In 1965, two new indoor tennis courts, costing about $200,000, were opened with an exhibition that included Vic Seixas, Bill Talbert, Dick Savitt, and Mike Green. A third court was later added to the William duPont, Jr. Tennis House. In the summer of 1966, Carol Mann and Gary Player played two golf exhibitions; then Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus played an exhibition match. The Club also hosted the 71st U.S. Amateur Championship in 1971, and the National Boys and Girls Junior Golf Tournament in 1978. Recognizing that the “new” Club wasn’t so new anymore, in 1995, Club leadership developed a 20-year program of continuous facilities’ improvements. The initial three years included Clubhouse interior renovations and facelifts and the addition of the fitness room. Over the next two decades, renovations and additions continued: construction of a new swimming pool, with family area and Pool Café spanned two years; renovations to the indoor and outdoor tennis courts; the Paddle Facility was relocated and expanded; and two new reservoirs for additional water storage were developed. In 2008, Golf Course Architect, Keith Foster, was engaged to “regain the scope and scale of the South Course,” expand the Club’s golf practice facilities and construct a Golf Learning Center. During this period, it wasn’t all about construction. An event of great significance occurred in 2001 when the Club recognized its 100-year anniversary with a year- long Centennial Celebration. Dedications included the Centennial Clock, the Centennial Garden and the establishment of the Wilmington Country Club Centennial Scholarship Program to benefit employees, children of employees and caddies. The Club has continued its rich tradition of supporting amateur athletics by hosting the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship in 2003 and the Palmer Cup in 2013. Additionally, our Racquets venues played host to many USTA Championships, Squash National Championships and Paddle Nationals. The Club also received many distinctions and honors including Golf Digest’s “Top 100” Golf Course; a USTA Premier Facility; East Coast Croquet Club of the Year; and perennially recognized as a Platinum Club of America. With every year, the membership demographic evolves, and so must the Club. In 2009, the Club leadership charged themselves with identifying the most critical factors necessary to keep the Club relevant for the next 25 years. Based on their findings, the Atlanta architectural firm Chapman, Coyle and Chapman was engaged to design an expansion of the Clubhouse. The 20,000-square-foot addition was constructed by SCA Construction. The Grand Opening was November 1, 2014, and showcased the new Tavern & Grille, Café 1901, Pub 37, the Golf Shop and Fitness Facility.
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