Tom Long Celebrates 18 Years of Excellence at The Kinloch Club

Director of Golf marks milestone anniversary at New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature course

The Kinloch Club is proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of its most dedicated team members. Tom Long, Director of Golf and a founding member of the club’s staff, has completed 18 years of continuous service at the world-renowned Kinloch Club, the only Jack Nicklaus Signature course in New Zealand.

Affectionately known as “Mr Kinloch,” Tom joined the club in 2007 and has played a central role in shaping not just the guest experience but the very identity of Kinloch. With a career rooted in performance, professionalism, and personality, Tom has been the friendly face and guiding force behind thousands of rounds of golf played at the championship course.

“Tom is much more than a staff member,” said Kinloch General Manager Peter McLeod. “He’s part of the fabric of this place. His knowledge of the course, his strategic insight, and his warm, easygoing manner have become an essential part of what makes Kinloch so memorable for guests from around the world.”

Tom’s daily pre-round briefings—equal parts tactical wisdom and humour—have become legendary among returning visitors. His ability to decode the challenges of Jack Nicklaus’ bold design and deliver personalized strategy to every group is unmatched. He is known for encouraging players to “reverse engineer” the course to avoid its famed visual deception and risk-reward traps.

His playing record is a testament to that expertise, with a low score of 65 (7-under) from the championship Black tees, and an extraordinary round of 74 (+2) using only a six-iron—without any gimmes.

“I’ve always said Kinloch is a course that rewards thought over power,” Tom said. “My role has been to help people see it, enjoy the challenge, and have a few laughs along the way.”

Born in the UK and now proudly calling New Zealand home, Tom describes himself as a “Piwi” — a proud Pom-turned-Kiwi. That blend of British wit and Kiwi hospitality has been a winning combination for players of all skill levels. Whether welcoming golfing royalty like Sir Bob Charles or first-time visitors to the course, Tom’s charm and insight leave a lasting impression.

“Tom embodies everything Kinloch stands for,” added McLeod. “Excellence, approachability, and a genuine love for the game.”

The Kinloch Club opened its front nine in 2007, followed by the full 18 in 2008, with Jack Nicklaus himself in attendance. The course has since achieved global recognition for its design and dramatic Central Plateau setting, regularly ranked among the top golf experiences in the Southern Hemisphere. But for many, it’s the hospitality—anchored by people like Tom Long—that makes it unforgettable.

To mark his 18th anniversary, Kinloch hosted a staff celebration at the clubhouse overlooking Lake Taupō, where colleagues shared stories and raised a toast to his legacy.

As for Tom? “It’s been an amazing journey, but I’m not done yet,” he said with a grin. “Every day out here is different. And the course still surprises me.”