THE BULLETIN A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB - SEPTEMBER 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message
1
General Manager's Message
3
Club Calendar
5
Dining and Social
6-7
Golf
9-10
Grounds
11
12-13
Racquets
16
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
There is much to write about this month, but there is really only one subject that has captured all of our attention lately.The point of the transparency that leadership has emphasized for the past two years was not only to keep the membership apprised of what is happening at the Club and how decisions are made, but also to elicit input from you, the owners of the Club. I have received a great deal of input both in favor of and against moving forward with the North Course project as Andrew Green presented it and I am grateful for it. The Club’s leadership teams are considering all your views and suggestions in addition to a lot of other considerations -- both pro and con -- that our deliberations have uncovered. Throughout this process, leadership has remained acutely aware of its role as stewards of this Club and that we must carefully balance our obligations to both the present and the future. And all members must always bear in mind that we are owners and not customers. We are well aware of -- and are taking into full account -- the demographics of our Club, the economic realities in our community and our membership trends. We are also well aware of the mandate that was given by Club leadership as early as 2008 and put into writing in 2018 that there is a list of essential amendments that must be made to the North Course when the irrigation system is replaced. To review, those elements include the following that are at the end of their functional lifespans: Greens: The great majority of the greens have not been renovated since the 1960s. Aging bentgrass and poa annua mixtures create shallow root systems, lower resiliency, and turf health challenges. As a result, consistency of the playing experience suffers and our maintenance team is constantly forced into reactive management. Moreover, most North Course greens have contours that are now too severe, limiting the number of acceptable hole locations. Bunkers: Drainage, sand profiles, and shaping have deteriorated beyond repair, leading to frequent washouts, uneven playing conditions, and higher maintenance costs. Following the 2020 tornado, the bunkers were repaired in a manner that focused on returning them to use for a short period of time with the expectation of a complete renovation simultaneous with the irrigation system replacement.
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
Cart Paths: Cracking, heaving, and outdated routing create both structural concerns and negative impacts on playability and safety.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DAVID WILKS
Design Limitations: It is widely agreed that the North Course is not among Dick Wilson’s best work. Many greens and approaches lack variety, accessibility, and fairness for players of different skill levels, which limits enjoyment and underutilizes the North Course’s potential. Several holes feature design elements requiring shots that are simply not achievable by many of our members.
The Board has long planned to address all those items (and others) at whatever time the irrigation system must be replaced.
There can be no dispute that that time has come and we cannot ignore that our 65-year-old course has issues that we have known about for a long time. Some of you have expressed that improvements to the North Course are unnecessary. Many more of you acknowledge them as long overdue, but question the scope of the proposed project. Others enthusiastically endorse the entire plan. As leaders, we are compelled to consider these long-recognized essential improvements in light of all the current conditions and membership support and opposition. The easy path would be to replace the irrigation system and come back later to address the North Course’s shortcomings. That is not an option, as we have explained in this space before. To do so would be the equivalent of throwing millions of dollars into the fireplace, which is manifestly irresponsible. Installing irrigation on the North Course to the tune of $5 million or so and then re-installing it when the course is renovated would be nonsensical. We either make the amendments now or we kick the can down the road for another 40 or 50 years when the irrigation system fails again. That is why this decision is so thorny and why the answers are not as straightforward as they may seem. So where do things stand? As your president, I have personally concluded that there are aspects of the plan that we can feasibly postpone for another day. I have asked for revised plans and associated figures that will address leadership’s long-held views of the essentials while keeping the overall project cost within certain parameters. Should those parameters be met, I expect that the assessment associated with a scaled-down version of the project will not be so substantially greater than an irrigation-only assessment that significant attrition is a meaningful risk. In other words, the cost to members of an improved North Course would not be painfully more than the cost of an irrigation-only project. For those who feel certain that a North Course assessment would cause their resignation, my goal is to ensure that such an unfortunate outcome would not be necessary. And, yes, we will continue to account for the equities associated with our most senior members and other circumstances. That is the outcome that we hope to achieve and I will continue to do my best to achieve it. If the Executive Committee and the Board conclude that a more modest but still exciting plan is economically wise, we will go forward. If not, we won’t. There is no timeline for this, other than that we would love to get this decision behind us as absolutely soon as possible. Many thanks again for sharing your views and suggestions. A lot of people are working very hard to find the most balanced solution that will provide the most benefit to the Club now and long into the future. They all have my gratitude. David Wilks
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GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE | PHIL IANNELLI
Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations MANAGEMENT TEAM
September Greetings!
The seasons are changing! July was miserable (even for summer), but August teased us with some glorious promise of fall weather that lies ahead. I’m sure that we are ready for the gradual transition to some shorter days and cooler nights. There are several signals to indicate that summer will soon be just a memory. Despite them being especially beautiful this year, the summer annuals are beginning to look a bit tired and before too long, will be replaced by fall mums. Another is the pool. Attendance starts to wane, and lifeguards are hard to find. Once again, our intention is to extend the pool season one weekend past Labor Day and this year it looks as though we may be successful. We have the desire and the staff; we just need the weather. The pool will close Tuesday through Thursday immediately following Labor Day weekend. The plan is to re-open at 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon and have the facility open from noon to six on Saturday and Sunday. If we determine that the weather isn’t going to cooperate, we’ll adjust accordingly. Another signal that seasons are changing is that we just had a meeting to review this year’s Christmas decorations. It reminded me to remind you that there is no better place to hold your Holiday Celebration than your club. Christine and Jen mentioned to me that several good dates remain available. Whether your event is for 20 people or 200, personal or business, give us a call and let us show you how easy and painless Holiday entertaining can be. Please keep in mind that because of how the calendar falls, this year there is one fewer weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas to entertain. Advanced planning is encouraged! Inside the Clubhouse, September marks the beginning of the “Dining Season”. Formal and informal menus both undergo some minor adjustment to keep seasonal. Towards the end of the month, we’ll break out the heaters so casual outdoor dining can continue to be available on the club’s various patios for as long as the weather lasts. But why not consider dressing up a bit and joining friends and family in the Dining Room? Many of you take full advantage of our offer for a celebratory dinner on your birthday. When you do, the most frequent comment heard from members after enjoying their special evening is “why don’t we do this more often?” Good question! . . . Why don’t you? Don’t wait until you have something special to celebrate. Just come! You’ll be glad you did. Formal not your thing? We have a couple of other social events on the docket as well, starting with a Chilean Wine Dinner on Wednesday September 3 . The season’s second and final Farm-to-table dinner will be held on Saturday the 6 . Although this event is full, sometimes a spot opens at the last minute. We’ll let you know through a “push notification” if that happens. Pub37 features a special Happy Hour every Friday starting at 5:00 pm and on Thursday the 25 will host another evening of free live music when Lee Gerovasiliou returns to the stage at 6:00 pm. rd th th The final “tell” that the seasons have changed is evident in the apple orchard. September is prime picking month. At some point during the month, each of the different varieties will be ready for picking, but they aren’t all ready at the same time. We’ll tag the ripe trees with a ribbon to help guide your selections. If you are curious about the location of the different varieties here’s a link to the orchard map. It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the opening of the pool and Café with a wonderful three-day Memorial Day weekend. Swim Meets, Sports Camps, Golf and Racquets Championships, July 4 Fireworks, Lobsters, Oysters, and Farm-to-Table Dinners are just some of the great memories of the season. I hope that you have had an opportunity to take advantage of the facilities enjoying your favorite activity. If not, don’t despair - there is still a full complement of social, fitness, golf and racquets events planned for the fall, so plenty of chances remain! I’ll see you at the Club th Phil Iannelli
Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef
Mindy Blumetti Chief Financial Officer
Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development & Communications Manager
Steve Buenaga Human Resources Manager
Jonathan Urbanski Director of Golf Courses & Grounds
Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf
Liezel Huber Director of Racquets and Sports
Clark Verchick Chief Engineer
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
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AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS | OYSTER FEST, LOBSTER NIGHT, FAMILY GOLF AND MORE!
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SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Adult Tennis Club Championship begins Farm to Table 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Women's Golf Social North Course 5:00 p.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Women’s 9-Holers Back North 9:00 a.m.
Women’s 18-Holers South Course 9:00 a.m.
Wilmington Cup Begins
Solheim Cup Registration Opens
Pool Closed
Chilean Wine Dinner
Pool Closed
Pool Closed
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XXIO Fitting Day 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Junior PGA Pizza Party Cafe 2:00 p.m Pickleball Camp 9:00 a.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Women’s 9-Holers Front 9 North 9:00 a.m.
Women’s 18-Holers North Course 9:00 a.m.
Pool Closes for Season
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Racquets Junior Programing Begins
Book Club 4:00 p.m.
Bocce Club Championships 5:00 p.m.
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Women’s 9-Holers Back 9 North 9:00 a.m.
Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. PSRA League Begins Men’s Member Guest South Course 12:30 p.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Mixed Twilight North Course 5:00 p.m. Racquets & Golf Junior Awards 3:00pm
Pickleball Club Championship
Women’s 18-Holers Senior/Super Senior Championship North Course 9:00 a.m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m. Ladies Squash Night 5:30 p.m. Pub Wine Tasting 6:30 p.m.
Private Golf Tournament Both Courses Closed
Senior/Super Senior Championship
Glow Ball Registration Begins
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Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Tier 1 PSRA League Begins Board of Directors 5:30 p.m. Dink and Drink Social 6:00 p.m. Live Music in Pub37 6:00 p.m.
Women’s 9-Holers Back South 9:00 a.m.
No Clubhouse Food Service
Men's Annual Member/Member South Course 9:30 a.m.
Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Pickleball Club Championship
Women’s 18-Holers South Course 9:00 a.m.
Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.
Men's Putting Championship Clubhouse Putting Green 4:00 p.m.
Senior/Super Senior Championship
Executive Committee 5:30 p.m.
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No Clubhouse Food Service
Men's Annual Member/Member North Course 9:30 a.m.
Women’s 18-Holers South Course 9:00 a.m.
ROGY Social Event
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP | MEGHAN SPERO, PGA MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
NEW MEMBERS
EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
Please welcome our newest members of the Club:
Tyrone Boyd Kitchen: 1 Year
Brooke Underwood Dining Room: 1 Year
Maria Kritikos Dining Room: 1 Year
Morgan Greco, Senior Robert Greco, Associate Saylor Greco, U-10 (Age 3 - not pictured)
Eusebio Dominguez Kitchen: 4 Years
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES We would like to acknowledge our Senior members on their milestones:
Kim Edwards Accounting: 24 Years
Ms.Marla Ann Levy: 10 years Mr. James S. Green, Jr. : 35 years Mr. Jared T. Green: 35 years Dr. John N. Russo: 45 years
Hipolito Aguilar Grounds: 24 Years
IN MEMORIAM The Board of Directors, members and staff of Wilmington Country Club extend their sincerest sympathy to the family of:
Michael Castle , member for 73 years
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DINING & SOCIAL | CHRISTINE JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
As we transition into Fall, there's no shortage of exciting events happening at the Club this month. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, music lover, or looking for family fun, we’ve got something for everyone!
Cafe 1901, Pub37 and Grille & Tavern
September 3 – Chilean Wine Dinner Join us for a special evening featuring exquisite wines from Chile — including Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of 2024! This exclusive dinner promises a culinary journey perfectly paired. Seating is limited, but there’s still room — reserve your spot today! September 17 – Complimentary Wine Tasting at Pub37 Explore new flavors and mingle with fellow members at our complimentary wine tasting. Stop by Pub37 and sip your way through a curated selection of wines in a relaxed and friendly setting. No reservations required — just bring your palate! September 25 – Live Music in the Pub Mark your calendars for a lively night at Pub37! Enjoy great music, good company, and your favorite drinks as local talent, Lee Gerovasiliou, takes the stage. It’s the perfect midweek pick-me-up. Looking Ahead: October 5 – WCC Fall Festival & Equipment Crawl One of our most beloved family traditions returns! Bring the little ones – and not so little ones – to the Club for an afternoon of pumpkin carving, face painting, fall treats, hayrides and climbing and exploring our large equipment.
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.
CAFE 1901
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Open for takeout at 4:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FALL FEST & EQUIPMENT CRAWL Sunday, October 5 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ballroom Patio – Shine Only $16 per person
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.
PUB37 HAPPY HOUR
Every Friday from 5:00-7:00pm
Whether you're winding down after a long week or starting your night out, it's the perfect way to relax and connect with fellow members.
We look forward to seeing you at Pub37!
LIVE MUSIC
Sept 25th 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wind down midweek in Pub37 with great tunes, good friends, and your favorite drinks featuring local musician – Lee Gerovasiliou!
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 | SEPTEMBER
September 9, 2025: James by Percival Everett. Janet Robinson will lead the discussion for the September meeting.
James is a novel that reimagines the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain. It is a story told from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man who prefers to be called James . Although the many plot points from Twain's novel are present, the story in James is now seen through the eyes of James, and reveals his intelligence, literacy, and the personal struggles which are either overlooked or not accurately represented in Huckleberry Finn . Some examples include the concept that in the story James , the enslaved characters skillfully navigate the racist society by “code-switching,” that is, using different language registers depending on whether they are with white people or among themselves. This highlights some of the issues of the language expectations at that time. This also reflects how one's survival in that society depended on how one communicates. Additionally, the author highlights a key theme of the story, which is that James's escape isn’t just about his physical freedom, but also about his ability to own hisidentity and to be able to tell his own story. Throughout the novel, events highlight the “ambiguity of freedom” in a society still deeply affected by slavery. The novel reflects a rewriting of a classic American literature, offering a more nuanced portrayal of the experiences of enslaved people and poses a challenge to the interpretation of the original novel. Although the story is rooted in the narrative of Huckleberry Finn , "James" introduces new characters, twists, and revelations, creating a compelling and original work that stands on its own. The novel explores the emotional and psychological toll of slavery, offering a powerful and often heartbreaking look at the characters' inner lives. Everett depicts “James” as shrewd, skeptical, and highly literate – differing highly from Twain’s version in Huckleberry Finn, where “Jim” is naïve, subservient, and illiterate. Although Huck and Jim’s story are intertwined, James is the key focus of this novel. Percival Leonard Everett II (born December 22, 1956) is an American Pulitzer Prize- winning writer and Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California. He has explored numerous genres such as western fiction, mysteries, thrillers, satire and philosophical fiction, and race and identity issues in the U.S. Everett is best known for his novels Erasure, I Am Not Sidney Poitier, and The Trees . Erasure was adapted as the film American Fiction. His novel James , also a finalist for the Booker Prize, won the Kirkus Prize, the National Book Award for Fiction, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
OCTOBER 7, 2025 Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. Nike creator and his long journey to success. Phyllis Aerenson will lead the discussion for the October meeting.
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 September 9, 2025 , at 4:00 pm in the Women’s Lounge.
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GOLF | MICHAEL SHANK, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF
FALL JUNIOR GOLF CLASSES Fall Junior Golf Classes take place each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon, from September 2 to October 23. 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Level 1 to 3 juniors) & 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Level 4 & 5 juniors) Juniors may participate for the entire week, or whatever days fit their schedule. Classes cover all areas of the game, with Juniors working on a progression towards obtaining progress pins and moving through Operation 36 levels. Register for Fall Junior Golf Classes JUNIOR GOLF AWARDS CELEBRATION Save the date for a special event to recognize all of our Junior Golfers at Wilmington. This year's Junior Golf Awards celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 3:00 p.m. The event will recognize junior golfers who placed in the Junior Golf Club Championship, all players who participated on our PGA Junior League Golf teams, plus special awards will be presented to juniors from our Junior Summer classes. All juniors and parents are welcome! If you would like to attend, please email jchambers@wilmingtoncc.com. SEPTEMBER GOLF CLUB FITTING Our next golf club fitting day is with XXIO on Saturday, September 13. Join us at the Practice Range for a complimentary fitting, and an opportunity to try all-new drivers and fairways woods from XXIO. A XXIO Staff Fitter will be present with a full offering of their line. Appointments are recommended. For more information, or to register, click the link below. Additionally, we are offering a Tour-Level Titleist ball fitting event on Friday, September 19. See the link below for more information or to register. Click Here to register for the XXIO Fitting Day & Click Here to register for the Titliest Ball Fitting Event
A Note From the Golf Shop September is here, and with it comes one of the most enjoyable times of the year to be on the golf course. This month brings a full slate of events, including the Men’s September Member Guest, Men’s Senior/Super Senior Stroke Play Championship, Men’s Annual Member/Member, Women’s Senior/Super Senior Championship, Women’s Golf Social, Mixed Twilight, Fall Junior Golf Classes, Junior Sports Awards, and more. A complete schedule is available below.
It is a wonderful time of year to play golf, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Club throughout the month.
Michael Shank
SEPTEMBER HOURS OF OPERATION
Course Availability (September 1) Labor Day: 7:30 a.m.
Bag Room (September 1) Labor Day: 7:00 a.m. – Dusk
Course Availability (September 2 – September 30) Monday: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 8:00 a.m.
Bag Room (September 2 – September 30) Monday: 9:30 a.m. – Dusk Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – Dusk Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 7:30 a.m. – Dusk
Golf Shop (September 1) Labor Day: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Practice Range (September 1) Labor Day: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Golf Shop (September 2 – September 30) Monday: Closed Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Practice Range (September 2 – September 30) Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Holidays: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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WOMEN’S GOLF SOCIAL Join us Thursday, September 4 , at 5:00 p.m., for a fun, casual and social night on the golf course. The Women’s Golf Social will be a 9-hole, all Par 3 Scramble on the North Course with a drink included during the event. Grab your friends and sign up together as a foursome or sign up on your own and the Golf Shop will pair you. Open to all women members at the Club. Click HERE to register for the Women’s Golf Social th WOMEN’S GOLF COACHING This fall, build your own golf clinic to work on the skills you want to improve — whether it's driving, chipping, putting, or all of the above. On-course options available! Available for one to six players, choose your own time. Email jsoranno@wilmingtoncc.com for more information. MEN'S SENIOR & SUPER SENIOR STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP Registration for the Men's Senior & Super Senior Stroke Play Championship is open. The championship is Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21. Format of play is 36 holes of stroke play utilizing both the North and South Course. Players must declare a division when signing up, the two divisions are: Senior Division (55+) & Super Senior Division (70+). Please follow the button below to register. Click HERE to register for the Senior/Super Senior Stroke Play Championship Other Men’s Tournament Notes for September Mixed Two Ball Championship Semi-Finals end September 7 President’s Cup Quarter Finals end September 7 Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championships Finals end September 7 Better Ball of Partners Quarter-Finals end September 14 President’s Cup Semi- Finals end September 21 The Men’s Annual Member-Member event takes place September 26-28. For more information or to register, click here. Kevin Sweet currently holds the lead in the season-long Don Pedro Cup over Sheel Patel, with just a few weeks remaining. Yuri Larrabee, Cameron McDonald, and Chris Tigani round out the top five. You can see the full leaderboard Here. GOLF COURSE NOTES On Monday, September 15, and Monday, October 6, the Club hosts private golf tournaments and both courses will be restricted. The South Course will be closed all day, and the North Course will open following the events around 5 p.m. Members may utilize the Practice Range on these dates beginning at 12 p.m. Please call the Golf Shop with any questions at (302) 655-6022. MIXED TWILIGHT GOLF Join us on Sunday, September 14 , at 5 p.m., for a 9-hole shotgun on the North Course. This is a casual and fun tournament with dinner and cocktails to follow. This event is open to all adult members, regardless if you have a USGA handicap. Members may register as a full foursome, or with a partner and we will pair you with another twosome. The format will be a 9-hole team scramble. Following play, there will be dinner and awards. Follow the link below for registration and tournament information. th Click Here to sign-up for the Mixed Twilight
WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT NOTE
Congratulations to our Women’s 18-Holers Memorial Better Ball of Partners winners Judith Ventura and Lori Van Sickle, who defeated defending champions Andrea Scerba and Lisa Mester in the finals.
Congratulations to our 3 Annual 1913 Cup Overall Low Net Champions, Ann Marie Ianni and Cheryl Olivere. The pair edged past defending champions Cathy Klocko and Ellen Cannon by one shot for first low net. Lori VanSickle and Johanna Kung took the low gross prize. rd
Congratulations to our Women’s 18-Holers President’s Cup winner Meghan Adams, who defended her 2024 title. Martha White finished runner-up.
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GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS
A seasonal shift is occurring with shortened days, and of recent, we have been blessed with outstanding weather conditions with cool overnight temps and dry conditions! The plants are happy and beginning to prepare for winter dormancy. While we tallied 11 inches of rain in July, August has been arid with only 0.30 inches, and looking at the 7-day forecast on August 27 , there is no immediate relief to begin the month. Do we dare say this is like twelve months ago when we went 45 days without any measurable rain? We hope not! th As we prepare for 2026 seasonal, a few timely applications and tasks will occur this month. First, with the use of the winter covers, we have seen an uptick in the development of Poa annua, or annual bluegrass, on the main practice tee and the perimeter of the South Course greens. We will apply a pre-emerge product in the first part of the month and follow this up with an additional application approximately 28-days later. This will be done to both the main practice tee (Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass) and the South Course greens and approaches (Tyee bentgrass). Throughout the month, we will progressively begin to raise the height of cut on the practice tees. The number one reason is for survivability through the winter, while the rear tee will be overseeded with ryegrass. This past winter, there was one week in January that had an effect well into the spring for delayed green-up of the warm season turf variety we have on both practice tees, and the flat approach on 18 North used for the BMW Practice Tee. Raising the height of cut will allow the perennial ryegrass seed to sow into the turf below, acting as a cover crop for the dormant Bermuda grass. This overseeding program will also allow us to have some turf to use when we open in April of 2026. Although we would love for some rain time-to-time, the dry conditions do certainly help our turf systems prepare for the paradigm shift of seasons and grow roots to survive until spring green-up. Conversely, the overabundance of precipitation in the spring did not allow for root development, resulting in more hand-held hose watering by our staff throughout the summer season. More water equals shorter roots, while drier conditions make plants of all types push their roots deeper into the soil to search for moisture. The weather has aided tremendously with recovery of a few areas where summer stress took hold. Our efforts of inter-seeding on some of the South Course fairway edges have taken well, as evidenced by the pictures with this update. As this pattern continues, you will see an uptick of activity on our maintenance Mondays such as tickling the putting surfaces such as vertical mowing, applying a dusting of sand to greens, tees and fairways.
Earlier this summer, we had the contractor from Connecticut attend to the paddle courts for the start of the season later this month. Screens were tightened and other cosmetic items were checked off the list.
The fall months are the best to enjoy the outside offerings at the Club. Be it on the clay or grass tennis courts, pickleball or the golf courses, the daytime temperatures and fall colors allow for much excitement. Please keep in mind that as the turf begins to slow down it’s normal growth pattern, it is important to keep in mind the need to adhere to our policies on golf cart traffic, maintaining at least 30 feet from any greens or tees, and to continue to scatter all traffic on the fairways. Even though it is hard to believe, we have had several instances where golf carts drove across greens and tees (see picture below with arrow). Every season has its own challenges year-in and year-out. We mentioned at the start of this note we had 11 inches of rain in July. Add to the mix 10 days of 90° or above temps with 26 nights of temps 70° or above, these three data points alone are the beginning of a great recipe for turf diseases! With this said, we are committed to managing the fluctuations in a smooth manner, like a duck gliding across a pond. Lastly, orchard picking season is upon us and our Weekly Happenings update sent out each Monday by the communications department will have the latest information about what fruit is available for harvesting. Also, you can stop by the Front Desk or in the Golf and Racquet Shops to grab an orchard map to locate the varieties you like for eating or cooking. In the most recent GAP Magazine, the orchard on 9 North was featured and you can access the article by clicking https://gap.mydigitalpublication.com/2025-summer/page-48. We hope you and your families have a great month! Jon Urbanski
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RACQUETS | LIEZEL HUBER, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS AND SPORTS
Looking Ahead to Paddle Season Paddle season is less than a month away, and this year we’re thrilled to introduce our new paddle hut. Visit the Racquet shop to explore the latest paddles and get ready for what’s sure to be a busy paddle season. US Open Recap On August 27, 56 WCC members came together once again for our annual US Open Trip. The energy at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with world-class tennis, unforgettable memories, and of course, Honey Deuces in hand. A Personal Note I celebrated my birthday and marked four years at Wilmington Country Club. I truly feel like the lucky one to be a part of this amazing community.
Dear Members,
As summer winds down and the kids head back to school, we want to thank you for being part of another active Summer at WCC. Whether you joined us for Summer Camp, spent time on the courts, or cheered on your children poolside, it’s been a season full of energy, connection, and growth. Thank you to our incredible WCC team for all your hard work. We’re ready for the school year ahead because the children are not only older, but wiser, more focused, and more confident. Yeah! Closing Out Summer in Style The last week of August is always our busiest. We’ve wrapped up Summer and Sports Camps, hosted three Ladies Tennis Camps, kicked off the fall season with Opening Day, and capped it all off with our sold-out US Open Bus Trip. Each event brought our WCC community together in the best ways. September Highlights Outdoor racquets programming remains strong as we move into fall. Sign-ups are on Foretees. Racquets Junior Programming fall session starts on September 8th. Please contact Ed Chilton and Victoria Giannaccini to enroll. Paddle Social Play continues Thursday mornings at 7:30 AM and we’re building toward Cup season with growing excitement. We’re especially looking forward to welcoming Charlotte on September 19 for a World-Class Paddle Camp. Contact Liezel for details.
Wishing you a smooth start to the school year and a beautiful September filled with good weather, lots of play, and memorable moments. Thank you all for a great summer!
Warm regards,
Liezel Huber
Pickleball continues to thrive with strong league participation and a full lineup of fall activities. September brings more Camps, Socials, and Play-with-the-Pro sessions!
BOCCE Weekly Socials: Wednesdays 5:30–7:00pm. Sign up on Foretees. Bocce Club Championships: September 10 at 5:30pm
On the squash front, we’re entering a busy and exciting season. Junior programming is bigger than ever. The Ladies Squash Clinic returns on September 17, and leagues officially kick off on September 24.
Celebrating Our Swimmers A special congratulations to our swimmers and the supportive parents behind them! We’ll be honoring all our junior athletes at the Annual Junior Sports Awards on September 14. Big congrats to Maggie Wagner and Henry Van Druff, who earned top honors this season by scoring the most points. Fingers crossed for a warm Labor Day weekend so we can close the pool season with one last splash! Fall Traditions Return Also on September 14, don’t miss our Annual Fall Yoga Brunch. Held on the grass courts, this event is always a member favorite—relaxing, refreshing, and the perfect way to connect with fellow members.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SCHEDULES
TENNIS
PICKLEBALL
WCC is proud to enter eight teams into this year’s Wilmington Cup season. We wish each of you a fantastic seven weeks of competition and camaraderie. Please remember that all adult programming and WCC practices are available on Foretees.
SQUASH
JUNIORS
A Quick Reminder To maintain our high standard, we kindly ask you to observe our 24-hour cancellation policy, arrive on time to classes, and commit to the full class duration. This helps us to continue delivering the best experience for all.
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JUNIOR TENNIS It’s been such a fun summer on the courts. Our juniors worked hard, played a lot of tennis, and really improved. It’s been awesome to see their progress and confidence grow. Since tennis is a year-round sport at WCC, we’re looking forward to keeping things going this fall and can’t wait to have our juniors back on the courts with us! The fall Junior Program starts September 8th. The ROGY tennis social is on the 28th, where our juniors will have the chance to play some matches and fun games with friends. Junior Tennis Team Link
JUNIOR SQUASH We enjoyed playing squash with your children this summer, and look forward to seeing them this fall! We have created numerous opportunities for the Juniors to be involved in the squash program, but also have the chance to do tennis and golf, before or after squash. Sessions will go from September through May. We also plan to have Holiday Squash Camps during the Christmas Holiday, as well as Spring Break Camps. Following such an energetic summer, we will offer munchkin squash three times a week and additional 5-7 year old group sessions. Junior Events: Junior Squash Fall Class Link
Junior Events: 9/14 - Junior Awards at 3:00pm 9/28 – ROGY social event
9/8 - Junior Squash Clinics Begin Begins 9/17 - Ladies Squash Night at 5:30pm 9/25 - Tier 1 League Begins
PICKLEBALL t’s been a busy summer of pickleball here at WCC, with so many members out on the courts playing, improving, and having fun together. As we head into fall, we’re excited to share our new schedule and upcoming events for September. League play will continue this season, with 3.0/3.5 league running on Mondays throughout the fall. We look forward to another great season of pickleball!
September Events:
New Fall Weekly Schedule:
9/13 - Pickleball Camp at 9:00am
Monday 6:00-7:00pm - 3.0 Clinic
9/20 and 9/21 – Pickleball Adult Club Championships
Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm - Men's Night open play with the Pro’s
9/25 - Dink and Drink Social 6:00-7:30pm
Please sign up on Foreteees for the Club Championship by 9/16.
Thursday 9:00-10:00am - Strategy and Play
If you have any questions or looking for lessons, please email Vgiannaccini@wilmingtoncc.com
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SUMMER CAMP 2025 WCC
AUGUST SUMMER CAMP FUN!
Summer Camp at Wilmington Country Club has come to an end, and what a fantastic season it’s been! We want to extend a sincere thank you to all the campers, parents, and staff who made this summer so memorable. From fun-filled days of sports, crafts, and games to new friendships and lasting memories, it was a joy to watch our campers grow, explore, and enjoy every moment. We’re grateful for your energy, support, and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for even more summer fun!
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FITNESS AND HEALTH AT WCC
GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
Yoga Brunch Day/Time: Sunday, September 14th 10:00am-11:00am
Details: Join us for a Vinyasa Yoga Class outside on the Grass Tennis Courts followed by an outdoor brunch. Guests are welcomed when accompanied by a member.
Walking Club Day/Time: Every Monday at 11:00am, at the Fitness Center by 10:55am Route: A scenic walk around the golf course
NEW Mat Pilates Classes Day/Time: Tuesdays 6:00pm-6:45pm & Thursdays 8:30am-9:15am
Details: Join us in the Yoga Room for Mat Pilate! Mat Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness, performed on a mat with little to no equipment. It emphasizes controlled movements, precise technique, and breath work to strengthen the body from the inside out. $11/class
Women and Weights Day/Time: Saturday, September 27th 8:30-9:30AM
Join us in the Group Exercise Room in the Fitness Center for a fun workshop about the importance of strength training for women. This workshop will include proper nutrition needed to maintain muscle and get stronger, proper form lifting, and the healthy benefits of strength training. $20/ person
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. Massage Therapy Jocelyn Staker is available for sports and therapeutic massages at Wilmington Country Club. Call ext. 2113 or email Mkasker@wilmingtoncc.com for more information.
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