May Bulletin 2025

THE BULLETIN A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF WILMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB - MAY 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Message

General Manager's Message

Club Calendar

Dining and Social

8-10

Golf

11-14

Grounds

16-17

Racquets

Fitness

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DAVID WILKS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Let’s take a break from the Q and A format of the last few months and address the rumors about an assessment that is waiting to pounce when people least expect it. Regular readers of this space, I am sure, have not been taken in. That’s because they already know from the two most recent Bulletins that nothing has been decided about the scope of the project and its cost. Here are some reminders that contradict pretty much all the rumors that have reached my ears: 1 . We do not yet know how much the irrigation replacement and North Course project will cost. And by that I mean: we do not yet know how much it will cost. We don’t. We expect to receive some figures later this month that will help us determine the scope of the project. When that happens, we can start making decisions and plans. But we don’t have them yet. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either guessing or pulling your leg.

David E. Wilks - President Adam G. Landis - Vice President David D. Wilkinson - Treasurer Thomas A. Beck - Secretary

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

2. There seems to be a misunderstanding about whether this work is necessary. Make no mistake: this is not a want. It is a must.Why? Lots of reasons:

We must replace our irrigation system. (See, the March Bulletin.) If we continue to neglect our irrigation system much longer, our grass will die, our tennis courts will be unplayable and our property will be an eyesore. That would be bad. We must replace the cart paths on the North Course and we have deferred that work for years. We must replace the North Course bunkers. (See, the March, 2024 Bulletin). We have deferred this and used temporary fixes for too long. We must re-grass the North Course greens. It has not been done since the course was built 64 years ago and it shows. We have kicked that can down the road for a very long time. When we re-grass the greens, we must reconstruct the greens. We have known this for a long time, too. In fact, our USGA agronomist at the time informed the Board in 2008 (!) that the currently-available grass varieties are too fast for the severity of our greens. We don’t have a choice.

These things are not optional and there is more on the list. We have to do all of them.

3. While we address this list of must-dos, it is only sensible to simultaneously address other deficiencies in the North Course so that it is even more versatile and enjoyable for golfers at every level. We can take care of other shortcomings around the property and enhance the Club for generations to come. It would be foolish and wasteful not to do this all at once.

4. The Club does not play Powerball. The only way to pay for taking care of our Club is for the membership to pay for it. That is what responsible owners do, especially when they have a gem of a Club like ours.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | DAVID WILKS 5. Your Club’s leadership has committed itself to creativity and flexibility in paying for this project. The rumors tell us that everyone will be given a bill for some specific amount and be expected to pay up immediately. That, of course, is not true. Members will have options. Some might want to make one payment and be done. The more who do that, the better it will be for the Club. Others will want to break it into a few payments. Still others will want to spread it over a longer period of time. We are sensitive to the fact that our membership is diverse and we want to accommodate a variety of circumstances. Everyone needs to contribute to the Club that we all collectively own. But not everyone must meet their obligation in the same way.

6. This project will benefit every single member of the Club. Without exception. And we can all rest assured that whatever we do, it will be done in keeping with the Club’s high standards.

7. Everything will be laid out very clearly to everyone when we know all the details. When we have a plan, a price and a path forward, we will have an information session describing what will be done, how much it will cost and how we intend to pay for it. For those who cannot attend, the information will be made available in other ways. Every question will be answered. Until then, everything you hear is just an unsubstantiated rumor. By now you know that I am devoted to the idea that members should know what is going on at their Club. That has not changed, nor will it during my tenure. Those who have taken me up on my invitation to email me (dwilks.wcc@gmail.com) have found that I answer questions and I don’t hide the ball. Please ignore the rumors and ask me anything you want. David Wilks

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE | PHIL IANNELLI

MANAGEMENT TEAM

May Greetings! Although the outdoor sporting season started in April the weather certainly slowed our ability to get some of our facilities open. No worries, May is when the member use really increases, anyway. This Bulletin is packed full of information regarding upcoming events and activities, so please take a moment and review it thoroughly. Additionally, there are several miscellaneous items to share with you that may not otherwise be included. Please read on . . . The Grill/Terrace patio is now open for your dining pleasure! Please be reminded that tables may not be reserved in this area. While dining on the patio, parents and grandparents are also reminded that the putting green is considered part of the golf practice facilities and not a playground. Please help your youngsters understand appropriate use and attire for this area. There are two additional outdoor venues to enjoy as both Pub37 and the Café 1901 have their own patios. Use of each subscribes to the age and dress codes that coincide with the particular venues. Opening the patios also means that warm weather is here and with that comes a change in the way we dress. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the rules of attire that have been established by your fellow members for the various clubhouse venues/entrances. Please do your best to always support the spirit of those standards. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11 We offer two options to celebrate: a lavish Brunch (like Easter) starting at 10:30 or a more casual Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet in the Grill/Tavern beginning at 4:00. Consider which one is most attractive to your needs and make your reservation to join us for one of our biggest events of the year! th. In addition to Mother’s Day, F&B has a few more social events on May’s calendar; A Mixology class on the 1 . Cinco de Mayo in Pub37 on Friday the 2 , a Bouchaine Wine tasting event on the 8 , and live music in Pub37 on the 29 . Details are in this Bulletin. Please join us! st nd th th By now you should have received information about all our junior summer camp and clinic programs. We are pleased to offer more opportunities for you and your kids to use the club than ever before. Sign up and enjoy the summer! In Golf, the month is extremely busy. One private Monday outing; the continuation of Men’s and Women’s GAP matches, Men’s Twilight every Wednesday, The Men’s opening event on the 9 ; The first Mixed Twilight of the season on the 18 ; a Men’s Member/Guest on the 15 as well as a club fitting opportunity almost every Saturday. th th th Golf also has a full schedule for the kids with Junior League play, Clinics and the annual Junior Golf Kickoff event on Memorial Day Monday at the Short Game practice area. Bocce socials got started the final day of April. The courts are available every day, but Wednesday evenings we feature organized play. Call the Racquet Shop for more information. Also in May, there is a full complement of Pickleball activity, including everything from “learn to play” opportunities to competitive league play. It officially gets started with the Outdoor Season Opening Night on the 7 . th On Sunday May 4 our friends and neighbor, Winterthur, will be holding Point-to-Point. They have asked that we share a reminder that members will not be able to park at WCC and “hop the fence”. If you are attending PtP, please plan on parking at the venue. th Speaking of parking - this is the time of the year when activity in the parking lots really picks up. Please hang up the phone, slow down, use caution and follow the proper traffic flow. Parents with small children please hold hands. The threat of a tragedy is always present. Also, parking in front of the clubhouse requires displaying a valid ADA permit. The Pool and Poolside Café will officially open for Memorial Weekend, Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 a.m. We will finish off the long holiday weekend with a Memorial Day pool party on Monday afternoon. Unofficially, if the weather and all other conditions are favorable, we may feature a special “pre-opening” swim party on Friday the 23 . Watch your email and our Social Media platforms for more information as the day draws closer. rd As activity picks up, a gentle reminder that the voice use of cellular telephones is prohibited at the Club. Please keep your device in silent or vibrate mode. While it may be used for texting or checking email, please use discretion when choosing where and when you use your phone. If you are observed using a cell phone inappropriately, we will remind you of the policy and ask you to discontinue use. Members are urged to inform their guests of this expectation. It also seems necessary to note that the “Keep it quiet” expectation extends to the recent trend of using your electronic device to drive blue-tooth speakers to listen to music while participating in club activities. If you really must have your tunes with you while at the club, ear buds are permitted. As you can see, there is more going on around your club than ever before. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to enjoy the offerings. As always, thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the Club! Phil Iannelli

Christine Jordan Director of Clubhouse Operations

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

OUTDOOR DINING IS NOW OPEN

BABE ARDEN RETIREMENT After over 13 years of dedicated service, we’re both thrilled and a bit wistful to announce the retirement of Babe Arden, our beloved Racquet Shop Manager. Babe has been a cornerstone of our racquets program and a warm, familiar presence to both members and staff. Her kindness, knowledge, and daily smile will be deeply missed, but we couldn’t be happier for her as she begins this exciting new chapter.

BOUCHAINE WINE TASTING Join us in the Pub for a complimentary wine tasting Thursday, May 8 at 6:00pm to try something new, or revisit something you know you like! This month’s wines are featured from Bouchiane in Napa Valley, CA and include their white blend, pinot gris, riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay! All wines will be available to order. th Click here to view our featured wines

Outdoor dining is back, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you! With the return of beautiful weather and our stunning patio setting, it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner under the open sky. Just a friendly reminder—seating is available on a

first-come, first-served basis, resrvations are not accepted.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS | WINE TASTINGS, EASTER BUNNY BRUNCH, AND MORE!

MAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Pickleball Opening 5:30 p.m. Cinco de Mayo Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m. WGAP South Course 8:30 a.m. Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championship Registration Begins

Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.

High School Match 3:00 p.m.

Cocktail Class 6:00 p.m.

President's Cup Registration Opens Senior Club Championship Match Play Round 1 Begins WGAP South Course 8:30 a.m.

Men’s Gap Match South Course 9:00 a.m.

No Clubhouse Food Service

Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.

Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Women's Opening Cocktail Party 5:30 p.m. Bouchaine Wine Tasting 6:00 p.m.

Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m. Men's Opening Event South Course 1:00 p.m.

Taylormade Fitting Day 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Women’s 9-Holers Front Nine 9:00 a.m.

Pickleball Interclub League Begins

Sound Bath with Reiki 3:00 p.m.

Men's Twilight North Course 5:15 p.m.

Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Callaway Fitting Day 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

No Clubhouse Food Service

Mother's Day Brunch 10:30 a.m. & Dinner Buffets 4:30 p.m.

Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.

Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Men's Member Guest South Course 1:00 p.m.

Women’s 18-Holers North Course 9:00 a.m.

Private Golf Tournament

Women’s 9-Holers Back Nine 9:00 a.m.

Mixed Two-Ball Championship Registration Opens Mizuno Fitting Day 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Men's Twilight North Course 5:15 p.m.

Putting Championship Registration Opens Women’s 18-Holers North Course 9:00 a.m. XXIO Fitting Day 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.

Planting on the Patio 10:30 a.m.

Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m.

No Clubhouse Food Service

Pub37 Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Women’s 9-Holers Front Nine 9:00 a.m.

Titleist Fitting Day 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. Mixed Twilight North Course 5:00 p.m.

Men’s Match Play Championship Qualifying Begins

Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. Men's Twilight North Course 5:15 p.m.

Battle of 52

Montchanin Bridge 1:00 p.m.

Thursday Morning Bridge 9:30 a.m. Women's Golf Social North Course 5:00 p.m. Live Music in Pub37 6:00 p.m.

Pool Opens for Season

Women’s 18-Holers South Course 9:00 a.m.

Wilmington Cup North Course 9:00 a.m.

Junior Golf Kickoff Short Game Practice Range 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Women’s 9-Holers Front Nine 9:00 a.m.

Yoga Brunch 10:00 a.m.

Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championship Round 1 Begins

Men's Twilight North Course 5:15 p.m.

Memorial Day Pool Party 12:00pm

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP | MEGHAN SPERO, PGA MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Spring has arrived, bringing beautiful weather and renewed energy to our Club! Now is the perfect time to invite friends and family to experience all that the Club has to offer—especially those who may be interested in membership. As always, I’m here to support our members throughout the proposal process or to answer any questions. If you know someone who might be a great fit for the Club, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help in any way I can. Contact: Meghan Spero – mspero@wilmingtoncc.com

EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES

And remember—the number one reason people don’t join is simply because they were never asked. So go ahead and extend the invitation!

Brett Apostolico F&B Manager: 1 Year

NEW MEMBERS Please welcome our newest member of the Club:

Cleo Ramos Blanco Cook: 2 Years

Patrick Tonelli, Senior Dr. Sarah Tonelli, Associate

Dr. Jonathon Brown, Senior Jordan Brown, Child 10-24 Gavin Brown, Child U-10

Gavin Kopczynskie South Course Asst. Superintendent: 3 Years

James Tonelli, U-10 William Tonelli, U-10 Charles Tonelli, U-10

Tom McFeeley South Course Superintendent: 4 Years

(not pictured) Tracey Wayman, Associate, Leroy Wayman, U-10, William Wayman, U-10, Julie Tattersall, Senior, Artie Kempner, Associate

David Neyers Chef de Partie: 7 Years

Zac Woods Outside Services Manager: 13 Years

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES We would like to acknowledge our Senior members on their milestones:

Mr. Scott W. Burris 5 Years Mr. Donald K. Duncan 10 Years Mr. Joseph A. Iorii 10 Years Mr. Ben J. Palaisa 10 Years Mrs. Elizabeth C. Speers 10 Years Miss Caitlin F. VanSickle 10 Years Mr. Michael A. Acierno 15 Years

Mr. Robert V. Donato 15 Years Mrs. Christine D. Haynes 15 Years Mr. David T. Heaney 15 Years Mr. Richard P. Rollo 15 Years Mr. John H. Wyant 15 Years Dr. D. Michael Gioffre Jr. 20 Years Mr. Adam G. Landis 20 Years

Mr. Christopher W. Lee 20 Years Mr. Shawn M. Scarpaci 20 Years Mr. Stuart C. Shears 20 Years Dr. Chris Saunders 25 Years Dr. Joseph F. Hacker III 30 Years Dr. David C. Larned 30 Years Mr. Richard C. Porter III 50 Years Mr. Edward J. Stegemeier 55 Years

Frank Duran Lemus Line Chef: 13 Years

Annie Cresswell Pastry Chef: 20 Years

Tip Tribbitt Executive Chef: 37 Years

IN MEMORIAM The Board of Directors, members and staff of Wilmington Country Club extend their sincerest sympathy to the family of: Elissa duPont, member for 22 years

May is here, and we're blooming with excitement! From honoring our amazing moms to kicking off summer with music, grilling, and poolside fun, this month is packed with events you won’t want to miss. DINING & SOCIAL | CHRISTINE JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF CLUBHOUSE OPERATIONS

HOURS OF OPERATION

Celebrate Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 11, reservations starting at 10:30am Treat Mom to a day she deserves with two fabulous dining options: Elegant Brunch Buffet– A refined setting with all the brunch favorites and a few sweet surprises. Casual Dinner Buffet in The Grille & Tavern – A relaxed evening with all your favorites. Reservations of all sizes accepted!

Cafe 1901, Pub37 and Grille & Tavern

CAFE 1901 Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PUB 37 Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Planting on the Patio Returns: Saturday, May 18 at 10:30am Join us on the patio for our favorite spring tradition. Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing as we welcome the season with a guided tutorial of building and growing flowering pots perfect for your outdoors. Space is limited, make your reservation early. Due to space constraints, this event is limited to members only. Memorial Day Pool Party & Cookout: Monday, May 26 at 12:00pm Start summer with a splash! Join us poolside for games, music, and a festive cookout. Whether you’re diving in or soaking up the sun, it’s a celebration for the whole family. Let the summer fun begin!

Live Music in Pub37: Thursday, May 29 at 6:00pm Grab a drink and enjoy an evening of live music featuring local favorite Charlie Hannigan - it’s the perfect mid-week vibe!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR EVENTS. Christine Jordan

GRILLE / TAVERN Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

May 18

Planting on the Patio Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing as we welcome the season with a guided tutorial of building flowering pots perfect for your outdoors. Memorial Day Pool Party Start summer with a splash! Join us poolside for games, music, and a festive cookout. Fun for the whole family!

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.

May

FORMAL DINING

DINING ROOM Friday & Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

TAVERN & GRILLE

May

THE HUT Closed

Live Music in Pub37 Grab a drink and enjoy an evening of live music featuring local favorite Charlie Hannigan - it’s the perfect mid-week vibe!

PUB37

OUTDOOR DINING

ClubGrub N K

MOTHER’S DAY

. dining options:Elegant Brunch Buffet– A refined setting with all the brunch favorites and a few sweet surprises. Casual Dinner Buffet in The Grille & Tavern – A relaxed evening with all your favorites. Reservations of all sizes accepted! Treat Mom to a day she deserves with two fabulous

MEMORIAL DAY POOL PARTY Start summer with a splash! Join us poolside for games, music, and a festive cookout. Whether you’re diving in or soaking up the sun, it’s a celebration for the whole family. Let the summer fun begin!

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 | MAY

May 6, 2025: The Great Divide – by Cristina Henriquez. Diane Nescio will lead the discussion for the May meeting.

The Great Divide is a moving novel about the construction of the Panama Canal, highlighting those who lived, loved, and worked there. The story is told through several characters thatinclude a local fisherman, his son, a 16-year- old stow-away from Barbados, and a medical researcher aiming to eliminating malaria. On the steamy isthmus of Panama, the world is about to change. Land will disappear, the backs of mountains will be broken, and two oceans will collide, forever altering world navigation. It is 1907, and there is on-going activity surrounding the construction of the Panama Canal, perhapsthe “greatest feat of engineering in history”. It is 1907, and amidst all this continuous clatter of steam shovels, pickaxes, and raindrops, the story is also told through silence: the silence between father and son; or a mother with a long-held secret; and the painful silence of an empty marriage. Henríquez effortlessly weaves together multiple lives, yet the story moves seamlessly through many perspectives, capturing the lives touched by the dual act of construction and destruction. The Atlantic and Pacific will be joined, and America will profit from it for the better part of a century. The weight of this is clearly felt by the men and women swept up in the Canal’s creation. Some of them may raise their voices against it, others may try to hide from it, but none of them can ultimately stop it. The novel is a portrait of contrasts: where the land feels both fragile and unshakable; where people are disposable; and, yet every life feels vital. Henriquez’ first book was a collection of short stories published in 2006, and her debut novel, The World in Half , was published in 2009. She is best known for her 2014 novel The Book of Unknown Americans. Her father is from Panama and came to the U.S. in 1971 to attend college. Her mother is from New Jersey and worked in Delaware public schools. Henriquez was born in Delaware, attended schools in the U.S., and spent her summers in Panama.

MAY 6, 2025 The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez. A sweeping novel highlighting the intersecting lives of the characters involved during the building of the Panama Canal. Diane Nescio will lead the discussion for the May meeting.

JUNE 3, 2025

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Historical thriller about a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D,C. boardinghouse during the McCarthy era. Barbara Dukart will lead the discussion for the June meeting.

Please join us on May 6, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Women’s Lounge as we discuss The Great Divide.

GOLF | MICHAEL SHANK, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF

HOURS OF OPERATION

A Note From the Golf Shop The turf on the practice tee is open. Please help us by taking divots in lines. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. Stop by the Golf Shop for gift ideas and our special Birdies and Bellinis promotion. Junior Golf Spring and Summer classes are available for sign-up on our online portal. Our annual Junior Golf Kickoff event is happening on Memorial Day. Play better golf in 2025! We have a wide variety of adult coaching programs available this season for every type of player, including brand new players. A full listing of programs is in this month’s article. Need new golf clubs? See all of our golf club fitting events this spring or schedule a complimentary fitting with a member of our Professional Staff. Our Beat the Pro contest is back, Memorial Day weekend. Our Professional Golf Management interns are arriving this month. Hours for the golf course, Practice Range, Bag Room and Golf Shop are all expanded in May. We look forward to seeing you on the course this month! Michael Shank Proper Practice Range Use The grass tee is now available on the practice range. Turf is available Monday and Thursday at the back end of the range, and available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the front of the range. While utilizing the Practice Range, or the wedge range, please take divots in lines, not patches or spots. Place your ball on the back edge of your previous divot. This will utilize the least amount of grass and allow us to remain on the grass longer.

First Tee Opening Monday 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:30 a.m. Practice Range Monday 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Bag Room Monday

Please note, When the lower tee of the range is used, please do not hit shots more than 220 yards from either end for safety.

9:30 a.m. – Dusk Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – Dusk Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – Dusk Golf Shop Monday Closed Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Golf Course Guest Reminders A few friendly reminders regarding guest play to help us better serve you. If you are planning to bring a guest, please call, 302-655-6022, stop by the Golf Shop, or email golfshop@wilmingtoncc.com in advance before the day of play to arrange the round. On the day of play, all guests must be accompanied and should be registered in the Golf Shop prior to the start of the round. A guest may be introduced three times annually, regardless of the member host. Family guests may be introduced six times per year. Be aware that all guest rounds in season require a cart or caddie. Guest rounds with two or more regular guests must take a caddie. The Golf Shop will assist in arranging caddies. Kindly make these arrangements 48 hours in advance. There is no guest play permitted on Mondays.

MEN’S TOURNAMENT GOLF NOTES FOR MAY Wilmington Cup registration opens on Friday, May 2

GOLF CLUB FITTING Currently in the Golf Shop we have club fitting tools for all 2025 Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Mizuno and XXIO products. Call the Golf Shop to schedule a complementary fitting with lead club fitter Ryan Rucinski (rrucinski@wilmingtoncc.com), or any member of the Professional Staff. We are also conducting several upcoming Fitting Days. In addition to complementary club fitting, we sell all golf clubs for MAP price, the lowest available price on new golf clubs, and offer credit for trade-ins.

Men’s Senior/Super Senior Handicap Championship registration opens May 2, and closes on May 25

Men’s Senior Club Championship Match Play registration closes on May 4

Men’s President’s Cup and Better Ball of Partners Round 1 play is underway and ends on Sunday, May 18

Saturday, May 10 – TaylorMade Fitting Day Friday, May 16 – Mizuno Fitting Day Saturday, May 17 – Callaway Fitting Day Sunday, May 18 – Titleist Fitting Day Tuesday, May 20 – XXIO Fitting Day Wednesday, May 21 – Titleist Women’s Fitting Day

Men’s Match Play Qualifying begins on Friday, May 23

WILMINGTON CUP Coming May 31 and June 1 is the third edition of the Wilmington Cup, our newest men’s Member/Member event. There will be pari-mutuel betting & team reveal on Friday, May 30 in the Pub from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The event will be played across both the North & South course. Teams will consist of eight players (4 two-man pairs), drafted in an ABCD snake draft, similar to the Men's Twilight league. Players may select their playing partner. The event format is 36 holes of better ball of partners stroke play. The three lowest Four-Ball scores from each round will comprise the team score. st st th

Golf Club Fitting Information Page

ADULT COACHING PROGRAMS We have a number of adult coaching programs this spring, including Men’s Short Game Mastery, Bunker Basics, Ball Striking, Women’s Skills Builders, Half-Day Golf Schools and more. Click Here to view all of our Instructional Programs. JUNIOR GOLF CLASSES Spring Junior Golf Classes are underway each Tuesday and Thursday. Click Here for to sign-up. Email jchambers@wilmingtoncc.com for more information. Additionally, it is not too soon to sign up for summer programming. Classes are available in our Summer Advanced Golf Academy and our Orange & Yellow Junior Golf Classes. For more information, check out the Junior Golf Booklet.

Registration will be limited to the first 80 players on a first in basis. After the initial 80 players are registered, players will be added in groups of eight to create additional teams.

Click Here for more information and to register beginning Friday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. nd

BEAT THE PRO CONTEST Over Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26, the Golf Shop will host our annual "Beat the Pro" event. Two players from the Professional Staff will play and post a better ball score on the South Course to be revealed at the end of the weekend. To play, sign-up with a partner on the sweepstakes board (located outside the Golf Shop). The event is a better ball of partners format (85% handicap). Men play from the white markers and women play from the green markers. Each player on the team must wager an amount from $25 to $200, which must be marked on the sign-up sheet before play. If the team's better ball score is lower than the professional's better ball score, each player will double their wager in Golf Shop credit. If the team's better ball score is equal to or higher than the professional’s score, players will receive their initial wager in Golf Shop credit.

JUNIOR KICK OFF EVENT

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 snow cones for juniors, and drinks available by chit for adults.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF UPDATE

Stop by the Golf Shop to say hello to our seasonal Assistant Golf Professional, Nate Farnsworth, who has recently returned from Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Florida, where he spent the winter season. We are excited to have Nate back for his second season at Wilmington.

We also have four Professional Golf Management interns at Wilmington this season. We look forward to welcoming them to our team in early May.

Jack Wredberg Jack is a senior at Campbell University. Most recently Jack was a member of our team at Wilmington for six months last season. Previous to his time at Wilmington, Jack was an intern at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, New York. He was also previously an intern at The Country Club of Virginia where he was involved with junior programming.

Jack is a fine player who has won multiple PGMSA tournaments at Campbell. He will be returning to Wilmington through August, and we are pleased to have him back on our team this season.

Joseph DeAngelo Joseph is a rising senior, enrolled in the PGM program at Penn State University. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Joseph previously completed internship experiences at Nemacolin and The Ridge Golf Club in Pennsylvania. He was involved with junior golf and the coaching academy at Nemacolin, as well as the women’s golf league. Joseph will be with us until November this season. Cooper Peck Cooper is a rising sophomore at Penn State University, originally from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Cooper worked the past two summers at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey.

He was a founding member of his high school golf team, captain and MVP of his football team. Cooper will be at Wilmington until mid-August.

Jeffrey Covely Jeffrey is also a rising sophomore from Mullica Hill, New Jersey, attending Florida Gulf Coast University. Jeffrey was captain of his high school golf team, and Wilmington will be Jeffrey’s first golf course work experience. He will be at Wilmington until mid-August.

Women’s Invitational Member Guest We are delighted to invite you to the 2025 Wilmington Country Club Invitational Member Guest, a one-of-a-kind tournament where golf meets mystery! This year’s event will feature an exciting murder mystery theme, making for an unforgettable experience both on and off the course. This is your chance to enjoy two days of camaraderie, competition, and suspense, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Wilmington Country Club. This event will include wonderful new additions, including a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Peter Millar shopping experience.

MOTHER’S DAY PROMOTION Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. There are a variety of terrific gift ideas in the Golf Shop for all of the mothers in your life! We currently have fashionable options including Peter Millar, lululemon, Daily Sport, IBKUL, Smith and Quinn, and more. As always, complementary gift wrapping is available.

We encourage you to secure your spot. This event is open to all women at the club and only one guest per group is required.

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY IN STYLE WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION!

Schedule of Events: Wednesday, June 18: Optional starting times for a practice round. Call the Golf Shop to schedule. Opening Cocktail Reception, putting contest, story reveal, and Peter Millar shopping experience at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19: 7:30 a.m. Breakfast available 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start on the South Course Lunch and awards following golf

With purchase of $100 of Women's Apparel in the Golf Shop, your mom will receive an invitation to our Birdies and Bellinis Golf Clinic Sunday, May 18, at 3:00 p.m. This clinic is the perfect opportunity to unwind, learn, and enjoy a fun day! Our expert instructors will ensure she has a blast while honing her skills. This Mother’s Day, give the mother in your life a gift that is both memorable, fun, and improves her golf game. CLINIC INFO: This event includes a welcome stretch with mimosas on the patio, drive to the flags, and chipping onto the green, all with a Mother’s Day theme! Fun prizes will be given and then we will all meet on the green for putting and a bellini!

Click Here to register for the Women’s Partners in Crime Invitational Member Guest

Women’s Golf Cocktail Party Join us on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. for an unforgettable evening as we officially kick off the 2025 golf season in style! This special event is your chance to connect with an incredible community of women golfers who share your passion for the game. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, you're invited to enjoy an inspiring and fun-filled evening designed to spark new friendships, build connections, and get you excited for the season ahead. Savor a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres and enjoy your favorite beverage (chit bar), all while mingling with fellow members and guests. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive preview of all the exciting women’s golf events planned for the 2025 season—from casual play days and clinics to tournaments and social gatherings. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new golf partners, and be a part of a supportive and dynamic women’s golf community. We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate what promises to be an amazing season together!

Click Here to register for the Women’s Cocktail Party

GROUNDS | JON URBANSKI, DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS

Over the course of the fall of 2024, the winter months of ‘24/2025, and the spring of ’25, our staff spent many hours aerifying the roughs and seeding over 14,000 pounds of turf-type tall fescue. For many weeks, the seed sat just in the ground. This was due to a few factors such as a lack of moisture and dwindling soil temps to spur growth. But in the last several weeks, soil temps have increased, and we received some timely rains at the end of the March and beginning of April (the remaining ¾ of the month has been dry and WINDY!). We are seeing very good results with seedlings sprouting in all areas. To help the new turf grow, we have had in place ropes and stakes. Much of this was to control our maintenance traffic. As the new turf matures and can withstand vehicular flow, we will reduce the amount of staking on the golf courses. The weather patterns mentioned above have had a negative effect on the opening of the tennis courts. Work that we have been accustomed to accomplishing at the beginning of April was hampered by these rains, keeping the courts too soft to get equipment on the surfaces to grade the Har Tru. High winds hindered the ability to install new material. For the 2025 outdoor clay court season, we took a different approach that we hope will be the secret sauce to a great season. In the past, our outside contractor would remove “dead” Har Tru from what was left from the winter and then topdress lightly with additional Har Tur and line the courts. This year, we knew we had to increase the amount of material applied. We ended up applying approximately three tons of new Har Tru to courts one through seven. Courts eight through eleven did not need quite as much but still received two tons of material per court. With the increased Har Tru applied, it was necessary to box grade the courts for compaction and pitch. As the courts opened at the end of April, it is our hope the added care at the onset of the season will play into favorable court conditions all year long. This month will see a lot of applications to various areas of the turf landscape. In short, all our pre-emergent applications for crabgrass, or warding off insects such as Japanese beetles or Annual Bluegrass Weevils, come due in about two to three-week time span. In addition, our annual rough application of fertilizer will be applied.

The turf on the golf courses, club grounds, and racquet areas uses technology that will feed the plant over a 12-to-14-week time period. Your run of the mill, quick release fertilizers only feed the plant, depending upon rate of application, from a few days to three weeks.

The long-chained, controlled release nitrogen (CRN) fertilizer used is encapsulated in an organic resin. When water is applied, either naturally (rain) or synthetically (irrigation), the coating acts as a semi-permeable membrane, absorbing water and partially dissolves the fertilizer inside the prill to create a solution of nutrients. The rate at which the release of nutrients occurs is affected by both soil moisture and temperature. Adequate moisture level is critical for the reaction to take place inside the CRN particle and the temperature of the soil directly impacts the permeability of the pore spaces of the coating.

The benefits from using controlled release fertilizers over quick release or ‘straight’ fertilizers in a nutrient management include: improved plant growth and health and reduced frequency of applications, which directly involves labor resources that can be redirected to other tasks throughout the season.

As the we enter the point of the season where golf play really gets moving, a few reminders…

1.Fix your pitch mark, plus one other. 2.Fill divots – a little bit goes a long way! Please err on the small side of applying the divot mix, no mounds. 3.Bunkers: please enter and exit on the low side and do not walk up the face or bank in either direction. 4.Park on paths where available. Please keep carts from greens and tees approximately 10 yards or 30 feet. 5.Forge your own Path. Scatter all cart traffic and do not follow established tracks. 6.When practicing, utilize the straight-line method of taking a divot.

Lastly, have a great month and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Jon Urbanski

RACQUETS | LIEZEL HUBER, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS AND SPORTS

Dearest Members, Across racquets and fitness, the energy is undeniable—May truly feels like the gateway to summer! Tennis Our recent Thirsty Thursday Member-Guest event brought together 32 ladies for a morning of tennis followed by a delicious meal in the Pub. Planning is already underway for our summer Member-Guest—stay tuned! Outdoor tennis courts opened a week late due to weather, and early Wilmington Cup and USTA matches were played indoors. Fortunately, home court advantage has given WCC a strong start to the spring season. Pickleball WCC is excited to have joined the Brandywine Valley Premier Pickleball League, with a second league launching this May. Pickleball continues to grow—and it’s for everyone! Be sure to sign up on ForeTees for our Pickleball Outdoor Opening Day on Friday, May 2nd. Paddle This spring, we bid farewell to our Head Pro, Ethan Leon. As we search for a new team member, I will be overseeing the Paddle program. Join us for May’s Mixed Paddle Social—we’d love to see you there. Bocce Opening Night was a blast! Competitive games continue every Wednesday at 5:30 PM—come out and play! Fitness May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and WCC is celebrating with Fitness Week, running May 5th–9th. Enjoy free classes, an open house, raffles, and exciting events. Be sure to register on ForeTees for the Sound Bath & Reiki Workshop, Yoga Brunch, and Fitness Book Club. Looking Ahead We’re counting down to Summer Camp and the opening of the Swimming Pool—sign-ups are filling fast! We’re also excited to welcome two new Racquets interns in May. After a remarkable 10 years at WCC, Racquet Shop Manager Babe Arden has retired. Please join us in celebrating her dedicated service to our community.

MONTHLY RACQUET TIPS FROM THE PROS

Pickleball: Your footwork is essential to your pickleball game. Proper footwork is key to playing effective pickleball. If you're constantly shuffling out of position, it becomes much harder to hit a solid shot. Likewise, staying planted and simply reaching for the ball puts you at a disadvantage. Good footwork allows you to move efficiently, stay balanced, and be in the right position to make strong, accurate shots. Key Tips for Better Footwork: Stay Mobile: Practice hitting balls against a wall at home while keeping your feet in motion. This helps train your body to move with the ball rather than relying on your reach. Foot Positioning: Try to keep your feet parallel to each other when hitting the ball. This helps maintain a stable center of balance, which is crucial for consistent play. Move on the Balls of Your Feet: Avoid landing on your heels. Staying on the balls of your feet keeps you aligned with your center of gravity and enables quicker, more agile movement in any direction. Maintain an Athletic Stance: When you’re not hitting the ball, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other. This position gives you better balance and prepares you to move quickly. Avoid Overextending: Don’t stand with your feet too far apart. It might feel stable, but it limits your ability to move efficiently and react to your shots. By focusing on your footwork, you'll not only improve your positioning but also increase your chances of winning more points. Good footwork isn’t just a bonus—it’s a fundamental part of your pickleball game. PICKLEBALL On May 5th the evening 3.0 and 3.5 Interclub league starts. Please email Vgiannaccini@wilmingtoncc.com if you would like to join. SUMMER CAMP Summer Camps are officially OPEN for registration! Forget those humdrum days of staring at screens; we're talking about a summer bursting with epic adventures and unforgettable memories. Click here to view our 2025 Summer Camp Booklet!

Here’s to the sunshine ahead, Liezel Huber

Tennis Events: 5/22 - Paddle Mixed Social 5/26 - Battle of 52 5/30 - Junior Summer Kickoff at 5:30pm

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SCHEDULES

TENNIS

PICKLEBALL

JUNIORS

SQUASH

BOCCE

So much is happening in Squash, and we’re excited to share all the latest events and accomplishments with you! Our squash program continues to thrive with an incredible lineup of tournaments, clinics, and social events that bring players of all levels together. We’ve seen outstanding performances from our members in recent matches, and several players have reached impressive personal milestones—congratulations to all! Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned player, now is a great time to get involved, improve your game, and be part of this dynamic and growing squash community. Be sure to check out the details below for upcoming events, recent highlights, and ways you can participate. There’s never been a better time to be on the court!

We were thrilled to kick off the 2025 bocce season with a fun and lively Opening Night on Tuesday, April 30, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Members came together to enjoy great company, friendly competition, and the beautiful spring weather as we launched another exciting season on the bocce courts. If you missed the opening night, don’t worry—there are plenty more opportunities to join in the fun! Our Weekly Bocce Socials will take place every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and all members are welcome to participate, whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game. These casual, social gatherings are the perfect way to relax midweek, meet fellow members, and enjoy one of the club’s most popular outdoor activities. To participate, please sign up using the ForeTees system, which makes it easy to reserve your spot and stay updated on weekly play. If you have any questions about the bocce program or need help getting started, feel free to reach out to Ed Chilton at echilton@wilmingtoncc.com. We look forward to seeing you on the courts for a season full of fun, camaraderie, and great bocce action!

1. Canadian National Doubles Results: Todd Anderson and Tom Harrity achieved third place in the 55+ Division. Ed Chilton and Andrew Slater secured second place in the 60+ Division.

2. US National Junior Doubles Championships: Held from April 4-6 at the Specter Center in Philadelphia. Congratulations to Johnny Wyant and Daggett Vance, who won the Boys Under 17 Division, after previously winning the Boys Under 15 Division last year. The tournament will return to WCC next year, marking its 39th year since its inception in 1986. 3. Junior Clinics: Junior clinics for ages 5-6, 7-9, and Middle School will continue into spring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. High School clinics are scheduled for Sundays.

AQUATICS

The 2025 Swim Meet and Diving Schedule is officially set, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic season filled with team spirit, skill-building, and memorable moments at the pool. If you have any questions or need more information about this year’s schedule or aquatics programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either John Fedena, Aquatics Director, at jfedena@wilmingtoncc.com or Ed Chilton at echilton@wilmingtoncc.com. They're both here to support your family’s aquatics experience every step of the way. Key Date to Remember: May 20: Parent’s Meeting, Pizza Party & Swimsuit Fitting – Get all the details for the season and ensure your swimmer is suited up and ready to go! Summer Pool Fun for the Whole Family: In addition to swim and dive events, we have a full lineup of exciting family-friendly pool nights to make a splash all summer long: Memorial Day Pool Party - May 26 12:00pm Raft Nights – Every Wednesday from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, beginning June 11. Bring your favorite float and enjoy some relaxed evening fun in the pool with family and friends. Christmas in July – Mark your calendar for Friday, July 25! Celebrate the holiday spirit in the heart of summer with festive games, giveaways, and surprises every two hours throughout the day.

4. Philadelphia Squash Racquets Association Open Division: Todd Anderson and partner Dave Letourneau were finalists.

5. Upcoming Events: The Mason Dixon Challenge (WCC vs. Maryland Club) will take place in the fall; the exact date is yet to be determined. Todd Anderson and Ed Chilton will compete in the US National Mixed Squash Doubles Championships at Germantown Cricket Club from May 2-4. 6. Team Recognition: Congratulations to Doug Herrmann and Bart Mackey III for being selected for the US Team competing in the Lapham/Grant matches in Boston, from April 24-27.

7. Squash Professional Search: Ed Chilton is actively searching for a new Head Squash Professional.

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