WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB Junior Golf
We pleased to offer an outstanding line-up of junior golf programming in 2025. Whether your junior is picking up a club for the first time, a junior golf camp veteran, or a seasoned tournament competitor, there is an offering to engage and challenge every junior golfer.The Junior Golf Levels listing on the following page describes the best program for every age, depending on the skill and commitment level of your junior. For 2025, we are continuing our philosophy of coaching the game from the hole backward. Juniors learn a variety of skills, and are tested on a score-based system (Operation 36) from various distances. We continue to offer additional certifications beyond the Merit Tag this year for juniors over age 10. Our entire PGA Professional Staff, led by Junior Golf Coordinator Jacob Chambers, PGA, is looking forward to seeing your junior on the golf course this season! Please contact the Golf Shop for more information on how your junior can get involved. WELCOME TO THE 2025 JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM!
Sincerely,
Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf
GOLF STAFF leadership at its best
MICHAEL SHANK, PGA
Director of Golf
Originally from the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Michael graduated from the Penn State Professional Golf Management program in 2000. Following school, he spent three seasons at Chevy Chase Club in Maryland and Jupiter Hills Club in Florida, before working five years at Ardsley Country Club in Westchester County, New York. Michael was the Head Golf Professional at North Shore Country Club on Long Island for 10 seasons previous to starting at Wilmington in 2018. He resides in nearby Pennsylvania his wife Heather and son Lucas.
ERIC WILLIAMS, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Originally from Ocean City, Maryland, Eric began his career as a golf professional at Ocean City Golf Club. In 2012, he moved to Wilmington Country Club and progressed to First Assistant Golf Professional. In 2019, he became Director of Golf and General Manager at Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale, PA. Eric returned to Wilmington Country Club in July 2023 to serve as Head Golf Professional. His passions are in coaching and development of the membership through individual and group activity. He resides in New London, Pennsylvania with his wife Danielle, son Gavin and daughter Paisley.
BOB LENNON, PGA
Director of Instruction
Bob attended Florida Southern College where he played on their National Championship golf team, turning professional in 1984. Bob was the founder and President of the South Jersey Junior Golf Foundation, a foundation that helped over 1200 children per year. He also owned the Bob Lennon Golf Learning Center at Blue Heron Pines and was the lead instructor for the Golf Digest Schools at Blue Heron Pines for 15 years. Bob has been the Director of Instruction at Wilmington Country Club since 2007. His playing highlights include participation in the Greater Hartford Open and the U.S. Senior Open.
JENNA SORANNO, PGA Director of Player Development
Jenna is a PGA and LPGA Specialized Professional in Teaching and Coaching. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Professional Golf Management and Legal Studies. Previously, Jenna was a Territory Manager for Dunlop Sports Americas and the Director of Player Development at Gulph Mills Golf Club. She is very active in the Philadelphia PGA Section where she sits on the Foundation Committee and the Women’s Committee. She is also a board member and Tournament Chair for Women Golfers Give Back. In her spare time, she is the Director of Golf and Head Coach at the Episcopal Academy and loves to spend time riding horses and with her husband Tim and Dogs, Aspen and Koda.
RYAN RUCINSKI Teaching Professional
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware and a Salesianum High School Alumni, Ryan joined the Professional Staff at Wilmington in 2022. Ryan played Collegiate Golf at Wilmington University, where he competed in three National Championships. While playing Collegiate Golf, Ryan worked part time for four years as a club fitter, helping players find the right equipment for their golf game. Upon Graduating, he turned professional in hopes of playing on the PGA tour. He is currently working towards PGA membership, with aspirations of competing in the game of golf. Some of his playing highlights include winning the 2018 GAP Silver Cross, and 2023 Philadelphia PGA Section Match Play Championship Runner-Up.
JACOB CHAMBERS, PGA
Senior PGA Assistant Golf Professional, Jr. Golf Coordinator
Jacob attended Campbell University, where he graduated with a dual degree in Professional Golf Management and Marketing. During his time at Campbell, Jacob spent two seasons, 2021 and 2022, as an intern at Wilmington Country Club as well as serving internships at the Country Club of Virginia and Garden City Golf Club in New York. He returns to Wilmington where he will be leading our Junior Golf program this season.
NATE FARNSWORTH Seasonal Assistant Golf Professional
Nate is a PGA Associate beginning his first season at Wilmington Country Club. He was born and raised in Auburn, Maine, and is a graduate of Bryant University in Rhode Island. Nate is joining Wilmington from Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Florida. He previously worked at Boothbay Harbor Country Club in Boothbay, Maine. Outside of work Nate enjoys spending time outdoors doing activities such as hiking, fishing, and coaching youth baseball.
REGISTRATION | QUESTIONS
To register for our golf programs, you have two convenient options. You can easily complete the registration process online through the Golf Genius platform. Alternatively, if you prefer a more personal touch, you can register by calling the Golf Shop directly. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with your registration over the phone. Should you require any further details about our comprehensive range of golf programs, or if you have any questions whatsoever, we encourage you to visit or call the Golf Shop . Our knowledgeable and professional staff members will be readily available to provide you with all the information you need and answer any inquiries you may have.
2025 JUNIOR GOLF LEVELS In 2025 we will continue utilizing Junior Golf Skill Levels in order to help parents place their juniors into the correct summer golf offerings. These levels ensure that juniors are in a class that meets their skill level and paired with juniors of a similar skill set. If a parent is unsure what level their junior falls into, please speak with a Golf Professional Staff member. Level 1: Juniors ages 5-7 with little to no prior golf experience. Level 1 Juniors are beginning to work on achieving Orange Operation 36 pins. The best fit for Level 1 juniors will be the Summer Day Camp. Day Camp provides juniors an opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing in a group setting. Juniors that are a part of the Day Camp will have golf class for forty-five minutes three days a week. Level 2: Juniors ages 7-10 with limited golf experience, beginning to work on completing their Operation 36 Orange skill pins. We recommend that juniors who fit the Level 2 criteria participate in the Summer Day Camp or Orange & Yellow Junior Golf Classes. Juniors will have an opportunity to develop their existing skills and begin working toward their Operation 36 skill pins.
Level 3: Juniors ages 7-12 who have a shown a moderate understanding of the fundamentals of the golf swing and are working to complete their Operation 36 Orange & Yellow skill pins. These juniors will best fit into Orange & Yellow Junior Golf Classes (part of the Summer Sports Camp) which includes golf for an hour and thirty minutes five days a week.
Level 4: Juniors ages 10-13 who are working on completing their Operation 36 Green Skill Pins in order to obtain their Merit Tag. These juniors will best fit into Advanced Golf Academy Classes (part of the Summer Sports Camp). Level 4 Juniors will have golf class five days a week for two hours.
Level 5: Juniors ages 12-15 who have their Merit Tag and are looking to accelerate their skills in preparation for high school & tournament golf. These juniors will best fit into Advanced Golf Academy Classes (part of the Summer Sports Camp) which has golf class two hours per day, five days a week in the summer.
Operation 36 teaches golf in reverse, starting everyone at level 1, just 25 yards from the center of the green. This process continues through 6 levels until you can shoot 36 from the full tee box. By working from green to tee-box versus the traditional tee-box to green it lowers the challenge point, and is a motivating way to learn and progress in the sport. Each level has multiple areas of concentration that allow for improvement in all areas of a player’s game culminating in the passing of each level.
LEVEL 1: Ages 7 to 8
LEVEL 2: Ages 8 to 9
Distance: 25 yards Scoring: 36 or better for 9 holes Driving: Drive 3 of 5 attempts 70 yards or more Rules: Pass rules and etiquette exam Putting: Finish Putting Course in 27 putts or less
Distance: 50 yards Scoring: 36 or better for 9 holes Driving: Drive 3 of 5 attempts 90 yards or more Driving: Drive 3 of 5 attempts 70 yards or more Rules: Pass rules and etiquette exam Putting: Finish Putting Course in 24 putts or less
LEVEL 3: Ages 9 to 10
LEVEL 4: Ages 10 +
Distance: 75 yards Scoring: 36 or better for 9 holes Driving: Score 36 or better for 9 holes Driving: Drive 6 of 10 attempts 110 yards or more Rules: Pass rules and etiquette exam Putting: Finish Putting Course in 22 putts or less
Distance: 125 yards Scoring: Score 36 or better from Family Tee 1 for 9 holes Driving: Hit 5 or more fairways in 9 holes Approach: Hit 6 or more greens for 9 holes
Rules: Pass rules and etiquette exam Putting: Have 15 or less putts in 9 holes
Distance: 175 yards Scoring: 36 or better for 9 holes LEVEL 5: Ages 10 +
LEVEL 6: Ages 10 +
Distance: 2 25 yards Scoring: Score 36 or better from Family Tee 3 for 9 holes Driving: Hit 7 fairways in 9 holes Approach: Hit 6 or more greens for 9 holes
Driving: Score 36 or better from Family Tee 2 for 9 holes Driving: Hit 6 or more fairways in 9 holes Rules: Pass rules and etiquette exam Putting: Finish Putting Course in 15 putts or less
Rules: Pass rules and etiquette exam Putting: Have 15 or less putts in 9 holes
WHAT TEES SHOULD I PLAY? At the Wilmington Country Club's North Course, the family tees offer a unique and welcoming approach to the game of golf, especially for junior players. These tees, marked by yardage plates set into the ground alongside the cart path on each fairway, represent the most forward tee markers available on the course. Each hole features not one, but three distinct family tee options, providing a range of distances to suit different skill levels and ages. Juniors are particularly encouraged to utilize these forward tees, or even play from closer positions, to ensure hey experience the appropriate level
MERIT TAGS The Wilmington Country Club fosters a supportive and developmental environment for junior golfers, recognizing their progress and encouraging independent play through a comprehensive Merit Tag program. This program isn't simply about participation; it's about demonstrating genuine proficiency in various aspects of the game. Junior golfers have the opportunity to earn Merit Tags by successfully completing a series of skill-based tests designed to evaluate their knowledge and abilities. These tests, administered by the Club's experienced Golf Professional Staff, cover a range of essential golfing elements. Participants are assessed on their understanding of the rules of golf, a crucial component for fair and enjoyable play. Putting skills, vital for consistent scoring, are also rigorously evaluated. Driving accuracy and distance, key to navigating the course effectively, are another area of focus. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, juniors are tested on their scoring ability, demonstrating their capacity to manage their game and record accurate results. These Merit Tag skill tests provide objective and measurable levels of proficiency, ensuring that junior golfers who earn their tags have met specific standards of competence. Successfully achieving a Merit Tag signifies that a junior golfer has developed the necessary skills and understanding to play on the course without parental supervision, fostering both independence and confidence on the links. This carefully structured program not only promotes skill development but also instills a sense of accomplishment and encourages continued growth in the game. of challenge and maximize their enjoyment of the game. This thoughtful approach to course setup aligns with USGA recommendations for junior golfer distances, which are based on a player's driving distance. Specifically, the North Course's family tee options offer total yardages of approximately 3890, 3000, and 2000 yards, allowing families and junior golfers to select the set of tees that best fits their abilities. Family Tee scorecards, designed to reflect these adjusted yardages, are conveniently available for pickup at the Starter's Desk, further enhancing the family-friendly experience on the North Course.
PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE
We are excited to begin another season of PGA Junior League Golf, with registration opening Friday, March 22nd. This developmental program is a terrific way to get junior golfers of all abilities, from ages 8-13, involved in the game. PGA Junior League Golf is a team effort, includes numbered jerseys, practices and matches and also has an “All-Star” post-season team! We anticipate having two teams represent Wilmington Country Club in 2025, with a limit of 16 players per team. While formatted as a competition, the main goal of the program is to develop golf skills while promoting a casual, team environment with an emphasis on fun! Matches are played with twelve players, and we will add four additional players per team expecting that some juniors will not be able to attend all matches. We cannot guarantee each junior will play every match. Please note, parent participation is required and vital to the success of the Junior League. Please plan to drive players to away matches and stay at matches for the duration to support & chaperone our team.
LEAGUE INFORMATION
Who: Junior golfers ages 8-13 of all abilities (and supportive parents!). All juniors are welcome regardless of experience. What: Approximately six 9-hole matches with groups playing a two-person scramble, match-play format. Also included are six to ten practices and self- scrimmages. Practices will be supervised, include structured activities and professional instruction, working on all aspects of the game. When: April through July. Practices begin in April and matches are May-July. The exact dates of the match and practice schedule will be available soon. Where: The matches will be played at different area courses such as Fieldstone, Bidermann, Hartefeld National, Concord CC, DuPont CC, Newark CC, Rock Manor, and Kennett Square CC. How: Our team is an invite-only league. Only Wilmington Country Club members will be allowed to sign up for our team. We will give further instructions for registration once you have called in and provided intent to participate. Cost: $450/Junior - This includes all matches played, practices, team jerseys, hat, t-shirt, bag tag, and drawstring bag. Registration: Registration opens Friday, March 22nd at 9:00 a.m. Register through the Foretees app, or by calling the Golf Shop at (302) 655-6022.
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Dates: Saturday, July 19th (all divisions) and Sunday, July 20th (18-hole division) Time: 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. starting times by age Ages: 7-17
Price: $20 per junior in the 5 and 9-hole division and $30 per junior in the 18-hole championship This tournament crowns our Junior Club Champions in the following brackets Juniors ages 7-10 will play in the 5-Hole Championship Juniors ages 13 & under, or juniors who have their Yellow Progress Pins will play in the 9-Hole Championship Juniors 17 and under, or juniors who have their Merit Tag will be in the 18-Hole Championship 18-Hole Division 36 holes of Stroke Play (18 holes Saturday and Sunday) - White Tee Markers Starting times begin at 12:00 p.m. on both days. All players are required to walk and carry, or trolley, their own golf bags. Parents and spectators may not offer any advice during the round as defined by the USGA in Rule 10 (for example: aiding alignment, reading putts, suggesting which club to use). Caddies may only be permitted by special exception of the Golf Shop for extremely hot weather conditions. Summer Rules - Players must play the ball down and hole out all putts. 9-Hole Division 9 holes of Stroke Play (Saturday only) - Green Tee Markers Starting times begin after the 18-Hole Division. Summer Rules - Players must play the ball down and hole out all putts. Caddies are permitted under the following rules: Caddies may assist players in transportation of their golf bag either by carrying, trolley or golf cart. Players are required to walk the entire round. Caddies in all divisions must limit their advice to general knowledge about the course (for example: providing yardages, locations of bunkers, etc.). Caddies may not offer advice as defined by the USGA in Rule 10 (for example: aiding alignment, reading putts, suggesting which club to use). 5-Hole Division 5 holes of Stroke play (Saturday Only) - Family Tee Markers Starting times begin after the 9-Hole Division. Summer Rules - Players must play the ball down and hole-out all putts. Caddies are permitted under the following rules: Caddies may assist players in transportation of their golf bag either by carrying, trolley or golf cart. Players are required to walk each hole, but may be shuttled between holes. Caddies in all divisions must limit their advice to general knowledge about the course (for example: providing yardages, locations of bunkers, etc.). Caddies may not offer advice as defined by the USGA in Rule 10 (for example: aiding alignment, reading putts, suggesting which club to use).
FAMILY GOLF TOURNAMENT Date: Sunday, August 10th Time: 3:00 p.m. - North Course Ages: 4-17 Price: $25 per player
JUNIOR GOLF KICKOFF
Join us for our annual Junior Golf Kickoff event at the Short Game Practice Range on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is for all juniors at the club ages 4 to 13. Enjoy a variety of games as well as trying to hit balls into the giant Golfzilla mouth! A perfect event for the entire family. There will be complimentary water and snow cones available for juniors, as well as drinks available by chit for adults.
This fun and casual tournament is a great way to bring the whole family out to play nine holes as a team! Each player will compete in various skill events while on-course for prizes. Players play from a tee that is best for them. Awards given in Café 1901 following play.
These golf tours provide a valuable and enriching experience for junior golfers, offering a unique opportunity to hone their skills and develop their competitive spirit in the dynamic world of tournament play. Beyond simply playing the game, these tours immerse young golfers in a structured environment where they can learn the nuances of competitive golf, including etiquette, pace of play, and the mental fortitude required to perform under pressure. Participating in these events allows juniors to test their abilities against their peers, providing a benchmark for their progress and highlighting areas where they can further refine their game. Perhaps most importantly, Ultimately, these tours serve as a stepping stone for aspiring golfers, fostering not only their on- course skills but also instilling valuable life lessons such as sportsmanship, perseverance, and the importance of continuous improvement. OTHER COMPETITIVE JUNIOR GOLF OPPORTUNITIES
PHILADELPHIA PGA JUNIOR TOUR Philadelphia Section Junior Tour’s membership consists of junior golfers ages 18 and younger. These young golfers represent all geographic areas of the Philadelphia Section. The Philadelphia Section PGA Junior Tour conducts over 90 events seasonally at top facilities. All are enjoyable family-friendly events. For more information, please visit www.phillyjuniortour.com. HURRICANE JUNIOR GOLF TOUR The HJGT is the largest junior golf tour in the U.S., hosting more two-day nationally-ranked events than any other tour. The HJGT administers events in 27 states, including the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states. Juniors compete in one of six divisions which are: Boys 16-18, Boys 14-15, Boys 11-13, Boys under 10, Girls 14-18, and Girls Under 13. The HJGT season is based on a calendar year and players earn points throughout the season toward year-end honors. Visit www.hjgt.org. AMERICAN JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION The AJGA is dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA has more than 7,000 junior golf members. For more information, www.ajga.org. U.S. KIDS GOLF Players ages 5 to 18 from around the world are eligible to compete in Local Tours, one-day events that are close to home and designed to integrate young players into competitive golf. After a player competes and earns Priority Status, they will be eligible for multi-day tournaments such as State Invitationals and Regional Championships: tournaments.uskidsgolf.com/tournaments/local-tours. DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT Designed for new and experienced junior golfers, Drive, Chip, & Putt (DCP) is quite possibly the largest grow-the-game initiative in golf. We encourages all juniors to take part in this free-of-charge initiative by competing in a local qualifier with a chance to make it to the Drive, Chip. and Putt National Finals held the Sunday before the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. For more information, visit www.drivechipandputt.com.
COACHING AND INSTRUCTION Spring and Summer Programming
SPRING GOLF CLASS
Dates: Tuesday & Thursday: March 4 – May 29 Spring Orange & Yellow Class: Level 1,2 & 3 Juniors Time: 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Price: $40 per class Advanced Golf Academy: Level 4 & 5 Juniors Time: 5:00 p.m.– 6:15 p.m. Price: $60 per class
Spring Orange & Yellow Class will give Level 1-3 juniors an opportunity to keep working toward their Merit Tag by earning Operation 36 Skill Pins. Classes will focus on building the skills necessary to pass Orange, Yellow, and Green Operation 36 Skill Pins. Spring Advanced Golf Academy provides Level 4 & 5 our Advanced Golf Academy curriculum to accelerate skill development in preparation for the Summer.
SUMMER ADVANCED ACADEMY
Date: Daily, Monday to Friday - June 9 – August 22 (11 weeks) Time: 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Price: $320 per week, $80 per day, $2500 Summer Package
Designed for Juniors in golf skill levels 4 and 5 (ages 10-15), the Summer Advanced Golf Academy Curriculum provides juniors a roadmap to improve their game and maximize their potential by creating a positive, enjoyable & competitive atmosphere. Each Junior will be expected to lay out their short- and long-term goals using the SMART (Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic, Trackable) criteria.
ORANGE & YELLOW CLASS Date: Daily, Monday to Friday - June 9 – August 22 (11 weeks) Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Price: $200 per week, $50 per day, $1500 Summer Package
Designed for Juniors in golf skill levels 1 to 3 (ages 6-12), Juniors have an opportunity to build upon the skills and knowledge learned from Spring Classes. Summer Orange & Yellow golf classes will continue to go through the Junior Golf Curriculum while also utilizing the Operation-36 pin testing to track progress and keep Juniors moving toward earning their Merit Tag.
INDIVIDUAL COACHING By Appointment – 45 Minute Appointments
For juniors, absolute beginners, elite players, and all players looking to elevate their game. Individual instruction is the best tool for personalized learning. Club fittings and use of launch monitors is available upon request.
Coaches & Pricing: Michael Shank, PGA, $140 Bob Lennon, PGA, $140 Jenna Soranno, PGA, $140 Eric Williams, PGA, $140 Ryan Rucinski, $120 Jacob Chambers, PGA, $100 Nate Farnsworth, $100
BUDDY CLINICS
By Appointment – 1 Hour Appointments
14 years & under and Maximum 4:1 student to coach ratio. Two or more juniors may set up a date and time with one of our Professional Staff. Based upon availability.
Pricing: $40 each for four juniors $50 each for three juniors $60 each for two juniors
ELITE JUNIOR GOLF
Call to arrange date and time. Ages 10+ with Merit Tags
This clinic is designed for juniors looking to get to the next level. Design your own elite coaching class with up to five juniors per class. Classes include 30 minutes of supervised practice and two hours of on-course coaching for a total of 2 ½ hours.
Pricing: $100 per junior, minimum of three students. Two students for $150 each.
By Appointment - North Course - Ages 6-17 PLAY WITH THE PROS
Play with the Pros is an initiative to give juniors more on-course experience combined with a 9-hole playing evaluation. The Professional Staff will help guide juniors around the course playing as a team while developing junior’s skills and etiquette.
Pricing: $40 per junior, minimum of three students. Two students for $60 each.
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