THE BULLETIN A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB - AUGUST 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message
1
General Manager's Message
2
Club Calendar
7
Dining and Social
9-10
Golf
12-15
Grounds
16-17
18-19
Racquets
20
Fitness
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DAVID WILKS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David E. Wilks - President Adam G. Landis - Vice President David D. Wilkinson - Treasurer Thomas A. Beck - Secretary
Last year’s August message was in the beach-read genre, because it did not deal with heavy Club business. Instead, I shared WCC-fueled stories that have amused me over the course of my membership. This month, I simply want to reflect on what makes the Club so special to me. The Club has always been such a great place for relaxation, wonderful golf, first-rate tennis and so much more. But above all, it is a place where we can make friends, enjoy our friends and share common interests with each other. Our physical plant will always grow, evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, but the warm and inviting social side of club membership will always be the foundation. And it will forever spawn funny, heart-warming and, sadly, sometimes heartbreaking stories. If you have some that you are willing to share, please send them to me (dwilks.wcc@gmail.com)! Much attention has appropriately been given to the essential irrigation project and its cousin, the potential work on the North Course. It has been my firm conviction to pass along as much information about all Club business, including those projects, to the membership as early as I can. That has led to a lot of rumors and suspicion, which of course are the opposite of their intended effect. Nevertheless, it is only appropriate, in my view, that leadership should keep the membership as comprehensively informed as possible about what is happening - - and what might happen -- at the Club that the membership in fact owns. I walk a little bit of a fine line between wishing to tell everyone everything and not wanting to pass along information that is tentative or only half-baked. So, thanks very much for bearing with me. With that said, here is an update on where things stand. We continue to receive information and challenge those who provide it. Three separate committees, in addition to the Board, are paying very close attention to all the moving parts. Your fellow members are doing very thoughtful work on thorny issues in a desire to help us come to the very best conclusions. And please know that I mean it when I say that we strive to make anything we do equitable and financially manageable for everyone.
We had hoped to convene a special meeting of the Board on August 5, at which time the Board could consider and vote on a proposed scope and cost of a project. But I have canceled that meeting, because I am not yet comfortable with the body of information available to us. Uncertainty remains regarding scope, cost and timing and I am not yet confident in the precision of the information we have. Therefore, we have more work to do before we can make any decisions on these weighty topics. Please do not interpret this as anything other than my own desire to ensure that we have the most reliable information as possible from which the Board can make sound decisions in the best overall interests of the Club. Only if and when we are confident that we have solid, reliable and comprehensive information will we put the meeting back on the calendar. You are now up to date on where things stand. Nothing has been decided by anyone. Not by the Board, not by the Executive Committee and not by me personally. We will continue to keep you informed on the status of that initiative and anything else that I think would be of interest. In the meantime, please enjoy your Club and your fellow members for the last month of summer! David Wilks
CLASS OF 2025 Thomas A. Beck Robert W. Friz Lisa A. Schmidt Meghan A. Adams Stephen J. Crifasi, Jr. Andrew J. Podolsky Becky Allen George “Tripp” Way, III 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 Honorary Directors Gary W. Ferguson Melissa Riegel Advisory Directors Joseph F. Hacker, III Allen M. Terrell, Jr. John F. Porter, III
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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE | PHIL IANNELLI
MANAGEMENT TEAM
August Greentings!
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations
Once again, I have various unrelated topics that need to be shared. As always, some subjects are more informational in nature, others run a little deeper. I will leave it to you to decide which is which.
Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef
Socially, one of the month’s big events is our Oysterfest & Seafood Extravaganza that will be held on Saturday, August 2nd.One of the challenges we have had this year is that almost all our events have had limited capacity with frequent wait lists to get in. We intentionally developed this evening to be able to accommodate “a crowd”. Sign-ups are already great, but reservations continue to be accepted. No lottery or waitlist! Another “don’t miss event” is the summer’s final Lobster Night that will be held on Wednesday the 20 . F&B also has a complimentary wine tasting in Pub37 on the 27 and Live Music in Pub37 on Thursday the 28 . Plus, the lottery for the Farm-to-table dinner that will be September 6 is now open. th th th th Although seating on the outdoor patio is "first come, first seated", we occasionally have a waiting list for tables. Please check indoors at the podium for availability rather than seating yourself. Please be reminded that the dress code for the outdoor patio is the same as inside. Congratulations to our youngest members on the Swim Team. Once again, our kids practiced, competed and had another fun, successful season. Thanks to Parents, Coaches and Swimmers for all your effort! In Golf, our Club Champions (Men’s, Ladies, and Junior) have been determined, so activity transitions into more routine programming like a Women’s Social, Mixed Twilight, Ladies 18- and 9-hole weekly events and the Men’s Labor Day Member/Member. Enjoy your courses! Racquets programming doesn’t slow down a bit in August. A tennis Mixed-Social, Pickleball socials and camps, Ladies Tennis camps and separate junior and adult bus trips to New York to enjoy the US Open are all on the schedule. Speaking of not slowing down, our summer sports camps and clinics continue through August 22. We are beginning to see the peaches and the apples in the orchard take on a lot of color. Don’t be deceived! Many times the fruit appears ripe long before it is ready for picking. We will tag each tree with a ribbon when that fruit is ready. Also, please take the time to lean the picking pole upright against the tree when finished. Not only does it make it easier for the person following you, it also reduces damage to the pickers. Each year, our mowers encounter one or two that are hiding in the grass! A special thank you! Every season, but especially this year, we rely on many summer employees to supplement our full-time staff. Most of these individuals are college students, working as interns or simply trying to make a few bucks for tuition. They work in all areas from Swim and Tennis to Golf and Grounds and of course F&B. I hope you’ll join me and take a moment to share your appreciation for their efforts before they leave. We couldn’t have done it without them. As club activity increases there are more opportunities for members to have an impact on their fellow members’ enjoyable use of the facilities. You have written rules that speak to the “big issues”, but the small interactions are left to each member’s consideration for that fellow member.It is the responsibility of every member to create an environment that can be enjoyed by all. How you treat your golf courses, dispose of your trash, extend courtesy in the Fitness room/Locker room and monitor your children’s behavior are just a few examples of areas that can have a tremendous effect on the “person behind you”. Please always be thoughtful of the impact your use has. I know that August is a time when many of you take off for some well-deserved vacation time. I hope you will have an opportunity to spend some time with us as well. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you at the Club! Phil Iannelli
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
CONTACT
Front Desk: 302-655-6171 Golf Shop: 302-655-6022 Racquet Shop: 302-655-6513
WEBSITE
www.wilmingtoncc.com
ADDRESS
4825 Kennett Pike Wilmington, De 19807
2
JULY HIGHLIGHTS | FOURTH CELEBRATION, FARM TO TABLE, LOBSTER NIGHTAND MORE!
5
AUGUST
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
Oysterfest 6:00 p.m.
Pub37 Beer Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Pickleball Camp 9:00 a.m.
Men’s Labor Day Member-Member Registration Begins
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Senior Club Championship Match Play Finals Begin Women’s 18-Holers South Course 8:30 a.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Women’s 18-Holers Bring a WCC Guest North Course 10:30 a.m.
Women’s 9-Holers Back North 9:00 a.m.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Family Golf Tournament North Course 3:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Women’s 18-Holers North Course 8:30 a.m.
Women’s 9-Holers Back 9 South 9:00 a.m. Fitness Book Club Paddle Hut 6:00 p.m.
Men’s Senior/Super Senior Stroke Play & Men’s September Member- Guest Registration Begins
Mixed Twilight North Course 5:15 p.m.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Women’s 9-Holers Front 9 South 9:00 a.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Casamigos Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m. Last Day of Summer Camp Men’s Annual Member-Member Registration Begins
Women’s 18-Holers South Course 8:30 a.m.
Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Private Golf Tournament
Pickleball Social 5:30 p.m.
Lobster Night Ballroom Patio 6:00 p.m.
24
25
26
27
29
28
30
Women’s 9-Holers Front 9 North 9:00 a.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Women's 1913 Cup North Course 10:00 a.m
No Clubhouse Food Service
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Ladies Tennis Camp 9:00 a.m.
Men’s Labor Day Member Member South Course 9:00 a..m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Women’s 18-Holers North Course 8:30 a.m.
Ladies Tennis Camp 6:00 p.m.
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Ladies Tennis Cup Camp 9:00 a.m.
Ladies Cup Opening Day 9:00 a.m.
US Open Trip
Live Music in Pub37 6:00 p.m.
Pub Wine Tasting 6:30 p.m.
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP | MEGHAN SPERO, PGA MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
NEW MEMBERS Please welcome our newest members of the Club: McCoy (Mac) and Frances Weymouth
EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
Elizabeth Noriega Dubon House: 1 Year
Madison Moyer Membership and Communications Coordinator: 3 Years
Liezel Huber Director of Racquets and Sports: 4 Years
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS NOT PICTURED Robert Moores - Associate member Jennifer Sheridan - Associate member
Victoria Giannaccini Assistant Racquets Professional: 4 Years
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES We would like to acknowledge our Senior members on their milestones:
Kasidy Auer Bartender: 4 Years
Mr. Michael J. Hynansky , 5 Years Mr. David A. DiDomenico , 10 Years Ms. Nicoll Keeney , 10 Years Mr. Matthew A. Petruccelli II , 10 Years Mr. John J. Zufelt , 10 Years Mr. Frank B. Carpenter, III, 15 Years
Mr. William C. McGinley , 15 Years Mr. Garrett B. Lyons, III, 25 Years Mr.Charles D. Broll, Jr. , 45 Years Mr. John G. Mulford , 50 Years Mr. John Long , 75 years
Daimon Franklin Bartender: 4 Years
Will Agnew Jr. F&B Manager: 4 Years
IN MEMORIAM The Board of Directors, members and staff of Wilmington Country Club extend their sincerest sympathy to the family of:
Andres Rebollo Racquets Grounds Superintendent: 23 Years
Isabel Pearce - Associate Senior Social Widow, member for 84 years Joseph S. Finch, Jr. - Senior Social, member for 48 years
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DINING & SOCIAL | CHRISTINE JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
As summer enters its peak, we're thrilled to share a lineup of unforgettable experiences at the Club. From fresh seafood feasts to fine wines and exclusive dining opportunities, August and early September are full of reasons to celebrate with us. Oysterfest – Saturday, August 2 Get ready to savor the briny, buttery flavors of the sea at our much-anticipated Oysterfest! Join fellow members on the patio for an evening of fresh-shucked oysters, a plethora of seafood dishes, and plenty of non-seafood options to delight everyone. It’s the perfect way to kick off August in style. Be sure to make your reservation —this event is always a favorite! Final Lobster Night of the Season – Wednesday, August 20 Don’t miss your last chance this season to crack into our famous Lobster Night! Featuring a whole pound and a half lobster, drawn butter, and seasonal accompaniments, this evening has become a cherished Club tradition. Reservations are required as we bid farewell to this summer classic. Farm to Table Lottery – Closes Friday, August 22 Our exclusive Farm to Table Dinner is one of the most sought-after culinary experiences of the year. To ensure a fair chance for all members, we are once again using a lottery system for reservations. Entries will be accepted through Friday, August 22. Don’t miss your opportunity to dine under the stars with a multi-course menu sourced from local farms and our chef’s imagination. CLICK TO ENTER LOTTERY Save the Date: Chilean Wine Dinner – Wednesday, September 3 Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our Chilean Wine Dinner. Journey through the vineyards of Chile with a curated selection of wines expertly paired with a Chef-inspired menu. Limited seating available—make your reservations early!
Cafe 1901, Pub37 and Grille & Tavern
CAFE 1901 Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PUB 37 Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR EVENTS. Christine Jordan
GRILLE / TAVERN Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
MENUS
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
CAFE 1901
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 9 Ballroom & Dining Room 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. $45 / Adult & Sunday, April 9 Ballroom & Dining Room 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. $45 / Adult & $22 / Child $22 / Child Honor dad with a Casual Brunch Buffet including all the traditional favorites with an omelet station, a carving station, and plenty of desserts! Regular menu is not available. Dad prefer $105 / Person - 4 course Dinner Chit Bar – Optional Wine Pairing Additional dinner? We’ll be offering a three course steak dinner sure to please all dads (and non-dads). Regular menu also available. 28 - Adult 15 - Child Reservations of all sizes accepted. Due to high demand, Farm to Table reservations will be handled through a lottery system. To enter, please complete the submission form by Friday, August 22nd. Entry does not guarantee a spot — winners will be randomly selected and notified. If not selected, you may be offered a place on the waitlist. This event is members-only, and space is limited. We look forward to sharing this special dining experience — good luck! FARM TO TABLE Saturday, September 6th | 6:30pm
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FORMAL DINING
DINING ROOM Friday & Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
TAVERN & GRILLE
THE HUT Closed
PUB37
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CHILEAN WINE DINNER
ClubGrub ClubGrub N K
Thursday, September 3 Cocktails Begin at 6;30 p.m. $140 per person
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we host a Five-Course Chilean Wine Dinner, showcasing some of the finest wines from Chile—including Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of 2024.
. Get ready for our annual Oysterfest and Seafood Extravaganza, featuring an oyster shucking station, shrimp, tenderloin carving, fresh salads, savory sides, decadent desserts, and more! Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, this event is sure to delight your taste buds! OYSTER AND SEAFOOD FEST!
August 2 - 6:00pm nd
LIVE MUSIC
August 25th 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wind down midweek in Pub37 with great tunes, good friends, and your favorite drinks featuring local musician – Bob Stretch.
Enjoy our monthly video segment with Jeff Clauso, Clubhouse Manager , as he provides valuable updates on the Club's hours of operation, upcoming events, and all the exciting culinary specials and drink features we have in store!
BOOK CLUB | AUGUST
August 5, 2025: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Carroll Shannon will lead the discussion for the August meeting.
The Frozen River is a historical fiction thriller by Ariel Lawhon. It is based on Martha Ballard, a 54-year-old 18th-century midwife in Maine, as she leverages her standing as a medical professional to investigate two crimes: a murder and a rape. The novel fictionalizes some events and timelines for narrative purposes, but it draws heavily from Martha Ballard's real-life diary entries and experiences, as well as the biography written by Laura Thatcher Ulrich: A Midwife’s Tale (1990) . Lawhon explores themes of Puritan culture and gender oppression of that era. Hallowell, Maine, 1789: the story begins when the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice,and Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. The book exploresseveral key themes, including the power of community, the strength and resilience of women, the pursuit of justice, and the clash between societal expectations and individual truths. The novel focuses on the complexities of human nature, noting both the good and bad within individuals and communities, and the impact of secrets and lies. Martha Ballard kept a detailed daily account of her activities as a midwife from 1785 until a few months before her death in 1812. Over those twenty- seven years she delivered 814 babies. Her mortality rate (excluding stillbirths) was 2.5 per 100—very impressive for that time. Ariel Lawhon is known for writing stories that adhere closely to the truth of her heroines’ lives. She is an award-winning, critically acclaimed, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. The Frozen River is Lawhon’s sixth book. Previously, she wrote The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress; Flight of Dreams; I Was Anastasia; Code Name Helene; and When We Had Wings . Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Good Morning America, Library Reads, Indie Next, One Book One County, Amazon Spotlight, Costco, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons.
AUGUST 5, 2025 The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. A thrilling and tense mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18 century midwife, who refused to accept anything less than justice when women were considered best seen and not heard. Carroll Shannon will lead the discussion for the August meeting. th
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 James by Percival Everett. The adventures of Huck Finn, reimagined – but told through the voice of “Jim”. Janet Robinson will lead the discussion for the September meeting.
Please join us on August 5, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Women’s Lounge as we discuss The Frozen River.
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GOLF | MICHAEL SHANK, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF
MEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP All three Flights delivered a thrilling finish on the challenging South Course for the Men’s Club Championship. In the Championship Flight, the competition was intense throughout the 54-hole stroke play event. Defending champion Matt Homer entered the final round with the lead, but faced strong competition from the final two groups of players. Rising to the occasion, Matt carded five birdies on the day to pull away from the field. He secured his fourth consecutive Club Championship victory with an impressive tournament total of 211 (74-68- 69). Matt won by 11 shots, the largest margin of victory since Tim Porter won by 11 shots in 2020. Matt becomes just the fifth player in Club history to claim four consecutive Men's Club Championship victories. He joins John Gehret, Jimmy Monkman, Bucky Erhardt, and Randy Mitchell in that distinguished group. Rounding out the top 8 for the champions dinner: runner-up Anthony Ciconte, Jack Homer, Davis Mitchell, Ryan Bree, Jeff Homer, Joe Ciconte, and Michael Dignazio. Our First Flight produced great scores both days of competition. Andrew Kelly entered the day three strokes ahead of Jake Erskine. Both players were in striking distance of each other throughout the front nine of play. However, it was Andrew Kelly's birdie on hole 10 that set the tone for the back-nine. He fired a tournament total of 155 (74-81) and secured victory in the First Flight. In the Second Flight, there were great scores posted from the field both days. Kevin Sweet began the tournament with a career low round of one-over par, 72, placing him seven strokes ahead of last year's winner, Roger Kirtley. Kevin's stellar play continued in round two, where he distanced himself further from the field. He emerged victorious as Second Flight Champion with his excellent tournament total of 154 (72-82). Please visit the tournament page for full results.
A Note From the Golf Shop July was a month to remember at the Club, from fireworks on the Fourth of July to the excitement of our Club Championships. Congratulations to our 2025 Club Champions: Parker Alivernini, Nicoll Keeney, and Matt Homer! August brings a fresh lineup of Club favorites: our Family Golf Tournament, a Mixed Twilight, Women’s 1913 Cup, Men’s Labor Day Member-Member, and the final rounds of many of our Annual Championships. August also marks the final weeks of our Summer Junior Golf Classes, available until the 22nd. There is something for everyone at the Club this month! Make the most of these summer days and enjoy all the Club has to offer. Michael Shank
HOURS OF OPERATION
First Tee Opening Monday 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:30 a.m.
Bag Room Monday
Golf Shop Monday Closed Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. – Dusk Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – Dusk Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – Dusk
Practice Range (August 1-August 4) Monday 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Practice Range (August 5-August 31) Monday 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Andrew Kelly First Flight Champion
Kevin Sweet Second Flight Champion
Matt Homer Men's Club Champion
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WOMEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP The Women’s Club Championship provided a week filled with great competition, camaraderie, and impressive play. Nicoll Keeney secured her third Club Championship title with rounds of 79 and 83 finishing with a total score of 162. The highlight of the final round was Ms. Keeney’s hole-out eagle on Hole #2 on the South! Meghan Adams finished Runner-Up, showcasing strong play throughout both days of competition. Congratulations also to our First Flight Champion, Ellen Cannon and our Second Flight Champion, Judith Ventura! Thanks to all who helped make the event a success. Please visit the tournament page for full results
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP The Junior Club Championship teed off Saturday on the North Course, with 33 competitors putting their skills to the test across three divisions. In the 5-hole division, the leaderboard was tightly packed, but Davis Crifasi edged out the field with a steady round of 28 (+7). Patrick Larrabee finished three strokes behind at 31 (+10), and Bradley Hopkins rounded out the top three with a 33 (+12).
In the 9-hole division, Charlie Sears claimed his second 9-hole title with a strong 40 (+5), just one shot clear of Trey Gordon, who posted a 41 (+6). Michael Perry secured third place with a 45 (+10).
The 18-hole division featured twelve juniors vying for a place in Wilmington Country Club history as the 2025 Junior Club Champion. Beckett Chipman held the overnight lead after Saturday’s first round on the North Course, shooting 74 to place him four strokes ahead of Parker Alivernini and Connor Smolenski. With a tightly contested leaderboard heading into Sunday’s final round on the South Course, the top trio of Beckett, Parker, and Connor teed off together. Parker surged ahead with a front nine 38, taking a two-shot lead over Connor at the turn. A double bogey on the 13th briefly tightened the race, with Connor closing the gap to just one. Meanwhile, Beckett rebounded from a tough start and made a late push on the back nine.
Nicoll Keeney Women's Club Championn
Judith Ventura Second Flight Champion
Ellen Cannon First Flight Champion
Ultimately, Parker held steady under pressure, making several clutch pars to close out the round. His final- round 78 secured the championship by six strokes, finishing with a two-day total of 156.
WOMEN’S TWILIGHT RECAP Thank you to all 24 participants who made the kickoff of our new Women’s Twilight Golf season a success! Over three weeks, four teams competed in Better Ball of Partners, Shamble, and Scramble formats, earning points each week. After a strong start from Meghan Adams’ and Johanna Kung’s teams in Week 1, Team "Fore," captained by Johanna Kung, pulled ahead with a 3- point sweep in Week 2. Despite a late push by Pam McCrery’s team, Johanna Kung’s squad held on in the final week to win the season with 6.5 points. Congratulations to our inaugural champions: Johanna Kung, Mary Ellen Gibson, Ellen Cannon, Marcia Raniere, Cathy Klocko, and Kathy McCormick! We also hosted a season-long stroke play competition. Congrats to our winners: Lori VanSickle, Andrea Scerba, Michele Massaglia, Ingrid Shears, Liz Abel, and Lee Podolsky, finishing at five-over par.
Congratulations to Parker Alivernini, the 2025 Junior Club Champion. Beckett Chipman, our 2023 Champion, finished runner-up at 161, and defending champion Connor Smolenski placed third with a 162.
Charlie Sears Junior 9-Hole Champion
Davis Crifasi Junior 5-Hole Champion
Parker Alivernini Junior Club Champion
with Runner-Up Trey Gordon & Michael Perry who finished 3rd
with Runner-Up Patrick Larrabee & Bradley Hopkins, who finished 3rd
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JULY MEMBER GUEST RECAP Despite heavy overnight rain, we had a wonderful day for our July Men's Member-Guest, successfully moved to the North Course, which played beautifully for 104 participants. Taking top honors in the Net Division with an outstanding 21-under (121) were Brett Koelle, Sean Koelle, Rhett Mitchell, and Chris McErlean. After a four-way match of cards at 15-under (127), second place went to Mark Dellose, Matt Brainard, Greg Mitchell, and Paul Gillerlain. Third place was claimed by Jay Connor, Todd Conner, Corey Gehringer, and Alex Davis, followed by Chris LeRoy, Andy Hess, Alden Clapp, and Justin Perillo in fourth, and Steve Casey, Jordon Foss, Ryan Casey, and Ryan Salah in fifth. Sixth place, at 14- under (128), went to Steve Sierakowski, Chris Diederich, Brett Stoutland, and Ryan Lindstadt. In the Gross Division, Jay Whitby, Brit Evans, Jason Johnson, and Mark Stonesifer fired a blazing 9-under (133) to win, led by an exceptional 63 from Jay Whitby. View the tournament page for full results
MEN’S HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT RECAP We enjoyed a spectacular weekend for the annual Men’s Holiday Tournament, with 80 players competing under perfect weather across two days of challenging formats. Play began Saturday on the North Course and concluded Sunday on the South. The two-man teams faced a variety of formats: Greensomes and Four-Ball on Saturday, followed by Scramble and Two-Man Aggregate on Sunday. Saturday Highlights included the Greensomes format Co-Leaders at 30: Steve Crifasi, Sr. & Jay Tschantz, Ray Petrunich & George Kimbiris, Fred Crowley & David Williams. The Four-Ball Low Net also had a top score of 30 posted by E.J. Dealy & Todd Schiltz. On Sunday the Scramble Co-Leaders at 31 were Yuri Larrabee & Chris Tigani, Skip Harrington & Ray Babiarz, Doug Herrmann & Trippe Wayman, Scott Hall & Tom Mester, Will Sheppard & Jeff Rogatz, and Brian Adams & David DiDomenico. The Two-Man Aggregate Leaders at 70 were Jon Kirby & Jamie Rubano. After all scores were tallied, Chris Tigani and Yuri Larrabee successfully defended their title, claiming the overall Net Championship with an 8-under-par total of 170. Tied for second two shots behind at 172 were the teams of Ray Petrunich and George Kimbiris, Herb Matter and Cameron McDonald, and Jon Kirby and Jamie Rubano. In the Gross Division, Steve Lucas and Tom Humphrey secured victory with a score of 8-over-par 186.Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who made the weekend such a success. Visit the tournament page for full results
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MEN’S TOURNAMENT GOLF NOTES FOR AUGUST Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championships Quarterfinals end August 3 Senior Club Championship Match Play Finals end August 3
President’s Cup Round 4 ends August 17 Men’s Match Play Round 3 ends August 17
Mixed Two Ball Championship Quarterfinals end August 17 Senior Club Championship Match Play Finals end August 24 Better Ball of Partners Quarterfinals end August 24 Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championships Semi-Finals end August 24
MIXED TWILIGHT Join us on Thursday, August 14, at 5:15 p.m., for a 9-hole shotgun on the North Course. Mixed Twilight events are casual and fun golf, with dinner and cocktails to follow. The event is open to all adult members, please sign-up using the link below. Sign-up as a foursome, or as a twosome and we will pair you up. Entry fee includes dinner and prizes. To register, visit the tournament page here. FAMILY GOLF TOURNAMENT Join us on Sunday, August 10, at 3:00 p.m. for the Family Golf Tournament—a fun, 9-hole event open to junior golfers ages 4–17 and their families. Each player will compete in various on-course skill events for prizes, playing from tees suited to their ability. Awards will be presented in Café 1901 following play. Teams can include a parent/child, grandparent/child, or similar pairing, All participants must be Club members. Visit the tournament page here to register
JUNIOR GOLF AWARDS CELEBRATION Save the Date – Sunday, September 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a special afternoon as we celebrate the accomplishments of our Junior Golfers at Wilmington! The Junior Golf Awards Celebration will recognize standout performances from the Junior Club Championship, honor all participants from our PGA Junior League teams, and present special awards to juniors from our Summer Golf Classes. All junior golfers and their families are warmly invited to attend. To RSVP, please email jchambers@wilmingtoncc.com . We look forward to celebrating a fantastic season of junior golf together!
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GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS
When we look at the next month, we will continue to steady the ship as we did in July. One of our themes is to not allow a minor mistake to turn into a huge headache. This could be as simple as mowing an unintended area and scalping the turf. August presents unique challenges with heat and humidity, but we will actively manage the conditions to keep the grounds in excellent condition. The climatic conditions of the last month have been wet and humid. As of penning this update, we have received over 7.23 inches of rain. With this moisture and overnight temps well into the 70s or above, you have all you need for extreme fungal development. Our fine turf surfaces (greens, tees, and fairways) are doing well along with roughs within our spray program pattern. We have managed to keep most of the summer diseases at bay. However, you wander into areas in the roughs not protected with fungicides, you will certainly encounter brown patch (primary host is tall fescue), and in low lying areas, pythium. While we normally do not see the development of brown patch on greens, pythium certainly could occur if a downpour were to befall followed by intense humidity. It is because of this, our sprayers have not run dry, applying on 7-day intervals to ward off the most damaging summer diseases. With the amount of rain sustained to this point, a total of over 20 inches since April 1st, we have seen our pre-emergent applications for grassy weeds break down due to the material washing through the soil profile. It has been a struggle of late to address pests such as crabgrass and goosegrass due to the high possibility of disease development. As soon as we get through a fungicide application, it is either too wet in the roughs to get sprayers out to address the breakthrough, or it is too hot to apply herbicides. If temps are above 82 degrees, the risk of turf burn is elevated due to the make-up of the herbicides (this is another example of making a minor mistake turning into a huge headache). Furthermore, the rain accumulation in April and May, where all root development occurs and is critical for survival in the summer months, is now beginning to display areas where roots did not dive deep into the soil to search for moisture. With the more than regular precipitation patterns of these two spring months, the plant was receiving regular water applications from Mother Nature. For our purposes, we hope for a dry spring for roots to dive deep and allow our pre-emergents to have enough residual product in the soil to lessen the incidence of grassy weeds until late August when these turf varieties naturally weaken and post emergent herbicides are more effective.
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GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS
The August calendar presents some opportunities for our staff to conduct in-season maintenance, particularly on the putting surfaces. As we have mentioned either through these updates or emails regarding cart restrictions, it has been wet and our greens need to breathe. Our maintenance Mondays in this month may include a small tine aeration or “air-ation.” The difference between the two methods is if we will pull a small core (4 millimeters, or 0.157 inches) or not. It will be a game day decision of what method we employ and will be based on recent and future weather conditions. For your information, our full course aeration is not scheduled until mid-October. Service Road Walking Trail It is wonderful to see members continue to utilize the walking trail for themselves and/or their pooches from the parking lots and through the center of property. For your safety, while the Club is operating, especially when the golf courses are open, to maintain to the overall trail and not cross the bridge for 13/18 North. There have been a few instances where golfers are either teeing off on #13 or hitting an approach shot into 18 North while walkers are crossing the bridge. For your safety, and in the words of the band Supertramp, “Take the long way home.” A Word about Golf Carts… In our June update, we had mentioned that the Club recently updated the golf car fleet. We have been working with the local distributor and manufacturer to eliminate damage we are experiencing on the golf courses. The pictures in this update help convey what we are seeing. The distributor has slowed down the carts 1 mile per hour to 14 mph. As an aside and comparison, the John Deere Gators our staff utilize are set to 9 miles per hour. We digress…even though the carts are slightly slower, we continue to see damage. The manufacturer has said it is a torque setting embedded in the technology of the golf car and we continue to work with the manufacturer and distributor to come to a happy conclusion. Until then, we kindly ask for all to take turning as slowly as possible. Many thanks for your cooperation! It is hard to believe that summer is almost over, with students returning to schools and Labor Day fast approaching. This month is certainly transitional and though our days become slightly shorter, we know the heat and humidity can last well into September. You are surely to see our staff continuing our turf safety protocols and ask for a little bit of patience as we manage through the dog days of summer. For more on this, we have linked a great message by the USGA and can access the article by CLICKING HERE. We will continue with our theme of not making a mountain out of a mole hill for many weeks to come and look forward to seeing you at the Club. Jon Urbanski
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RACQUETS | LIEZEL HUBER, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS AND SPORTS
“The tan lines will fade, but the memories will last forever – Summer 2025”
Tennis Events: 8/25 - Ladies Evening Tennis Camp 6:00pm – 8:00pm 8/26 - Ladies Tennis Day Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm 8/27 – Annual US Open Day Trip 8/28 - Ladies Tennis Day Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm 8/29 - Ladies Opening Day at 9:30am – 12:00pm
As we reflect on another exceptional summer season at WCC, we are reminded of the many meaningful moments that make our community so special. Wilmington Country Club's Summer Camp Headquarters has been a tremendous addition this year. It has been a joy to see the children gather in a space where they can build with Legos, play with Barbies, engage in arts and crafts, or simply relax. This area has truly become their place for both fun and rejuvenation. Many leave each day tired yet fulfilled, and a few would happily stay even longer. We look forward to welcoming them back this fall as part of WCC’s Junior Racquets Program. The Annual Delaware State Open was once again a highlight of our tennis calendar, showcasing a high level of competition and sportsmanship. The favorable weather contributed to an enjoyable and memorable experience for both participants and spectators. Congratulations to Kristin Mumford and Wyeth Anzilotti, who were crowned Champions in the mixed doubles division. We anticipate an even more robust field in 2026. Our Junior Tennis players continue to impress, remaining undefeated on the road. Under the guidance of our amazing Coaches, teams secured victories over Waynesborough, Congressional Country Club, and Rodney Street. We look forward to additional matches scheduled for August as the season progresses. Summer activities remain in full swing. Members are invited to join the Paddle Round-Robin every Thursday from 7:30am to 9:00am, and we continue to host Bocce Socials each Wednesday at 5:30pm. Raft Night at the Pool, held Wednesdays at 5:00pm, has quickly become a weekly favorite. As we approach Wilmington Cup season, we are pleased to announce Ladies’ Tennis Camps on Monday, August 25; Tuesday, August 26; and Thursday, August 28. Opening Day is scheduled for Friday, August 29. In addition, our annual WCC US Open Trip will take place on Wednesday, August 27. For those who have not yet attended, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a long-standing tradition—please register on Foretees. We extend our warmest congratulations to the 2025 WCC Swim Team. Every swimmer demonstrated outstanding dedication and resilience throughout the season. We are deeply grateful to our coaching staff for their commitment and encouragement, and to the parents for their unwavering support. The swimmers rose to every challenge, showing remarkable growth and spirit. Special recognition goes to our Swim and Dive Champs medal recipients and all who participated. Thank you to the Swim Committee and all our volunteers for helping make this another successful summer. We are already excited about expanding our program in 2026. On a personal note, July marks both my birthday and another anniversary of my time here at WCC. It is a privilege to be part of such a loving and supportive community. Thank you for your continued trust and engagement. Wishing you a memorable August. I look forward to seeing you around the Club.
JUNIOR TENNIS RECAP This summer has been a truly fantastic season for our tennis camp! The energy and dedication our players have shown have been remarkable, both on our home courts and on the road. They’ve had numerous opportunities to put their skills to the test, competing in challenging matches at local clubs and traveling for exciting away matches in both Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. These experiences have been invaluable for their growth as athletes, fostering not only their competitive spirit but also great sportsmanship and teamwork. As the summer winds down, we're already looking forward to the next season. We are excited to announce that the Fall Junior Program will officially kick off on September 8th. We can't wait to welcome back our returning players and meet new ones as we continue to build on the progress and success of this incredible summer.
BOCCE Weekly Socials: Wednesdays 5:30–7:00pm. Sign up on Foretees. Bocce Club Championships: September 10 at 5:30pm
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SCHEDULES
TENNIS
PICKLEBALL
Warm regards,
JUNIORS
SQUASH
Liezel Huber
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SQUASH
Emerging Squash Player Summer Camps Players in this group should be able to serve and return consistently as there will be peer drilling, condition games, and match play. In addition, this camp will help them gain experience for future tournament play. This will be a fun and competitive environment. Tournament and School Team Summer Squash Camps The camp is designed for the player looking to gain more experience for tournaments and/or school match play, and will consist of coaching, peer drilling, condition games and match play.
CLICK TO VIEW BOTH SCHEDULES
August Junior Match Play Practice Challenge utilizing the different areas of the court. Weekly, try and play a match with the themes listed below. All for Fun! August 4-8 Half Court (L/R)
August 11-15 Three Quarter Court (Back L/R) August 18-22 Three Quarter Court (Front L/R) August 25-29 Above the Cut Line August Adult Squash 3 & Pro Squash Doubles Lessons: Mondays 6:30 - 7:30PM Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00AM, 10:00 - 11:00AM
Early Bird Mornings 3 & Pro – To schedule, please contact Roman Tkachuk. Please sign up on ForeTees.
September – Save the Dates! September 8 - Junior Squash Clinics Fall Session September 8 - Adult Squash Clinics Resumes September 18 - Adult PSRA Squash Leagues Kicks-off
Our Junior Team Tennis players traveled to Washington, D.C. for a competitive and memorable match experience!
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SUMMER CAMP 2025 WCC
JULY SUMMER CAMP FUN!
Summer at Wilmington Country Club has been full of fun, learning, and sunny smiles as campers enjoy a variety of activities across our beautiful grounds. From golf and tennis clinics to daily swim time and creative afternoons in the Kids’ Corner, there’s truly something for everyone. Campers are developing new skills, staying active, and enjoying the chance to connect with friends—both old and new—in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Be sure to check out the recap for a closer look at all the great memories being made, including the kids’ favorite- Olympics Day!
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FITNESS AND HEALTH AT WCC
GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Fitness Book Club WCC Fitness is looking forward to our next selection for our book club. We will be reading David Goggins “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds”. David Goggins has an inspiring and amazing story, and “through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes.” Although this is a “Book Club” you may want to listen to the book on tape instead of, or in addition to reading the book. It has interviews with Goggins in between chapters, which may offer a little more authentic insight from David Goggins himself. You have the a few weeks left to read and/or listen to this selection and then we will be meeting Wednesday, August 13th at 6:00pm in the Paddle Hut to discuss. If you would like to participate in the discussion please register at Mind Body or email Michelle Kasker (mkasker@wilmingtoncc.com). If you cannot attend the discussion in August, not to worry, there will be another book selection in October - discussion in November. This book club is open to all members. Walking Club Day/Time: Every Monday at 11:00am, at the Fitness Center by 10:55am Route: A scenic walk around the golf course
AquaFit Pool Mary
AquaFit Pool Mary
7:00 AM
Golf Fitness Group Ex Michelle
7:30 AM
Golf Fitness Group Ex Michelle
30/30 Group Ex Michelle
Golf Fitness Group Ex Michelle
30/30 Group Ex Michelle
8:00 AM
8:30 AM
TriFit Group Ex Mary
9:00 AM
Senior Fit Group Ex Mary
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
Senior Fit Group Ex Mary
AUGUST CLASSES:
10:30 AM
Women’s Golf Fitness
Days/Times: Mondays 12pm-1pm Details: This type of training focuses on the core stability, strength, and explosiveness needed to create stability and mobility in the right places in your body for golf. The program promotes muscle strength, balance, flexibility, speed, and explosiveness throughout your body, while targeting muscles in the golf swing. Limited to 12 Spots – Reserve via MindBodyOnline.com.
11:00 AM
Walking Club
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
Women's Golf Fitness Group Ex Michelle
AquaFit Days/Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7am - 8am
12:30 PM
Hot Vinyasa Yoga Room Beth
Hot Vinyasa Yoga Room Beth
Details: AquaFit is a water-based workout that combines elements of aerobics and swimming, offering a low-impact yet effective full-body exercise experience. It's designed to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and balance while being gentle on the joints. Limited to 12 spots – Reserve via MindBodyOnline.com.
1:00 PM
1:30 PM
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