Wembley Golf Course has appointed two renowned golf architecture companies to create a ‘master plan’ for the next phase of the public facility’s development – and nothing is off the table at this early stage.
Australian golf architect Harley Kruse of KruseGolf will work alongside international firm Clayton, Devries & Pont (CDP) to create redevelopment concepts after the companies previously worked together on plans to update Royal Perth.
Any future redevelopment work could include course redesigns, a short course, a par-three course, new putting layouts and a state-of-the-art, floodlit short-game practice and teaching area.
Josh Madden, Wembley’s General Manager, believes that good things lie ahead for a facility that is already the busiest in the whole of Australia. “While it’s early days, and the program of work, once approved, could take anything between 4-8 years to complete, it’s very exciting,” he told GolfWA.
“For one thing, there’s potential to enhance both of our existing 18-hole layouts. The Old Course has remained unchanged since its opening in 1932, with no significant changes to the newer Tuart Course for more than 30 years.”
Any redesign work will be based on improving safety and pace of play, while still providing an enjoyable test for all levels of golfers. “At the end of the day, we will ensure that any changes will continue to benefit the community and still deliver a fun experience that brings people back,” Madden added.
Concrete plans
More than 20,000,000 range balls are hit at Wembley GC each year
Although redevelopment planning is only in its infancy, Madden says that one thing definitely on the cards is an overhaul of Wembley’s existing short-game practice area.
“Our vision is for a floodlight short game improvement zone that will be of value to beginners as well as elite golfers, coaches and state squads,” he said. “In the long-term, we’d like Wembley to be considered a home base for game development. We certainly have the room and the desire to do something really special in that space.”
The club has previously announced that it will install TrackMan Range technology across its 80-bay, two-tier driving range before the end of the year. The internationally renowned golf ball tracking system will enable players to track the flight and distance of every shot they hit, while also offering a variety of family-friendly games.
Wembley will become the first driving range in WA to install TrackMan in all its bays, although other facilities in the state do offer similar technology. Work is set to be completed by November with Madden expecting some disruption to bay availability during the process – not unexpectedly at a venue where more than 20,000,000 range balls are hit every year.
“We’re always trying to improve and evolve,” Madden said. “We now have a great opportunity to be creative and make sure we continue to offer the best experience to our customers, whatever forms of golf they are interested in.”
If your club is undergoing redevelopment work, please let us know! Email marketingofficer@golfwa.org.au
