so it was a big contributing factor in making the decision, and I know some of the staff still there. I had a lot of fun there and I’ve seen how it was in its original format and what it’s transitioned into.

"They want to stay as the number one ranked public access golf course. They’ve got a lot of future plans which is exciting. It was a tough decision, but it ultimately came down to career progression.”

Kinley added that Wilson, who he described as a “mentor” of his, was also an advocate for him taking on the opportunity to replace him after serving two decades in the role. He will work with 13 staff at Wembley, an increase of four from Hartfield and said there was a clear vision at the club which appealed to him.

“Wembley presents some big challenges; for starters it’s a much bigger site. There are some really exciting things in coming years if everything comes to fruition,” he said. “We’re re-doing tees and greens, as well as potentially developing a shorter course on the Tuart course which would be a 12-hole concept and then maybe nine holes wedge-to-green under lights. There’s a fair bit going on. It’s a huge premises and a massive facility which is exciting.”

Photo: Recently retired Wembley Golf Complex superintendent Darren Wilson (left) with new superintendent Nick Kinley who starts Monday. Photo courtesy of Wembley Golf Complex