BULLETIN The JANUARY 2026
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF TRADITION AND EXCELLENCE AT WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
Table of CONTENTS
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
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COMMUNICATIONS/MEMBERSHIP
DINING AND SOCIAL
RACQUETS
GOLF
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GROUNDS
FITNESS
President’s MESSAGE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David E. Wilks, President Cameron B. McDonald, Vice President David D. Wilkinson, Treasurer Jeffrey Ciconte, Secretary
Hoping that you and yours had a wonderful holiday season. The Club was as busy as it has ever been and it was great to see so many of us enjoying everything we have and sharing it with our guests. There is much in store for us in the new year and this brief message will highlight a few things on the horizon. First and foremost, we will celebrate our 125th Anniversary in 2026. There will be numerous events across all areas of the Club and they will all be a blast. Keep an eye out for details as they become available. You won’t want to miss them. We also welcome new leaders to the Club’s Board and Executive Committee. They are hitting the ground running and our incumbent members of the team remain committed and enthusiastic. All of them have my gratitude for devoting so much time, effort and talent to the Club that we all share. The Club will also plan for and begin executing on the irrigation system replacement. The actual work will not begin until the Fall, but the steering committee will be working hard on the project throughout the year. As we have explained before, the work will not require the closure of either golf course and will be phased in the most efficient way possible. An indoor project will be more disruptive to our use of the Club. The completion of our HVAC project necessitates the closure of the third floor of the clubhouse for several weeks. Neither of those projects is terribly exciting, but are the not-so-fun necessities that crop up. Far more enjoyable are the golf and racquets calendars that are loaded with tournaments, clinics, and special Anniversary-related events. There will be lots of reasons for us to use the Club this year.
Our Club is in great shape and we have systems in place to ensure a very healthy future. Toward that end, we are instituting the special membership development program that you have already heard about. We are also taking steps that will keep our balance sheet resilient and will make future capital projects more easily achievable. As always, please let me know if you have questions or comments by emailing me at dwilks.wcc@gmail.com. Or even better, please come to the first Meet With the Prez event that we will hold on February 5 at 5:30. That will be a time for everyone to ask me or tell me anything you like. I look forward to it and hope that you will participate. Happy 125th Birthday and best wishes for great health and prosperity in 2026. - David Wilks
CLASS OF 2026 Rachel W. Heinle Douglas D. Herrmann Jennifer J. Hopkins Pamela S. Tikellis James R. Selsor, Jr. David D. Wilkinson Jeffrey Ciconte Deborah J. Pittenger
CLASS OF 2027 Meghan A. Adams Steven Crifasi, Jr. Andrew J. Podolsky
HONORARY DIRECTORS Gary W. Ferguson Melissa Riegel ADVISORY DIRECTORS Allen M. Terrell, Jr. John F. Porter, III
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General Manager’s MESSAGE
schedule. One is particularly large. On January 2, the contractors will be on site to begin the third and final phase of the replacement of the main clubhouse HVAC system. This effort will focus on the third floor but will also affect the main lobby and living room. Scaffolding will be erected, ceilings will be removed, and there will be noise. Fortunately, over the winter most member activity occurs in the more casual areas of the club. This work will take about twelve weeks to complete. Additional projects include the replacement of the floor in Tavern, carpet in Pub37 and casual hallways, as well as a general freshening of some well-used furnishings. nd From a business perspective, the crystal ball suggests that to achieve the same successes we enjoyed in 2025 two very simple, but important things must happen. Every member can help. First, continue to search for the “next good member”. Already announced (with more details forthcoming) is the “125 Heritage Pathway to Membership” as part of this year’s anniversary celebration that will provide a $12,500 credit to the stock price for new members. The second is easy . . . Keep Using Your Club! Eat, Play, Entertain – the more the better. The continued strength of your Club can only be maintained by a membership that is willing and able to use and support the club’s facilities. In turn, we, as your staff, are committed to providing you with the best possible experience each time you are here. So, the simple recipe for 2026 is “come and enjoy”. th As the calendar flips to January, the Club’s operating schedule shifts into a “winter mode”. Each department has listed the various hours of operation that will be observed. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the schedules so that your use will not be affected. Just like last year, we will employ a realistic winter operating schedule that attempts to match our hours of operation with your activity. Athletic facilities will remain available seven days a week, with full class offerings in fitness.
Winter Greetings! Let me begin the New Year by providing a brief recap of the one just past and offering a glimpse of what lies ahead. Operationally, 2025 was a year when no significant events or projects were taking place that could adversely impact your member experience. We enjoyed a year when members could fully utilize their club and all it has to offer.We expanded programming across all venues, celebrated every holiday, conducted hundreds of private events for our members and revealed a lot of our history. Across all venues, member participation in organized events reached record levels but your daily club use was also astounding. Our goal was to increase the frequency of your use. Mission Accomplished! While the club’s primary objective is to offer member experiences that exceed expectations, it is important to remember that your club is also a business.I’m happy to report that as a business, your club remains on a very stable footing. Your club has always enjoyed strong financial health, but in 2025 even that improved. We were able to achieve all the most important financial objectives for 2025. Operations will end up generating a surplus that will exceed what was already budgeted. This will provide a base to begin building future reserves. We also funded more than $2.0 million in projects and routine capital investment, and we eliminated almost $1.0 million in outstanding loans. For the first time in more than five years, your club is debt free. Now it’s time to pull out our favorite crystal ball and gaze into 2026. Most importantly this will be a memorable year for your club as we celebrate the 125 Anniversary. In the next few weeks, you will receive a full schedule of special events, activities and opportunities for every member to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. We also have some important, albeit less fun, work to do this year. In the first quarter, there are a variety of capital projects that are on the th
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Golf services will remain closed on Mondays; bag storage and carts will open on Tuesdays with full operations offered Wed through Sun. Clubhouse Food and Beverage outlets will remain closed Monday and Tuesday.Wednesday through Sunday regular food service will be offered but there will be an adjusted schedule for lunch. If you have questions, just give us a call and we’ll help. There are a couple of other winter topics to deal with as well. With the onset of cold weather, (not to mention those pesky New Year’s Resolutions), activity in the fitness room always increases. Please remember to register your use and sign in your guests. If you are unfamiliar with the correct use of a piece of equipment or need setting up an exercise program, please feel free to ask any of our fitness team members for assistance. They are also available for personal or small group training. The other winter topic is the weather. After several years of little or no winter weather, it appears the next few months may be different. We are fortunate to have an excellent grounds crew who have the responsibility of snow/ice removal. Regardless of how vigilant their efforts are, the risk of an icy spot always exists. I urge you to always use caution when walking to and from the Clubhouse. This is the time of year when transition of club leadership occurs. Effective January 1 , the new Directors and Officers who were elected in November assume their responsibilities for 2026. At the Board of Director level, Martha Tshantz, Cameron McDonald, Brooks Pierce and EJ Dealy will begin their service as Directors of the club. Stepping off the Board are Lisa Schmidt, Rob Friz, Tom Beck and Adam Landis with a sincere thanks for their many years spent volunteering to help guide the Club. st Let me end this month’s epistle by thanking those members who so generously contributed to the Employee Christmas Gift Fund. Your financial recognition of the year-long efforts of our staff is greatly appreciated.The Christmas Gift received by each member of staff helps to create the positive working environment that is required to maintain a dedicated, loyal staff in a competitive labor market. As always, thanks for reading. Let’s have a safe, healthy winter and I’ll see you at the Club! -Phil Iannelli
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations
Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef
Mindy Blumetti Chief Financial Officer
Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development & Communications Manager
Steve Buenaga Human Resources Manager
Jonathan Urbanski Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf
Liezel Huber Director of Racquets and Sports
Clark Verchick Chief Engineer
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Happy New Year! The start of a new year is always a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and focus on how we can continue to enhance your experience at Wilmington Country Club. Our goal remains simple and steadfast: to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for you to use your Club, stay informed, and feel connected to everything happening across our community. Over the past year, we’ve made meaningful improvements to the Wilmington Country Club app; increased usability, clearer navigation, and more reliable access to information have been at the forefront of these updates. Whether you’re booking dining reservations, checking hours of operation, registering for events, or receiving timely notifications, the app is designed to be your most efficient, go-to resource. We will continue refining this platform so it works seamlessly for you—saving time and keeping you informed at a glance. In addition to the app, we encourage members to stay connected through our Facebook page and social media channels allowing us to share timely updates, highlight Club happenings, celebrate milestones, and showcase the vibrant day-to-day life of Wilmington Country Club. It’s another way to stay engaged and feel connected, even when you’re not on property. Finally, as we look ahead to our historic milestone, we are excited to share the rollout of the 125th Anniversary Heritage Pathway Program. This limited-time opportunity is designed to honor the Cub’s legacy while thoughtfully inviting the next generation into membership. -Meghan Spero 4
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP
Meghan Spero, PGA, Membership Development and Communications Manager
COMMUNICATIONS / MEMBERSHIP 125TH HERTIAGE PATHWAY PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES
FRONT DESK HOURS
MONDAY AND TUESDAY 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
Wilmington Country Club marks 125 years of traditions, connections, and experiences that have shaped the Club you proudly call home. This milestone reflects generations of members who have built a community defined by camaraderie, excellence, and a shared appreciation for all that makes Wilmington so special. To commemorate this historic anniversary, the Board of Directors has introduced a limited- time membership opportunity: the 125th Anniversary Heritage Pathway. For 2026, new members may join at a special Stock rate of $62,500, which includes a $12,500 Heritage Credit —a meaningful tribute to our anniversary year and a rare opportunity to begin membership at a preferred value. The Heritage Pathway is more than a financial benefit; it is an invitation to become part of a legacy rooted in tradition and strengthened by a forward-looking commitment to exceptional golf, outstanding amenities, and memorable experiences. This program is thoughtfully designed to welcome new members who will help carry Wilmington Country Club’s values and traditions into the future. We encourage you to share this opportunity with friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested in joining during this historic year. Additional details and special anniversary celebrations will be shared throughout 2026. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Tripp Way, Membership Development Chair, at tway@dsmre.com, or Meghan Spero, Membership Development & Communications Manager, at mspero@wilmingtoncc.com.
We would like to acknowledge our Senior members on their milestones:
Mr.Todd A. Flubacher, 5 years Mr. Jonathan W. Witter, 5 years Dr. Cecil C. Gordon, Jr., 25 years Mr. David D. Wilkinson, 25 years Mr. J. Carlisle Peet, III, 35 years Mr. John C. Peet, IV, 35 years EMPLOYEE MILESTONES Jose Garduno-Arcos, Grounds, 1 year Natalie Nycz, F&B, 3 years Jon Urbanski, Grounds, 6 years
Ms. Joni L. Peet, 35 years Mr. F. Michael Donohue, IV, 40 years Mr. David Peter Lazar, 40 years Mr. Michael W. Ashley, 50 years Dr. William L. Medford, MD, 70 years Mr. John F. Porter, III, 80 years
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 9:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 9:00 a.m -8:00 p.m..
SUNDAY 9:00 a.m -5:00 p.m.
Christopher Annone, Locker, 14 years Bob Lennon, Golf, 17 years Mary Harrison, Fitness, 27 years
CONTACT
Front Desk:302-655-6171 Golf Shop: 302-655-6022 Racquet Shop: 302-655-6513
www.wilmingtoncc.com
4825 Kennett Pike Wilmington, De 19807
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
WELCOME TO THE CLUB Please join us giving a warm welcome to the following new members of the Club: Terry and Heidi Kelly
/WilmingtonCountryClub
/wilmingtoncc1901
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Tuesday JANUARY Monday Wednesday
Sunday
Thursday
Saturday
Friday
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Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
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No Clubhouse Food Service
Book Club 4:00 p.m. No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
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No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Junior Dink Pickle Play 5:30 p.m.
Experience Pickleball Clinic
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Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Junior Grand Prix Squash Tournament 9:00 a.m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
No Clubhouse Food Service
Pickleball Social 6:00 p.m.
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Boys & Girls 10 & under Orange Ball Tourney Morrow Paddle
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m. Paddle Ladies Member Guest 6:00 p.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service No Clubhouse Food Service
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From the ARCHIVES
Wilmington Country Club traces its origins to a series of early athletic and social clubs that reflected the region’s growing enthusiasm for organized sport. Its earliest roots date to 1877 with the formation of the Young America Cricket Club, one of the first sports clubs in the area. In 1882, it was absorbed by the Delaware Cricket Club, which then merged with the Delaware Field Club in 1883. As recreational interests evolved nationwide, the Delaware Field Club soon turned its attention to the rapidly growing game of golf. In the spring of 1901, the group set out to develop an 18-hole golf course, leasing 134 acres of farmland from William du Pont along Kennett Turnpike. On April 22, 1901, Wilmington Country Club was formally incorporated as a private, member-owned institution with 259 Charter Members. The founders—largely Wilmington businessmen and sportsmen—shared a vision centered on fellowship, recreation, and the traditions of golf, embracing a governance model rooted in member stewardship and long-term thinking. Work on the course began almost immediately. The first nine holes were completed in August 1901, constructed by 25 workers and eight horses at a cost of $2,000. After the fall wheat harvest, the second nine was finished in just three weeks for $850, and the Club became an allied member of the United States Golf Association on February 27, 1902. From its earliest years, Wilmington Country Club offered a broad mix of athletic and social activities and quickly became both a competitive golf destination and a social hub in the Mid-Atlantic. Now, as Wilmington Country Club celebrates its 125th Anniversary, we honor the vision of those early members and the generations who followed. Throughout this milestone year, we look forward to sharing more of the Club’s history while continuing to build on the traditions that have defined Wilmington Country Club for 125 years.
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December HIGHLIGHTS
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An Immense World … explores the unique ways different species perceive reality through their senses. The Earth is full of sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every kind of animal, including humans, perceives but a tiny sliver of our immense world. Thus, a key theme is the sensory worlds of many species. Yong discusses how all animals, including humans, experience a limited slice of reality, and that each animal lives in its own “sensory bubble”. Readers are encouraged to "possess other eyes" to understand these different realms. Yong provides several examples, including how beetles are drawn to fire; crocodiles with highly sensitive faces; turtles that navigate by magnetic fields, how fish use electricity, and the complex vision of scallops, or the sonar-like abilities of some humans. Yong details that the eyes of a giant squid evolved to see sparkling whales, and that plants hum the silent songs of courting bugs. We learn what bees see in flowers, what songbirds hear in their tunes, and what dogs smell on the street. There are many stories of pivotal discoveries in the field, while at the same time, other mysteries remain unsolved. In An Immense World , Ed Yong coaxes us beyond the limits of our own senses, allowing us to perceive differently allthat surround us. The final chapter discusses the effect of human activity on animal ecosystems and promotes empathy for the non-human world. Ed Yong is a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer, and this book was named one of New York Times "10 Best Books of 2022." It also won the 2023 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, and it was shortlisted for the2023 Royal Society Science Book Prize. Kirkus Reviews, noted for its comprehensive book evaluations of books across all genres – and serves as a barometer of literary quality – has called An Immense World … one of the “best Nonfiction books of the Century”. Date: January 6th at 4:00pm Location: Women’s Lounge Lead By: There Fiechter BOOK CLUB
JANUARY 6TH, 2025
FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026
An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us. A comprehensive description of the different ways that animals perceive the world. There Fiechter will lead the January meeting.
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb. The music of a famous American composer may have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy. Francesca DiGuglielmo will lead the discussion for the February meeting.
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Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026, don’t let the winter doldrums get you down, bundle up and come out to the Club! Our Friday Night Happy Hours are the perfect way to start your weekend. Mix and mingle with fellow members, reconnect with old friends, or make some new ones along the way. With delicious food and drink specials, it’s a great excuse to get out and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the Pub – every Friday night from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Winter Schedule Reminder Please remember that our winter schedule begins on January 2. The Club will be open for food and beverage service Wednesday through Sunday. While the Grille and Tavern will be closed for lunch, members may continue to enjoy Cafe1901 and Pub37 for both lunch and dinner. The Golfer’s Buffet in the Pub will return in the Spring. The Grille and Tavern will be open for takeout beginning at 4:00 p.m., with dinner service starting at 5:00 p.m. The Dining Room will be open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Looking Ahead to Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it! Make plans now to treat that special someone in your life to an unforgettable evening. Reserve a table in the Dining Room for our Sweetheart Dinner, featuring a romantic candlelit setting and a specially curated four-course menu by Chef Tip, complete with a choice of entrée, to celebrate the season of love. Reservations required - we look forward to celebrating with you! -Christine Jordan 11
Christine Jordan, Director of Clubhouse Operations DINING & SOCIAL
DINING MENUS
DINING HOURS
As winter dining hours begin at the Club, our culinary team will continue refreshing menus throughout the coming months to keep things seasonal and exciting. We’re thrilled to bring back Italian Week this month and we will once again be offering Super Bowl takeout, with online and app ordering available soon. In the meantime, the next time your stop out the the Club and dine with us, I highly recommend the Venison in the Tavern & Grille—served with juniper salt, cremini duxelle, Brussels sprouts, poached pear, and huckleberry gastrique—or the Lamb Rack Chops in the Dining Room with roasted garlic & herb glaze, mutabal, chickpea fries, lime & cumin yogurt, and saffron oil. And of course, no meal is complete without one of Annie’s delicious desserts. You may view all of the menus by clicking below. -Tip Tribbitt
CAFE 1901 Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
PUB 37 Wednesday– Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
GRILLE / TAVERN Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PUB37
CAFE 1901
TAVERN & GRILLE
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
DINING ROOM Friday & Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
THE HUT Closed
DESSERTS
CRAFT COCKTAILS
DINING ROOM
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Another year means more to look forward to. I just wanted to send a quick note to say a big thank you and share what Racquets has in store for 2026! Our goal is new, different, and more, and we want you to join us. Hang out more often, add more fun to your schedule, make more friends, and enjoy your club even more.
Liezel Huber, Director of Racquets and Sports RACQUETS & SPORTS
The first month of the year may be geared toward New Year’s resolutions: trying a dry January, getting more cardio, working out, improving fitness, or simply improving your racquets game.
This year has been marked by the continued growth of Racquets. We have welcomed three wonderful pros: Roman, Jalil, and Gabriel — you’re awesome! Congratulations to Michelle on the birth of Giorgia Rose on Dec 16.
This winter has been colder than I remember, which gives me even greater admiration for our amazing paddle players and coaches. You are invited to come and cheer them on. Thank you to NovaCare for your support of Racquets, helping us stay healthy.
Thank you to all our members and staff for your continued support. We look forward to another amazing year here in Wilmington and at WCC!
Happy New Year from our family to yours. Stay safe, and let’s commit to getting healthier by playing more racquet sports.
-Liezel Huber
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Congratulations to Ian McConnel and Ernie DiSabatino for their 2nd place finishes in the December 6th Delaware State Squash Singles. Ernie played a strong final match 11-7, 11-8, 11-6, finishing behind Brad Kilheffer of Lancaster, PA. Ian was finalist to Waqas Gul of Allentown, PA, with three competitive games ending 10-12, 6-11, 11-13—truly a match that could have gone either way! The Diamond State Open Doubles, presented by CSC, was hosted by Wilmington Country Club December 11-14. Some of the world’s best squash doubles players competed in an exciting weekend of matches. In the finals, 2nd seeds Chris Callis (NY) and Zac Alexander (Australia/New Canaan, CT) defeated 1st seeds James Stout (Bermuda/NY) and Scott Arnold (Australia/Toronto) in four thrilling games: 15-10, 11-15, 15-10, 15-9. This year, the tournament partnered with First State Squash, supporting academic enrichment, mentorship, and athletic opportunities for local students. At the 2025 MASA Team Championships, the Tower Hill High School squash program performed impressively. The girls’ team finished 3rd in the third High School Division, and the boys’ team finished 7th in the second division. We’re especially proud that the majority of both rosters are made up of juniors from WCC, showcasing the talent and dedication of our youth players. The Copa Don Pedro Squash League on Wednesday nights featured 48 players across six teams competing for bragging rights over seven weeks, culminating on December 10th. Team Roll Corners —Andy Houston, Brett Anderson, Lexi Saunders, Adrian Jones, Aaron Stulman, Mark Spear, Mark Mumford, and Jeff Rogatz—defeated Team Back Wall Bangers 172-147. The next Copa Don Pedro League begins January 7th and runs for seven consecutive Wednesdays. Sign up via ForeTees. o sign up, please use the Forees System RACQUETS AND SPORTS SQUASH HIGHLIGHTS
RACQUET SCHEDULES
Click on each to view current scheudle
2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
TENNIS SQUASH PICKLEBALL
February 5th – 8th: Squash Commissioners Cup Doubles February 8th: Wilmington Play-Day (Paddle Kids) February 13th: UD Women's Tennis Team Match February 18th: Mexican - Paddle Social February 19th: Volley with Your Valentine - Pickleball Social
Februray 22nd: UD Men's Tennis Team Match February 27th: US Squash Doubles Nationals
PADDLE JUNIORS
March 1st: Paddle Club Championships Finals Day March 4th: Squash Club Championships Finals Night March 6th : DE State Squash Doubles Championships March 12th: Shamrocks and Smashes - Pickleball Social March 15th: UD Women's Tennis Team Match March 25th: Ladies Tennis Winter Whites Member Guest April 8th: Fun Ladies Tennis Cardio April 10th: US National Junior Squash Doubles Championships April 12th: Fool's Rally - Pickleball Social April 13, 14, 16th: Ladies Tennis Camps April 17th: Ladies Tennis Opening Day Apil 24th: Road to Paris - DE Regional Qualifier 14 and Under May 26th: Swim Team First Practice June 6th: First Swim Meet of the Season June 8th: August 21st: Summer Camp July 7th: Swim Team League Championships @ GCC
JANUARY EVENTS
January 5th Squash Club Championships begin
January 7th Copa Don Pedro
UPCOMING SQUASH EVENTS January 5th – March 4th: Squash Club Championships/Flights (A, B, C, D, 50+, 60+) Adults and Juniors, Singles & Doubles. Finals Evening: Mar. 4 January 7th: Copa Don Pedro Winter Session Week 1 of 7 January 11th: PSRA Winter League Begins – Tier 2, 6:30 PM January 13th: PSRA Winter League Begins – Tier 1, 6:30 PM January 24th: Grand Prix Junior Tournament – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM February 5th - 8th: 51st Commissioners Cup Squash Doubles Tournament February 6th: High School Match – Tower Hill School vs. St. Andrews, 3:30 PM February 7th: Grand Prix Junior Team Tournament – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
January 14th Experience Pickleball Mixed Soirée – Paddle Social
January 21st Pickleball Social
January 30th Morrow Paddle Tournament
JUNIOR RACQUETS
New junior sessions kick off January 5th. These sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and developmentally focused.. To register for the winter session, please CLICK HERE. 14
January 31st USTA Boys & Girls U10 Orange Ball
Happy new year! Thank you to everyone who supported our golf programs and events in 2025. It was a great year for golf! We recorded more golf rounds in 2025 than in nearly any other season over the past 20 years, behind only 2020 and 2021 in golf activity. Our golf team is looking forward to keeping that momentum going in 2026. We will again be offering a full menu of coaching opportunities to help you improve, and we encourage you to view the “Save the Date” listing for our 2026 golf events. 2026 also marks the 125th anniversary of the Club, and we will be celebrating this milestone in golf throughout the year. Getting better at golf makes it more fun. Make a New Year’s resolution to improve your game in 2026. Now is the ideal time of year to get involved with golf coaching. Individual instruction is always available indoors in our Golf Simulator, and our winter junior golf program continues in January.
Michael Shank, PGA, Director of Golf FROM THE GOLF SHOP
Please note that hours of operation change this month. Take a moment to review the listed hours so that we may properly serve you. We look forward to seeing you at the Club in 2026!
GOLF SHOP HOURS The Golf Shop is now open daily, Wednesday to Sunday, beginning this month. If you need Golf Shop services, please make arrangements to do so between Wednesday and Sunday during this time. The Bag Room is open Tuesday to Sunday.
-Michael Shank
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FROM THE GOLF SHOP Headed to the Indoor Golf Studio this month? Prior to using the simulator for the first time, each member must take part in a 15-minute orientation with a member of the Professional Staff. These orientations should be scheduled during regular golf shop business hours. Once your orientation is complete, you have access to the room from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.Please remember to turn off the monitor, projector, and lights when leaving the space.You can find all of the rules for the Indoor Golf Studio HERE. Watch Indoor Golf Studio Basics: Access, Setup, and Exit Video Below: INDOOR GOLF STUDIO
GOLF HOURS
2026 MIXED EVENTS
MONDAY North Course: Opens at 10:00 a.m. Practice Range: Closed
May 17: Mixed Twilight June 14: Mixed Twilight August 13: Mixed Twilight September 13: Mixed Twilight October 16: Glow Ball November 21: Turkey Shoot
Bag Room: Closed Golf Shop: Closed
TUESDAY North Course: Opens at 9:00 a.m. Practice Range: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Bag Room: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop: Closed WEDNESDAY North Course: Opens at 9:00 a.m. Practice Range: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Bag Room: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. THURSDAY North Course: Opens at 9:00 a.m. Practice Range: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Bag Room: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. FRIDAY North Course: Opens at 9:00 a.m. Practice Range: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Bag Room: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY North Course: Opens at 9:00 a.m. Practice Range: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Bag Room: 8:30 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2026 JUNIOR EVENTS
January to March: PGA Junior Golf League Registration May 25: Junior Golf Kickoff Event
July 18-19: Junior Club Championship August 2: Family Golf Tournament
Play your best golf ever in 2026 with help from our Professional Staff. PGA Director of Instruction Bob Lennon is offering a variety of coaching packages this year, including Full-Swing, Short Game, and 9- Hole Playing Lesson Packages; Winter Simulator Lesson Packages; and discounted five-lesson packages for the price of four. Coaching gift certificates are available in the Golf Shop and must be used prior to the end of 2026. PLAY BETTER GOLF IN 2026 We are turning the page to a new year of junior golf. Beginning Tuesday, January 7 , winter junior golf class will be offered weekly each Wednesday indoors from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Orange & Yellow Class) and 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Advanced Class). Also, Buddy Clinics are always available for juniors to practice and play games with friends. Buddy Clinics are 1-hour sessions by appointment at a time that fits your schedule. For more information on all of our Junior Golf offerings, email Jacob Chambers, jchambers@wilmingtoncc.com. th WINTER JUNIOR GOLF
2026 FITTING DAYS
Callaway Fitting Days: March 6, May 2, June 13 TaylorMade Fitting Days: February 20, April 3, June 26 Titleist Fitting Days: January 31, May 16 XXIO Fitting Days: May 17, June 27, July 15, September 19 Ping and Mizuno: TBA
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2026 WOMEN’S EVENTS
2026 MEN’S EVENTS
March 20: WGAP Team Membership Deadline April 7: Women's 18-Holers Opening Scramble and Meeting April 21, 24, 28, May 1, 5: WGAP Matches April 22: Women's 9-Holers Opening Breakfast & Scramble May 21: Women's Golf Social June 2: WGAP Invitational June 3: Women's Putting Championship June 11: Women's Golf Social June 24-25: Women's Member Guest Invitational July 8, 15, 22, 29: Women's Twilight July 21, 23: Women’s Club Championship August 23: 1913 Cup September 10: Women's Golf Social September 15: Women's 18-Holers Senior September 15: Women's 18-Holers Super Senior Championship September 24: Women's Greenville Cup October 3-4: Solheim Cup October 6: Women's 18-Holers Closing Day and Lunch October 7: Women's 9-Holers Closing Scramble and Lunch
March 1-12: Invitational Lottery Registration March 13: Invitational Lottery March 20: Twilight Registration Begins April 19, 26, May 3: GAP Matches April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27: Twilight League May 8: Opening Event
May 14: One Day Member Guest May 31: 125 Anniversary Golf Event th June 6 - June 7: Wilmington Cup June 18 - 20: 89th Invitational July 4 - 5: Holiday Tournament July 9: One Day Member Guest July 24-26: Club Championship
August 29-30: Senior/Super Senior Stroke Play September 5: Labor Day Member-Member September 17: One Day Member Guest September 25: Putting Championship September 26-27: Annual Member-Member September 30: Men's Greenville Cup October 9-10: Clover Hill Cup
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Ground’s MESSAGE
The last month was a departure of sorts from the last few Decembers we have had in recent years. Temps dropped and the ground froze in the early part of the month and several of our goals were put on hold. We will attempt to accomplish these objectives in the new year. Although we were able to finish aerifying the roughs on the South, we still need to dormant see and finish applying compost. We did winterize the irrigation, but due to the ground freezing, we were unable to sand inject the South green. This maintenance practice will shift to March. We did deep tine the greens in advance of the sand injection process but pivoted to just topdressing the greens. Early this month, we will cover all the greens with the winter tarps. We continue to make great progress with the South bunker rehab effort, taking sand splash off the surrounds and re-grassing the nose of the bunker. While here, we are checking for sand depth, ensuring the proper amount is on the floor of the bunker, as well as, on the slope of the bunker. If the cold weather persists into this month, we will adjust and do other activities such as necessary tree pruning to improve sunlight and airflow to the turf below. If the ground is hard enough for heavy equipment, we will begin our tree transplanting program. We are proud to announce some staffing changes. Josh Muldowney, assistant superintendent, has accepted a role at Congressional Country Club to join their agronomy team. This is a great step in Josh’s career as he continues towards his goal of becoming a golf course superintendent. We wish Josh well and will see him down the road! Lastly, a few reminders for winter golf. We will use the ForeTees app to push any and all notifications for cart restrictions or frost delays. If the greens are soft due to rain or thawing conditions, please repair your ball mark, plus one other.
We have cut two holes in each green. Please rotate the flagstick to the opposite hole location to help spread wear through the season.
We have turned the calendar to another year and soon, the outdoor playing season will be upon us. In the short term, we have many objectives to accomplish for another successful season and time is of the essence. All the best to you and your families for a happy new year! -Jon Urbanski
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FITNESS AND WELLNESS
FINTESS BOOK CLUB - JANUARY
Our January Book Club selection is The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. The Boys in the Boat is a compelling non-fiction account of the University of Washington’s rowing team—an unlikely group of working-class young men who defied the odds on their path to the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Through relentless training and unshakable determination, they overcome poverty, illness, harsh weather, personal hardship, and the tense backdrop of pre-war Nazi Germany to become a unified and formidable team. At the heart of the story is Joe Rantz, whose journey embodies resilience, perseverance, and the power of teamwork. It is a true underdog story and a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Members have the month of January to read this selection. We will gather for discussion on Wednesday, February 4, at 6:00 p.m. in the Paddle Hut. To participate, please register through Mindbody or email Michelle Kasker at mkasker@wilmingtoncc.com. You will also receive an email from Beth Anderson with additional Book Club information.
PERSONAL TRAINING - PERSONALIZED FOR YOU
Michelle Kasker specializes in strength and conditioning, mobility, rehab and prehab, and nutrition counseling. She works with members of all ages and fitness levels and also offers expert nutrition coaching. Michelle is NASM and Precision Nutrition certified. Mary Harrison focuses on whole-body training with an emphasis on aging gracefully. Her approach highlights strength, balance, flexibility, and joint health, all while keeping sessions fun and engaging. Beth Sheehy specializes in strength and flexibility training for active older adults. She is both a certified personal trainer and a yoga instructor, bringing a well-rounded approach to fitness and mobility. DJ Kilson specializes in strength training and bodybuilding, helping members build power, confidence, and performance safely and effectively. Jimmy Povlosky holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Widener University and specializes in helping members achieve their fitness goals while working safely around injuries. Wendy Bonney brings more than 20 years of experience in personal training, with a specialty in cardiac rehabilitation and long-term heart health.
Stephanie Webb specializes in strength training and mat Pilates, focusing on building core strength, stability, and overall functional movement.
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