Long-time Superintendent Gary Dempsey resigns from NSW Golf Club.

20 Oct 2017

Following the recent news that Steve Marsden had resigned his position as Superintendent at Royal Sydney, comes an announcement that New South Wales Golf Club head greenkeeper Gary Dempsey was similarly standing down after nearly 30 years in charge.

Dempsey is one of Australia’s best-known Superintendents, having not only managed Sydney’s most precious golfing turf for three decades, but famously rebuilding each of the formal bunkers in a revetted style during his tenure. He has worked with a number of different golf course architects over the years, and personally dabbled in design himself on such features as the controversial 7^th green.

Dempsey is retiring from the greenkeeping business, and will work at NSW Golf Club until July 1 next year, helping to oversee the transition to his replacement.

According to a news item on the Golf Australia website, NSW Captain John Ellis paid tribute to Dempsey’s 29 year term in charge of the La Perouse layout.

"In today’s terms, 29 years of loyalty is exceptional," said Ellis. "It means that you not only love the place at which you work, but you also love the job. And to love it, you must be very good at it.”

"I take this opportunity of thanking Gary for his significant contribution to our golf course and golf in Australia."

While news of Dempsey’s retirement will surprise some, there have been suggestions in recent years that the club was eager for change and keen to refresh a golf course that remains one of Australia’s most beloved. Few would dare challenge Dempsey’s impeccable turf credentials, but there can be issues when a Superintendent is as personally involved in the design evolution of a golf course as Dempsey has been at NSW. The golf course remains a genuine Australian treasure, but from a design standpoint it undoubtedly has room for improvement.

Until recently Greg Norman had acted as the club’s design consultant, and an appointment on his replacement has been expected before now. We imagine that some golf course architects will find it easier to work with a new turf professional, rather than with a turf professional who has a long personal connection to many of the design changes.

Like the rest of the golf industry, however, we wish Gary Dempsey the best in retirement and congratulate him on having served the game in Sydney, and the members at New South Wales GC, so loyally and passionately over the years.

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