THE BULLETIN A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB - JANUARY 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message
1-2
General Manager's Message
3
Club Calendar
6
Dining and Social
8-9
Golf
10-11
Grounds
12
13-14
Racquets
15
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
Many thanks to all of you who have sent me an email, given me a call, met me for coffee or otherwise shared your ideas and questions over the last year. It has been great to get to know you -- and our Club -- much better. Several themes have been common to my discussions. Therefore, this month we will publish the text of an interview I recently gave (to myself) that addresses the questions, myths and rumors that I hear the most. If the interviewer neglected to ask something you want to know, feel free to email me at dwilks.wcc@gmail.com.
Q:
Our dues went up by 13% this year. What’s that about?
CLASS OF 2024 David E. Wilks Rachel W. Heinle Douglas D. Herrmann Jennifer J. Hopkins Adam G. Landis Jonathan N. Saunders Pamela S. Tikellis David D. Wilkinson James R. Selsor, Jr. CLASS OF 2025 Thomas A. Beck Zachary L. Chipman Robert W. Friz Lisa A. Schmidt Meghan A. Adams Stephen J. Crifasi, Jr. Andrew J. Podolsky Becky Allen George “Tripp” Way, III Honorary Directors Gary W. Ferguson Melissa Riegel Advisory Directors Joseph F. Hacker, III Allen M. Terrell, Jr. John F. Porter, III
A: We’ve covered this pretty extensively, but many folks still have questions. The cost of everything -- especially personnel expense -- has risen sharply and we needed to get our dues more in line with the realities of our economics. We have accomplished that. Yes, our dues did go up by 13% and yet the Club is still a fantastic value. When compared to our peer clubs around the country and in our region, the cost of belonging to Wilmington Country Club is 30-40% below market. And compared to the clubs in our community, our dues are very much in line, even though our asset base and breadth of amenities are far greater than every other club in town. Q: Hang on a second. It isn’t fair to compare us with clubs in larger and more expensive metropolitan areas. A. Isn’t it? Let’s break down the three components of how we pay for things. Our new dues structure separates operating dues from capital dues. Our operating dues are dictated by the budget for what it costs to run the Club. That number is whatever that number is and we have to pay it. We don’t look to turn a profit; in fact, we better not make a profit. Our new line item for capital dues is dictated by how much it costs to fund depreciation. That number is whatever that number is and we have to pay it. Segregating that portion of our dues ensures that we will not have deferred maintenance problems. So as you can see, this is not a question of whether we should be cheaper than clubs in bigger cities. It is a matter of paying what things cost. I doubt very much that a new HVAC system, for example, is meaningfully cheaper in Wilmington than it is in Philadelphia or Tulsa or Atlanta. And the equipment, chemicals and other supplies that we need for our golf courses cost the same here as everywhere else. We have to plan for and then pay for all that stuff. Our third source of funds is the stock price paid by new members. Unless we have evidence that we have priced ourselves out of the market, I’m not sure why existing members would want that number to be lower. But the evidence has not shown that at all and we are still well below market compared to clubs that are just a short drive away that have far less to offer.
Q: Wouldn’t we pay less in dues if we cut back on our expenses? A:
Of course. There are lots of things we can do to reduce our expenses…and all of them would diminish our experience and that of our guests. If we were to cut costs, which hard choices would we make? Which dining option should we eliminate? How much slower should we make the greens? How many tennis courts should we close down? How many members of our staff (and the services they provide to us) should we do without? You get the point. We are not going to do any of those things. Ever.
Q:
Don’t we need a lot new members?
A: Not everyone wants more members. Some folks love to be able to walk right onto the first tee whenever they want. Or know that a tennis court is always available. Or get a table without ever calling ahead. There is another club in our community that cannot offer that luxury and some fear that we will start to feel crowded if we add a bunch of new members. Leadership’s view is that we have capacity for some new members but not a lot. Our finances are just fine as you know. But more members would help meet those operational and capital budgets I mentioned. Every year, we lose around 20 members for various reasons and every year, we pick up about 21 or 22 new members. In my view, it would be great to add five or six more new members per year on top of the usual number. At that level, the Club would not feel too crowded. It would be a big mistake, however, to open the floodgates by making membership cheap and easy for people, which would give us a whole different set of new problems.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED
Q: What are we doing to find those five or six more members a year? A:
Studies consistently show that the number one reason why people do not join a country club is because they haven’t been asked. It isn’t a function of cost: there are lots of people in our community who can afford Wilmington Country Club. They just haven’t been asked. So we decided that we should have a more intentional way of asking. We launched the Membership Development Committee in 2024 to get the ball rolling. Tripp Way will chair the committee in 2025. Our general idea is that, collectively, our membership knows virtually everyone in town. We would like to leverage those relationships to make people feel welcome here. When Tripp asks you to lend a hand, please say yes. It won’t be hard and will likely be fun.
Q: What about the BMW? Did we make any money and where did it go? A:
The BMW was financially advantageous to the Club. Perhaps not as advantageous as some of the rumors suggest, but we did just fine. As I hinted above, we are a not-for-profit organization and we never want to jeopardize that designation. We devoted an enormous amount of resources, including our staff’s time, to the BMW and we made sure that those costs were set against the BMW-related revenues. We also did a great deal of infrastructure work that will last a long time, much of which was necessitated by the BMW. Just one example is that we have new state-of-the-art bunkers on the South Course. Pre-BMW, our outstanding debt was around $4,000,000 that was incurred for such things as the new kitchen, tornado recovery and other items. After the BMW, it was around $2,000,000. That is the best way to explain how the club made out. It was a strong positive and we have lots to show for it. Q: I’ve heard rumors about the North Course. What’s the story there? A: The North Course has never gotten a full makeover since it opened in 1961 and there are things about it that could stand improvement. Since our property-wide irrigation system is overdue for replacement, the time to think about the North Course is now. The Board engaged Andrew Green, probably the foremost golf architect in the world, to prepare drawings. No, we are not buying Winterthur. The challenge we face was created when the Club was first laid out. Our property is roughly rectangular. When Robert Trent Jones designed the South Course, he -- as my mother used to say -- took his half out of the middle. Next time you are in the Pub, take a look at your placemat. You will see that the South Course roughly occupies the middle of the rectangle. In fact, the southeasternmost corner of the property is on the North Course. That leaves little elbow room for someone even of Andrew Green’s considerable design talent to work with. He has come up with a few designs, but none so far has fully satisfied him or the committee working on this. One of his ideas would have required us to lease about 25 acres from Winterthur on the Point-to-Point track parallel to our driveway. We spent months in discussion with our good friend and next-door-neighbor. At the end of the day, however, the challenges for both sides were too great to overcome. So, no, we were never going to buy Winterthur or any part of it. We only hoped that the lease of a small piece would accommodate one of Andrew’s ideas, but it was not to be. Not to worry. Andrew Green is the best in the business and he is hard at work on our behalf. I imagine that I will have more news on this front in the coming months. Q: But what’s taking so long and are we buying Winterthur? A:
Q:
Did you know that we have mice?
A: The Club’s leadership and staff are, in fact, aware that we have had mice. For starters, the President of the Club does not engage in the management of day-to-day operational activities, nor should he. I do, however, ensure that when problems arise, they are addressed appropriately. Over the course of several years now, our staff has spent enormous amounts of time, effort and money on exterminators, contractors and cats. The problem has been a persistent one and we are not alone in the struggle. The Department of Health has inspected the Club numerous times and, despite its awareness of this problem, consistently gives us a clean bill of health. So, the good news is that the mice have never jeopardized our food safety. And it appears that we are winning the war. I have not seen a mouse for several months now and I am hearing the same from others. But we all want them gone for good.
Q: Last question. Nothing personal, but the current Club President and Vice-President don’t play a lot of golf. Since this is primarily a golfing club, why are they at the helm? A: The short answer is that we are in these roles because we were asked. We both love this Club and are delighted to devote our time and energy to it for this short period. Neither of us wanted to say no to something that means so much to us.
I question, though, whether we can call this a primarily golfing club anymore. There is a ton of tennis played here. And pickleball. And squash. And paddle. Have you seen our juniors and summer camp programs? The youngest among us are spending their time doing a lot of things in addition to golf.
Be that as it may, Adam and I both love golf. We have both chaired the Grounds Committee and I will put our knowledge of nematodes and fairy ring up against anyone’s. Before kids and careers took over our time and attention, golf was an important part of our lives. And it is slowly making its way back onto the list of priorities. But if you are concerned that we don’t know our way around a golf course, please let us know when you need a fourth. We’d love to play. David Wilks
GENERAL MANAGER MESSAGE | PHIL IANNELLI
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Winter Greetings! Let me begin the New Year by providing a brief recap of the one just past and offering a glimpse at what lies ahead. When remembered, 2024 was a year when no significant events or projects were on the docket. We enjoyed a year where members could just “live in their house”. Make no mistake, it was wonderful. We used the time to focus on updating and reimagining programs and services that you desire. Every area of the club benefited from some fresh ideas and approaches. And the membership responded. Participation in events reached record levels and your daily support was outstanding. 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. Although we got off to a slow start, by year-end, we were able to achieve all the most important financial objectives for 2024. We not only funded more than $1.6 million in projects and routine capital investment, but we also reduced the line of credit to less than $1.0 million. Now it’s time to pull out our favorite crystal ball and gaze into 2025. In the first quarter of the year, there are a variety of capital projects that are on the schedule. Although a couple are fairly significant in terms of cost, none should be too disruptive to your use of the club. On January 2nd, the contractors will be on site to begin the second phase of the replacement of the main clubhouse HVAC system, focusing on the Tavern, Grill and Dining Room. This work will take about eight weeks to complete. Arrangements have been made to keep the rooms operational throughout construction. Additional projects include the replacement of the floor in Café 1901, the “freshening” of finishes in the Hut, the establishment of the Club’s “Heritage Hall”, a new sauna in the Ladies Locker Room and the replacement of the pump station at Adams Dam that supplies water to our irrigation reservoirs. From a business perspective, the crystal ball suggests that to achieve the same successes we enjoyed in 2024 two very simple, but important things must happen. Every member can help. First, continue to search for the “next good member”. This statement doesn’t mean to suggest that the Club’s membership levels are in trouble. Far from it. However, there will always be a natural attrition of members that must be overcome. Your role in identifying individuals who you want to sit next to you at the bar is fundamental in the continued success of your club. The second is easy . . . Use 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 2025 is “come and enjoy”. 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. 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. Although we have made it through the holiday season without snow being a factor, our weather guru assures us this will change. When it does, 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 1st, the new Directors and Officers who were elected in November assume their responsibilities for 2025. At the Board of Director level, Deborah Pittenger and Jeff Ciconte will begin their service as Directors to the club. Stepping off the Board are Dr. Zac Chipman and Dr. Jon Saunders with thanks for their time spent volunteering to help guide the Club. 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 very 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
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations
Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef
Mindy Blumetti Controller
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
T
BIRTHDAY DINNERS
WINTER DINING HOURS
SOUND BATHING Please join certified sound bowl healer Allison Rhine Saturday, January 18th at 9:00am in the yoga room for a beautiful journey led by tones of 432hz quartz crystal sound bowls. Register on Mindbody or email mkasker@gmail.com
Join us in the Dining Room Friday or Saturday evening’s for your birthday dinner! Make a reservation anywhere from 6-9pm one week before, week of, or one week after your actual birthday. Call the front desk for more information.
Please note that starting January 7th, there will be no food service on Tuesday’s during the winter schedule. Additionally, the Tavern & Grille will be closed for lunch during winter hours.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS | SIP & SHOP, SANTA BRUNCH, CANDLELIGHT DINNERS, AND SO MUCH MORE!
JANUARY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Ladies Paddle Camp and Men's Round Robin
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
No Clubhouse Food Service
No Clubhouse Food Service Book Club 4:00 p.m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Paddle Philly Cup
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
No Clubhouse Food Service
No Clubhouse Food Service
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m. Executive Committee 5:30 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
"Mini Morrow" Pickleball Camp at 9am
Scotch Tasting 6:00 p.m.
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
No Clubhouse Food Service
No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Morrow Paddle Tournament
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m. Sushi Making Class 6:00 p.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Live Music in Pub37
Morrow Paddle Tournament
26
27
28
29
30
No Clubhouse Food Service
No Clubhouse Food Service
Morrow Paddle Tournament
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP | MEGHAN SPERO, PGA MEMBERHSIP DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
We're excited to announce some upcoming upgrades in the coming weeks to the club's Foretees app, designed to streamline your experience and keep you connected to the club community. In the coming weeks, you'll enjoy a range of features: Effortless Takeout: Order your favorite dishes directly from the app and pick them up at your convenience. Easy Statement Access: Access and review your member statements directly within the app, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your club finances. Seamless Event Registration: Never miss out on exciting club activities! A dedicated section within the app allows you to register for events, clinics, and social gatherings with just a few taps. We've also enhanced push notifications to deliver direct registration links for events and other important updates. This means you can stay informed and take immediate action on what interests you most, all with a single tap. This is just the first phase of our commitment to improved communication with our members. We're dedicated to providing a seamless experience, and you can expect even more enhancements in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for further updates next month! Personalize Your App: Consider adding a current profile picture to your app for a more personalized experience! Simply tap the three dots at the bottom of the app, then the button resembling an index card. From there, you can upload or take a picture. Download the App: If you haven't already, download the Club Central Foretees app from the Apple or Google Play Store by searching for "Club Central Foretees.” Questions: Don't hesitate to reach out to me at mspero@wilmingtoncc.com for any questions you may have. Meghan Spero
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES We would like to acknowledge our Senior members on their milestones: Mr. Christopher L. Kenny, 5 Years Mr. James L. McLaughlin, 10 Years Mr. Robert K. Rossiter, 45 Years Mr. Murray Sawyer, Jr., 50 Years Mrs. Margaret M. Dean, 55 Years Mr. Norris P. Wright, 70 Years
NEW MEMBERS Please welcome our newest members of the Club:
Katarina J. Wolfe Non-Resident Associate 30-34
Madison Theresa Boyer Child 25-29
Jon Urbanski, Director of Grounds and Golf Courses: 6 Years Jen Chieffo , Garde Mange Chef: 14 Years Christopher Annone , Men's Locker Room Manager: 14 Years Bob Lennon , Golf Teaching Professional: 17 Years Mary Harrison , Fitness Instructor: 27 Years EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
Lauren Coburn 30-34
DINING & SOCIAL | CHRISTINE JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
Welcome 2025! Your Club is starting the new year with plenty to keep you busy!
On January 16th, we kick off the year with a Dalmore Scotch Tasting and Dinner . We'll begin the evening with a welcome cocktail featuring the exquisite Dalmore 12. Then, settle in as our knowledgeable staff guides you through a tasting flight, showcasing the distinct aromas, palates, and finishes of the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask Select, Dalmore 14, and Dalmore Port Wood Reserve. Chef and his team will be preparing a delicious buffet to perfectly complement your tasting experience. Please note that the event will feature group seating – gather a group of friends and join us for an unforgettable evening! Sushi Making Class returns on Wednesday, January 22nd. This adults-only class is an interactive experience with our culinary team, where you'll learn all the tips and tricks to rolling your own sushi masterpieces. After class, savor the fruits of your labor with a delightful sushi dinner. Looking for a relaxing night out with friends? Join us in Pub37 for another night of live music o n Thursday, January 23rd. Lee Gerovasiliou, a seasoned performer with over 25 years of experience along the East Coast, will be gracing our stage. Influenced by legendary artists like The Police, U2, and Bruce Springsteen, Lee plays a variety of music sure to delight all.
Cafe 1901, Pub37 and Grille & Tavern Closed on Monday’s and Tuesday’s
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.
We look forward to welcoming you to these exciting events! CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR EVENTS. Christine Jordan
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Golfer’s Buffet is Unavailable
Scotch Tasting Featuring Dalmore Scotch and a delicious buffet for an amazing evening! 6:00pm
MENUS
Jan 16
GRILLE / TAVERN Wednesday – Saturday
CAFE 1901
Closed for Lunch Service Open for takeout at 4:30 Dine In 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday Closed for Lunch Service Open for takeout at 4:30 Dine In 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sushi Making Class Adults only class where you can enjoy the tricks to rolling your own Sushi! 6:00pm
Jan
FORMAL DINING
22
DINING ROOM Friday & Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. THE HUT Monday Opens at 6:00p.m.
TAVERN & GRILLE
Live Music Join us in PUB37 for an evening of live music with Lee Gerovasillou.
Jan
23
PUB37
HOT AND DELICIOUS BRICK OVEN PIZZA
ClubGrub N K
Experience the artistry of our brick oven at Cafe1901. We meticulously craft every pizza using dough made fresh daily in our dedicated pastry shop. Savor the flavor of what many believe to be the area's best pizza – a testament to our commitment to quality. A GREAT Friday family take out idea1
SEASONAL WINTER CRAFT COCKTAILS
Chocolate Manhattan penelope four grain bourbon,
chocolate bitters, sweet vermouth
Mexican Pomegranate Mimosa patron silver, prosecco, orange juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice
Boulevardier maker's mark, campari, sweet vermouth
DESSERTS
Smoked Pecan Old Fashioned bulleit rye, pecan syrup, bitters
North 9 Apple Galette vanilla custard, whiskey apple butter, caramel drizzle Baklava Cheesecake greek style cheesecake encased in phyllo pastry, graham cracker and nut layered bottom, citrus, honey and rose water syrup Chocolate Mousse Torte salted dulche de leche, chocolate covered pretzels, vanilla ice cream, gianduja ganache infused with frangelico extract
Enjoy our quick 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! Jeff will give you the inside scoop on what’s happening at the Club this month, from delicious new menu items to exclusive drink offerings and special events you won’t want to miss. Stay informed and get ready to make the most of everything the Club has to offer!
GOLF | MICHAEL SHANK, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF
HOURS OF OPERATION
Happy new year! Thank you to everyone who supported our golf programs and events in 2024. It was a terrific season. Our golf team is looking forward to 2025. Be sure to view the “Save the Date” listing for some of our 2025 events. There are some new things to look forward to, including a new Women’s Twilight event in July. There were more players involved with golf coaching programs in 2024 than ever at the Club. Were you one of them? Make a New Year’s resolution to play better in 2025. Now is an ideal time of year to get involved with golf coaching. Individual instruction is always available indoors in our Golf Simulator. Our winter junior golf program also continues in January. Be aware that hours of operation change this month. Please see the listed hours so that we may properly serve you. We look forward to seeing you in 2025!
Course Availability (North Course Only)
Monday 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Warmly, Michael Shank
Practice Range
Monday Closed
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. Play Better Golf in 2025 Play your best golf ever in 2025 with help from our Professional Staff. Bob Lennon, Jenna Soranno, and Ryan Rucinski are offering coaching packages this winter including: Full-Swing, Short Game, and 9-Hole playing Lesson Package, Holiday Simulator Lesson Package, and discounted rates for five and ten Lesson Packages. Coaching gift certificates are available in the Golf Shop and must be used prior to the end of the 2025 season. Winter Junior Golf We are turning the page to a new year of junior golf. Beginning Tuesday, January 7th, winter junior golf class will be offered weekly each Tuesday and Thursday indoors from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additionally, there is a “Play with the Pro” series each Sunday morning indoors from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Finally, Buddy Clinics are always available for juniors to practice and play games with friends. Buddy Clinics are by appointment for 1- hour sessions, for juniors 13 years old & under. For more information, visit this link for class Tuesday and Thursday, this link for Sunday class , or email Jacob Chambers at jchambers@wilmingtoncc.com. Indoor Golf Studio 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.
Tuesday through Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Dusk
Bag Room
Monday Closed Tuesday through Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Dusk
Golf Shop
Monday and Tuesday Closed
Wednesday through Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
You can find all of the rules for the Indoor Golf Studio HERE.
GOLF | SAVE - THE - DATES
MIXED GOLF
MEN’S GOLF
WOMEN’S GOLF
May 18: Mixed Twilight June 8: Mixed Twilight August 14: Mixed Twilight September 14: Mixed Twilight October 17: Glow Ball November 22: Turkey Shoot
March 1-13: Invitational Lottery Registration March 14: Invitational Lottery March 21: Twilight Registration Begins April 13, 27, May 4: GAP Matches April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28: Twilight League May 9: Opening Event
March 21: WGAP Team Membership Deadline April 8: Women’s 18-Holers Opening Scramble and Meeting
April 22, 25, 29, May 2, 6: WGAP Matches April 23: Women’s 9-Holers Opening Day
May 29: Women's Golf Social June 3: WGAP Invitational
May 15: One Day Member Guest May 31 - June 1: Wilmington Cup June 12 - 14: 88th Invitational July 5 - 6: Holiday Tournament July 10: One Day Member Guest July 25-27: Club Championship
June 4: Women's Putting Championship June 18-19: Member Guest Invitational
JUNIOR GOLF
May 26: Junior Golf Kickoff Event July 19-20: Junior Club Championship August 10: Family Golf Tournament
June 26: Women's Golf Social July 2, 9, 16: Women's Twilight July 22, 24: Women’s Club Championship- Flights A&B July 24, 25: Women’s Club Championship-Championship Flight July 31: Women's Golf Social September 4: Women's Golf Social September 16: Women's 18 Holer Senior/Super Senior Championship October 4-5: Solheim Cup October 7: Women's 18 Holer Closing Scramble and Luncheon
FITTING DAYS
August 30: Labor Day Member-Member September 18: One Day Member Guest September 20-21: Senior/Super Senior Stroke Play September 26: Putting Championship September 27-28: Annual Member-Member October 10-11: Clover Hill Cup
May 3: Titleist May 10: TaylorMade May 16: Mizuno May 17: Callaway May 20: XXIO TBD: Ping / PXG
Partners in Crime” - Ladies ‘Murder Mystery’ Invitational
June 18: Practice round, cocktails, dinner, and the secret assignment of "characters" for your foursome. June 19: The tournament begins at 8:30, and so does the mystery! Don’t miss this thrilling twist on the game you love! Mark your calendar, invite a guest, and stay tuned for more details!
GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS
Happy New Year! We will devote much of this update in the latter half to the opportunities that were awarded to two of our team members as we closed out 2024. But first and has been the norm when the South Course closes, we have paused rotating hole locations on the North Course. We have cut two-hole locations on all North Course greens to help spread wear patterns during the winter months. Please move the flagstick to the opposite hole prior to putting out the hole. A question we get from time-to- time is about rolling and mowing of the North greens during the winter months. Typically, when we get a drop in temperatures and conditions favor getting out of the house to get some exercise on the links after a freeze, is the absolute worse time to do any time of compacting-like maintenance such as rolling or mowing. The latter involves ripping the leaf blade at a time of year where winter injury is most detrimental. If we see a continued warm stretch and we are moving close to the regular season, then perhaps we will mow. For rolling purposes, the same can be said in terms of a steady and gradual thaw. If we were to roll the green tops on a day when the temps get into the upper 40s or low 50s after a prolonged time of frozen ground, the rolling exercise will sever roots at the depth of frozen/thawed soil. As in the case of mowing, this type of injury could lead to complications for the remainder of the winter season. Did you know our maintenance facility is open during the year to use the restrooms? Even though the halfway house is “open” with running water, it can be quite chilly. During the winter, if there is an urge, please stop on by after finishing the 6th hole and turn left to grounds. Use the second entryway after the garage doors. Enter and the ladies’ room will be a short walk after you enter and on your right, while the men’s room will be on your left. We have about 55 days before our spring maintenance ramps back up and the time in between we have much planned to accomplish. The majority will be small in nature but will pay large dividends in-season. Since the South Course closed Thanksgiving weekend, we have been able to raise all the sprinklers within the fairway proper on holes 1, 2, 8, and 9. We have made a dent in the need to elevate the rotating sprinklers, and we are focused on accomplishing this task over the course of the next several weeks ahead. In addition, we have completed about 90% of the roughs on the South Course for composting and core aerification. We will move then into seeding and solid, deep tining fairways. Over on the North, we plan to increase our abilities to hand water by installing snap valves on several holes.
We have communicated in the past few months regarding the awards received by Cody Sander, North Course Superintendent, and Gavin Kopczynskie, Assistant Superintendent. Here is a quick synopsis of their experiences:
Cody Sander – Syngenta Business Institute Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Syngenta Business Institute (SBI) at Wake Forest University. While there are several programs that offer education and professional development, SBI is unique in that it does not focus on turfgrass or agronomics. Although the program is sponsored by Syngenta, one of the largest agricultural companies in the world, it is facilitated and taught by professors of the MBA program at Wake Forest University. Twenty-two superintendents or directors of agronomy were chosen out of a large pool of applicants from across North America. Over the course of four days, I was exposed to many interactive discussions and seminars focused around five areas: managing individuals and team; leading across cultures and generations; influencing/negotiating; executive decision making; and work-life balance. These discussions were a fusion of professor-lead learning and discussion between the attendees. There was a large representation of age, experience, and organizations between the superintendents present. This led to great dialogue and many new ideas. This program gave me a new perspective with great ideas on how we can continue to improve our team here at the Club. Additionally, it allowed me to expand my professional network with people throughout the country that I wouldn’t normally meet. Gavin Kopczynskie – Green Start Academy The Green Start Academy sponsored by the GCSAA, John Deere, Rain Bird, and Envu, is a transformative experience for assistant superintendents that are aspiring to become leaders within the turfgrass and golf course industry. The program is a three-day educational and career development program that was held at Pinehurst Resort. I was fortunate enough to be selected out of a pool of applicants from across North America to attend this year's event to enhance my leadership skills, build long lasting connections within the industry, and prepare myself in the future to become a golf course superintendent. This year’s Green Start Academy featured some of the most well-respected mentors and speakers within the golf and turfgrass industry. The mentors hailed from facilities such as the Inverness Club, Saucon Valley Country Club, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Oakland Hills Country Club, Olympic Club and Wilmington Country Club! The mentors shared their experiences on leadership through panel discussion and break-out sessions on an array of topics pertaining to career advice such as what they wished they would have known when they were assistant superintendents, cultivating business relationships, team building and culture, and work-life balance. We had the opportunity to hear from speakers on managing major tournaments such as the US Open, diversity and inclusion, and preparing and managing a renovation. The final day of the retreat focused on career development seminars relating to resume building, interviewing, and to making a great first impression. My experience at Green Start will be a cornerstone in my career. The advice and insights from all the mentors, speakers, and the new connections I gained through the program will influence my decisions daily and into the future. I highly recommend this program to our other assistant superintendents here at the club! We are proud of Cody’s and Gavin’s accomplishments and look forward to how we can utilize the information they received to continue to push ourselves to elevate the experience here at the Club for the membership. With that, we hope you and your families a happy and safe 2025! Jon Urbanski
RACQUETS | LIEZEL HUBER, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS AND SPORTS
Dear friends,
Every day is a great day at Wilmington Country Club! We wish you good health and lots of happiness in 2025. Here’s to another year of fun, both on and off the court at WCC!
This year has been marked by the continued growth of our Pickleball program – no surprises there! We’re excited to welcome Ethan Leon as the new head pro at Paddle. Ethan is truly enjoying his role, and we are grateful for all the support you’ve shown him.
On a personal note, I’ve been especially excited about the growth of our racquet programs. It’s been a joy to see the development of our Red Ball Tennis Munchkin group and the 2.5/3.0 Ladies classes.
Our ball machine, "The Playmate," has been in constant use every day – and, as of now, it remains undefeated! As someone who tends to focus on what’s ahead, I’m already looking forward to a busy and exciting year. I encourage you (and myself) to find a healthier balance in 2025. Let’s play more racquet sports, and let’s make time to check out the fitness center during "Open Gyms," where a trainer will be helping you at no charge! Be sure to check out the chef's healthy options on the daily menu. Let us know how we can help you feel healthier and get a flying start to the new year! A few important dates to mark on your calendar: The University of Delaware Tennis Team is returning to Wilmington Country Club. GO HENS!!! Save the date for Friday, February 21st and Saturday, February 22nd. Another one to save: the Morrow Paddle Tournament! Come cheer on our pros and enjoy the Morrow atmosphere on Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th. Don’t miss the newly remodeled Paddle Hut, which will be the place to be! I want to thank you and our team for your continued support. You’ve truly become part of our family. Joshua and Benjamin are growing up beautifully, and I’m so proud of them. While I’m not wishing time away, I can’t wait for summer—and I’m praying that the winter is much milder than it’s been so far. I 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!
MONTHLY RACQUET TIPS FROM THE PROS Tennis
Singles Squash Serve Strategy The best squash serve is a chip/placement serve that hits the side wall behind the service box and drops into the corner. This will force your opponent to volley the return of serve after it breaks, hits the side wall. This is not an easy ball to return and limits the choice of where to hit the return, forcing your opponent to attempt to return the ball straight down the wall or boast out of the back corner. This serve allows time to set up in the ready position on the T and hunt down the next shot! Singles Squash Serve Tips & Tactics Take a moment before every serve to collect yourself and think about the exact spot on the front wall that you’re aiming for Toss ensure good spacing and positioning with your ball toss to make sure you can swing correctly to hit your target on the front wall Get to the T after you serve so that you establish yourself in a dominant position in the middle to hunt and attack a lose return Mix up your serves by occasionally aiming straight at your opponent’s feet, or hitting an overhead power serve into their body
Once you know where the ball is going to bounce, move yourself into a position where you feel comfortable playing the shot. The higher you make your backswing, the more power you will likely generate. Finding the right balance between the swing and the force is key. Pickleball You might need to practice this type of thinking for it to come naturally, but hitting with intention goes a long way towards getting the ball where you want it to go and helps identify shots to practice. Think about the following:
Which player am I trying to target? What is their weakness (e.g. backhand dink)? How can I move the players around the court? What is my highest-percentage shot?
Warmly,
Liezel Huber
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SCHEDULES
Paddle Close range net positioning: Your team is at the net and you have accidentally hit a short ball to the deuce court. Your team must cover the two- thirds of the court to which the ball has been hit. Your reaction time is limited when the ball is hit to you at the net from close range. All tournament players and almost all veterans play the net as they do in tennis, in thirds. The benefits to playing the court in thirds are: It enables you to stay out of each other’s way. You will avoid making unexpected guest appearances in each other’s air space. It eliminates second-guessing (“Is it yours or mine?”). When you hesitate, your opponents will find holes in high percentage areas.
TENNIS
PICKLEBALL
JUNIORS
SQUASH
SQUASH
PICKLEBALL
Delaware State Squash Singles Championships Twenty Players competed across three divisions in the help on December 7th. Congratulations to Jon Saunders who finished second in the 4.5 Division. The Delaware State Squash Doubles will be held March 1-2, 2025 Copa Don Pedro Copa Don Pedro Squash League playoffs was held on Wednesday, December 11th. This Fall Season we had 42 players, across six teams. 3 Wall Nick defeated The Philly Boasters overall 143-134. 3 Wall Nick Team Members were: Todd Anderson, Brett Anderson, Herb Matter, Jeff Olmstead, Ed White Jr., Jeff Mitchell and Sam Ashley. Philly Boaster Team Members were: Jason Clare, Leif Bohman, EJ Dealy, John Kairis, Mark Spear, Rob Harra and Scott Henry. Great Job 3 Wall Nick! Way to roll it out!
Winter In-House Pickleball League starts January 9th at 6pm and runs for 8 weeks. Weekly sign-ups on Foretees. (You do not have to commit entire season) Sign-up as individual or notify us about pairings, if you and your partner are available to play. Team ladder and individual ladder will determine placement. Cost: $12, which includes new balls and prizes at the end of the season.
Point System: 10 points awarded for any team's participation every week (just showing up) 10 points awarded for any win 5 additional points will be awarded for beating a higher ranked team
Championship Finals evening will be held on February 27th. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Email Vgiannaccini@wilmingtoncc.com
The winter session of the Copa Don Pedro begins on January 8, 2025. Finals to be held February 18. Registrations are being done through ForeTees.
Upcoming Squash Events January 18th: Pickleball Camp 9:00am
School Squash Middle School VS. High School Match we had a fun kickoff event for school squash where the High School players competed with the Middle School players in a friendly battle. The match could have gone either way, but in the end, Middle School defeated the high schoolers 6-4. WCC Championships The Wilmington Country Club Squash Singles and Doubles Championships begins January 4th. Finals night will be held February 26th. Please contact Ed Chilton or Nigel Thain to sign up. Also, signup sheets are posted on the Squash Building bulletin Boards. Commissioners Cup The 50th Commissioners Cup will be February 6-9, 2025. Expecting great participation for this milestone. Rick and Jack Porter, the originators as well as Commissioners from 1975-1984, put this event together for WCC players as well as their squash buddies in the Philadelphia area. Although Squash was important at the time, the event had way more to do with the Social side of the sport. Parties on both Friday and Saturday evenings went waaaay into the early morning, with players dragging themselves out of bed to play some semblance of squash doubles. After the finals on Sunday, with players still struggling, they managed to play football amongst themselves, prior to the Super Bowl. Most likely, better ratings for the WCC footballers…For those interested in playing, please contact Doug Herrmann, Ed Chilton or Nigel Thain. The Commissioner would love to have all members join in supporting the players for this momentous tournament. Schedule of events will be posted in January.
PADDLE
Whether you're just discovering paddle or looking to improve your skills, our clinics provide the perfect environment to learn. For questions, please reach out to ELeon@wilmingtoncc.com.
Clinics- Register on Foretees Men’s Clinic – Monday’s 5:30 to 6:30pm Strategy and Play - Thursday’s 5:30 to 6:30pm Wires Clinic - Thursday’s 10:30 to 11:30am Ladies Beginner Clinic - Friday’s 10:30 to 11:30am
Upcoming Events
January 6: Philly cup January 18: Mini Morrow Tournament January 24: The Morrow Tournament
Women's League Info Cup 3 Practice: Wednesday, 12:00pm - 1:30pm Cup 4a Practice: Monday, 1:00 - 2:30pm Cup 4b Practice: Tuesday, 9:00 - 10:30am Cup 7 Practice: Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cup 10 Practice: Thursday, 9:00 - 10:30am
Upcoming Squash Events February 6-9:
50th Commissioners
Men’s League Info ·Division 3 & 5 are on Thursdays and Division 8 & 10 are on Wednesdays ·Practices: Mondays at 6:30pm
February 18: February 25:
Copa Don Pedro Finals Night
WCC Squash Championship Finals Night
FITNESS AND HEALTH AT WCC
New Class Alert: Tabata: Join Jose every Tuesday (starting 1/7/25) from 6:00PM-7:00PM in the Group Exercise Room for Tabata Class! Tabata workouts are used to increase muscular strength and help maximize cardio capacity. The workouts are created to use one's own body weight and at times weights in order to push one's physical boundaries. The routines run in 20 second intervals of work and 10 seconds of rest for a number of rounds. The goal is to have a high intensity workout in a short amount of time. Please sign up for class at mindbodyonline.com. Any class with zero participants registered 3 hours prior to class will be cancelled. Open Gym “Talk with a Trainer”: January is a time for new beginnings. Maybe you want to start a workout program but you aren’t sure where to start. Join one of our “Open gym with a trainer” times. During this time, one of our trainers will be available to answer any questions you have about the fitness center, show you how to use the equipment, and give you suggestions on where to start. This is no charge for members, just pick a time and show up and a trainer will be available to answer any of your questions. Join us at one of the following times: New Years Sound Bath: Please join certified sound bowl healer Allison Rhine Saturday, January 18th at 9:00am in the yoga room for a beautiful journey led by tones of 432hz quartz crystal sound bowls. Register on Mindbody or email mkasker@gmail.com Balance and Mobility Workshop: In this workshop, Suzanne will introduce a method through mindful, gentle exploration of movement you learn to move in a more harmonious manner. You improve your ability to sense where you are in space to make accurate adjustments for better stability. Thursday 1/23/25 9:30AM-10:30AM with Suzanne DeStafano. Class will be held in the Yoga Room. Sign up on Mindbodyonline.com or email mkasker@wilmingtoncc.com Walking Club: The Walking Club meets every Monday for an 11:00AM walk around the golf course. Meet in the Fitness Center at 10:55AM if you’d like to join! We leave promptly at 11AM! Nutrition Coaching: Michelle is a certified Nutrition Coach with over ten years of experience, holding certifications from both NASM and Precision Nutrition. She specializes in helping clients lose body fat, gain muscle, improve sports performance, and make healthier food choices. To learn more or get started with Michelle, call ext. 2113. Thursday, January 2nd from 5:30PM-6:30PM Saturday, January 4th from 7:00AM - 8:00AM Tuesday, January 7th from 10:00AM-11:00AM Massage Therapy: Natalia Morales and Jocelyn Staker are both available for sports and therapeutic massages. Call ext. 2113 or email Mkasker@wilmingtoncc.com for more information. Personal Training: Our personal trainers are educated in providing a fitness routine geared toward your goals. Whether you are an athlete looking for off season training, someone looking to lose weight or gain muscle, or someone looking for help to get active again, stop by the fitness center to talk about personal training packages. For more information call ext. 2113. Check out some of our personal trainers below: Michelle Kasker -Specializes in Strength and Conditioning, Mobility, Rehab/Prehab, and Nutrition Counseling for all ages and Fitness Levels. Mary Harrison- Mary specializes in training an individual’s whole body to create a space capable of aging gracefully. Her training objectives are strength, balance, flexibility and joint health all while having fun!
Joining a fitness group class at Wilmington Country Club is the perfect way to kickstart your fitness journey, no matter where you're starting from. Whether you're new to working out or an experienced fitness enthusiast, our diverse range of class offerings ensures there's something for everyone and our expert instructors will help you set and achieve your personal fitness goals in a supportive and motivating environment. As we head into the new year, it's the ideal time to take charge of your health, challenge yourself, and join a community of like-minded individuals all striving for a stronger, healthier version of themselves. Together, let's make 2025 your fittest year yet!
GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
Beth Sheehy -Beth is a personal trainer and yoga instructor. She specializes in strength and flexibility with active older adults.
Tina Malatesta -Tina has 20+ years of experience as a personal trainer and loves working with a variety of athletes and ages. Her philosophy is health and fitness is a lifestyle change and she loves helping clients make healthy changes. Jose Borne-Dumont: Jose is new to WCC but has been a trainer for several years. In addition to being a trainer, he is a certified Stretch and Flexibility Coach and currently attending school for Massage Therapy. He offers PNF assisted stretching proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) to increase and restore flexibility.
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