The Bulletin: January 2020

The Bulletin: January 2020

THE BULLETIN A newsletter for members of the Wilmington Country Club JANUARY 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

A snowy December morning of the clock tower overlooking the pond and barn.

Photo to the right is of our beautiful staircase from the Candlelight Dinners

Photos courtesy of Becca Mathias, Communications Coordinator

08 CONNECT

10 SOCIAL

12 EVENT PHOTOS

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04 President’s Message 06 General Manager’s Message 15 Calendar 16 From the Kitchen 20 Grounds

22 GOLF

26 RACQUETS

30 FITNESS

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PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I hope you all had a great holiday season. The Club was as beautiful as ever this year and was exceptionally busy. I would like to thank the staff for organizing and running so many wonderful events. It was exciting to see so many members enjoying the club this December. As you all know by now 2019 was a very good year. Activity was up in all areas of the club, membership was relatively stable and we met our budget goals. The stage is now set for a strong 2020. An excellent calendar of sports and social events is planned, the tennis project will be completed this spring, the grounds department is working on some project to continue the improvement of our courses and staffing levels are encouraging. With your continued support, and a little cooperation from the weather, the forecast is very bright for our club.

Gary Ferugson President

Melissa Riegel Vice President John S. Wellons Treasurer Thomas C. Humphrey Secretary DIRECTORS Class of 2020 D. Michael Gioffre, Jr. Adam G. Landis Jonathan N. Saunders Edward A. Tarlov

I wish you all a very healthy and happy new year.

Gary Ferguson President

Martha White Class of 2021 Thomas A. Beck

Zachary L. Chipman Kimberly A. Ciconte Robert W. Friz Megan S. Greenberg

Lisa A. Schmidt David E. Wilks

Edward K. Wissing Honorary Directors Joseph F. Hacker, III Richard H. Keller Advisory Directors Robert G. Hackett, Jr. Calvert A. Morgan, Jr. Pierre duPont Hayward Allen M. Terrell, Jr. John F. Porter, III

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TENNIS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT The work that has been accomplished on the tennis construction project is notable. The first image, taken in September, shows the preparation of the site. The second image, taken in December, shows the steel skeleton of the building. You can now start to really get a sense of how well it will fit into the racquets neighborhood.

Plenty more is to come over the next few months and we will keep you posted!

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GENERAL MANAGER

WINTER GREETINGS Let me begin the New Year by, once again, thanking those members who so generously contributed to the Employee Christmas Gift Fund. Your recognition of the yearlong efforts of our staff is greatly appreciated. The Christmas Gift, received by each member of staff, helps to create the positive working environment that is required to maintain a dedicated loyal, staff in a very difficult labor market. Now that we are in January, the Club’s operating schedule shifts into a “winter mode”. Each department has listed the various hours of operation that will be observed. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the schedules so you are not inconvenienced. Just as last year, we will employ a realistic winter operating schedule that attempts to match our hours of operation with your patterns of use. Athletic facilities will remain available seven days a week with full class offerings in Fitness. Golf services will remain closed on Mondays although the new simulator will be available; bag storage and carts will open on Tuesdays with full golf operations offered Wednesday thru Sunday. Clubhouse food and beverage outlets will remain closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays through Sundays, regular food service will be offered but there will be an adjusted schedule for lunch. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, lunch will only be served in the Tavern/Grille. The Hut hours will be posted weekly based upon activity and need. Confused? Give us a call and we’ll help. There are a couple of other winter topics to deal with as well. With the onset of cold weather, (not to mention those pesky New Year’s resolutions), activity in the Fitness Center always increases. Please remember to register your use and sign in any guests. If you are unfamiliar with the correct use of a piece of equipment or are in need of setting up an exercise program, feel free to ask any of our fitness team members for assistance. They are also available for personal or small group training. Mentioning “resolutions” spurred a thought. Almost all resolutions surround self-improvement. Although worthwhile, they are usually difficult to achieve and harder to maintain. This year, how about making a resolution that will be easy, fun and benefit your Club? It should come as no surprise that almost every new member has, at some time, initially enjoyed the Club as a guest. And, every new member had that all-

Phil Iannelli General Manager

Keith Van Yahres Assistant General Manager Christine Jordan Clubhouse Manager Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef Barbara Henderson Manager of Banquets Donna Schroeder Controller Susan Mathias Administrative Assistant Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development and Communications Manager Jonathan Urbanski Director of Golf Courses & Grounds Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf Bob Lennon, PGA Teaching Professional Ed McQuillin Director of Racquets Ed Chilton Assistant Director of Racquets

Clark Verchick Chief Engineer

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important “first visit”. If in 2020, every member resolved to simply introduce one individual who was unfamiliar with your Club to the experience that you enjoy every day, just think of the potential outreach. No pressure to propose them as a candidate, merely introduce them to all your Club has to offer. Just a thought. The other winter topic is the weather. Although we have made it through the holiday season without extreme cold and/or snow being a factor, our weather guru assures us this will change. When it does, we are fortunate to have an excellent grounds crew who have the responsibility of snow/ice removal. Regardless of how vigilant their efforts, the risk of an icy spot always exists. I urge you to always use caution when walking to and from the Clubhouse. Transition also happens in other places at this time of year. Effective January 1st, the new Directors and Officers who were elected in November, assume their responsibilities for 2020. At the Board of Director level, Laura Rossi, Brint Detwiler, Rick Cates and Bill Harman have completed their service to your Club. Their commitment to serving your Club is deserving of appreciation and recognition. As they step down, others are stepping up. Beginning service as Directors are Zach Chipman, Lisa Schmidt, Tom Beck and Rob Friz. These individuals are willing to share their time and talent for no other reason than to see the Club continue to thrive. It isn’t always easy or fun, but their efforts are crucial for your Club’s success. That’s all for now. As always, thanks for reading. Let’s have a safe, healthy winter and I’ll see you at the Club! Phil Iannelli General Manager NEW AND NOTABLE Have you tried the updated menu in The Formal Dining Room? Make a reservation, it won’t disappoint! Since the Golf Simulator Indoor Studio opened in mid- November, the Professional Staff has conducted over 160 member orientations. Sun or snow, you can hit the links anytime. The Fitness Center is moving to a seasonal Group Exercise/ Yoga calendar. Consistent, challenging and fun. Try a class this month! New craft cocktails have arrived in the Tavern & Grille and Pub37, such as a Pomegranate Tequila Martini and Apple Bourbon Mule. Mmmmm good.

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CONNECT

CONNECT WITH US #yourclubyourway : Ahhh the world of hashtags! As I am sure many of you have noticed, our social media use and engagement among our members has grown exponentially since we began utilizing it three years ago. With 750 Facebook friends and almost 500 Instagram followers, our ability to connect and share happenings around the Club has flourished. Many of you engage with us daily on social media and we welcome you to continue to do so. If you aren’t our “friend or follower” yet, send us a request! As we move into 2020, we encourage you to utilize our hashtag #yourclubyourway . You will start seeing this hashtag on most of our communication for its simplicity, effectiveness and fun manner in delivering the message that Wilmington Country Club truly is Your Club Your Way . As we enter the new year and decade for that matter, we have many communications enhancements on the horizon. Most obvious is The Bulletin you are reading. We are creating a streamlined fresh look for all of our digital communications including elevating the look of ForeTees. In addition, we will be introducing a new event registration component that will make signing up for events quick and easy from your phone, tablet or computer. Expect this new and beneficial program to roll out in the next thirty days. Last but not least, come spring, our website will also get a fresh new look with increased usability and easy reading. More details to come. On another note, although warm weather is still a few months away, January becomes and active time for membership requests. This allows ample time to complete the membership proposal process for your candidate with election taking place JUST in time for the season to kick in. Call or email me with any questions or if you have a friend or family member ready to make WCC their home #yourclubyourway

Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development and Communications Manager BE A PART OF THE IN CROWD

Facebook /wilmingtoncountryclub

Instagram @wilmingtoncc1901

Website wilmingtoncc.com

Don’t forget to download our mobile app!

Search “ForeTees Club Central” on the App Store or

Google Play Store. #yourclubyourway

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MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES Please welcome the following new members when you see them at the Club. NEWLY ELECTED MEMBER

Kelly J. O’Donnell

NEWLY ELECTED JUNIOR MEMBERS Jack Willard, Grace Willard

MEMBER MILESTONES

Mr. David Hamlin Mr. Michael P. Kelly Mr. Robert K. Rossiter Mr. John Kai Lassen Mr. Murray Sawyer, Jr. Mrs. Margaret M. Dean Mrs. Doris McVaugh Mrs. Betsy Medford Mrs. Marion Borden Mrs. Fern Skelly

25 25 40 45 45 45 50 50 50 55

Mrs. Stephanie Carpenter Mr. B. Wilson Redfearn, III Miss Margaret Nick Mrs. Margaret Higgs Mr. Norris P. Wright Ms. C. Victoria Kitchell Mr. Richard C. Porter, II Mrs. Frannie Altmaier Mr. George C. Hering, III Mrs. Patricia Hobbs

55 55 60 65 65 70 70 75 80 80

IN MEMORIAM The Board of Directors, members and staff of Wilmington Country Club extend their sincerest sympathy to the family of:

Dr. Richard A. Rowe

EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES Ric Greback Racquets Superintendent, 27 Years Bob Lennon Teaching Professional, 12 Years Christopher Annone Beverage Manager, 9 Years Jennifer Chieffo Garde Manger, 9 Years Nicholas Buoni Assistant Equipment Manager, 5 Years Sean Whiston South Course Superintendent, 4 Years Mary Harrison Group Fitness Instructor (PT), 22 Years

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SOCIAL

HAPPY NEW YEAR We had a wonderful holiday season and it was great to see so many of you enjoying the holiday festivities. Hopefully you carried on – or started new – favorite traditions with your families! There are some exciting events upcoming as we kick off the New Year. Just because the weather is turning colder, don’t hibernate at home – come out and enjoy the company of your fellow members, with some delicious food and tasty libations! On Thursday, January 30, we are having a wine dinner featuring the wines of Spain. Chef Tip is designing a five course meal to highlight some of the great varietals that Spain has to offer. This event will be in the dining room with our inviting fireplace and no ties required (Jackets, please!) InFebruary, we are celebrating lovewithour traditional Sweetheart Dinner in the Dining Room on Friday, February 14. Make your reservations early, as this dinner is one of our most popular. Also in February, on Thursday the 13th, a new, special “Galentine’s Day” chocolate and wine pairing. We are bringing in an expert to pair delicious chocolates with specialty wines to enhance the flavor of both. So ladies, grab a group of girlfriends, and have a Girls Night Out! Of course, throughout the winter, the place to be on a Friday night is Pub 37! The firepits will be on, the drinks will be flowing, and some tasty happy hour treats will be available. We look forward to seeing everyone there! BOOK CLUB For our January 7th novel, we have chosen City of Girls by beloved author, Elizabeth Gilbert, who has written a unique love story set in the New York City theatre world during the 1940s. Gilbert’s narrator is an older woman, Vivian Morris, who tells the story of her earlier life in New York City. Join us on the 7th at 4:00 pm in the Ladies’ Lounge as Nancy Goodridge leads the discussion of this fantastically popular unique love story. For February, we have chosen Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s expertly researched historical novel, My Dear Hamilton . They have brought to life Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, the fierce patriot and grieving widow, who struggled to preserve her husband’s legacy and her own. This is a masterpiece not to be missed.

Christine Jordan Clubhouse Manager

FEATURED EVENTS January 8-12 Italian Week January 30 Wines of Spain Wine Dinner

February 1 Kids Disney Dance Party February 13 Chocolate & Wine Pairing February 14 Sweetheart Dinner Fridays Happy Hour in Pub37

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BRIDGE NEWS

Need a partner? Call Mary Jo Fidance (302-652-5570) and leave a message stating the date you need a partner!

Thursday Mornings - 9:30 am Ginny Kuhn, Chair, (302) 540-3386 Mary Jo Fidance, Vice-Chair, (302) 652-5570 Lou Ann Carter, Bridge Manager, (302) 652-6709 November 21st First Place: North - South Section A: Patricia Turk - Patricia Sinex Section B: Carroll Shannon - Mary Jo Chandler First Place: East - West Section A: Ann Marie Finch - Eleanor Brown Section B: Marcia Abbott (Guest) - Betty Duncan Section C: Ingrid Shears - Stuart Shears December 5th First Place: North - South Section A: Tom Ciconte - Harold Jordan (Guest) Section B: Eleanor Maroney (Guest) - Judith Spruance First Place: East - West Section A: Caroline Hughes - Thomas Hughes Section B: Marie Abernethy - Marina Tarlov

December 12th North - South

Section A: Louise Roselle - Kimmie Fulweiler (Guest) Section B: Betty Larson - Pamela Morrison (Guest)

East - West Section A & B: Candy DiSabtino - Mary Jo Chandler Section C: Dorothy Newlin (Guest) - Marcia Balotti

MONTCHANIN SOCIAL DUPLICATE BRIDGE

Wednesdays Lunch Buffet - 12:00 pm Bridge - 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm If you are interested in joining our group or have any questions, please call Marina Tarlov at 658-1532.

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EVENT PHOTOS

Santa Party, Gingerbread House Decorating, Candlelight Dinners DECEMBER EVENTS

SOCIAL EVENTS

FEATURED EVENT VALENTINE’S SWEETHEART DINNER February 14 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Candlelight, cozy seating, and a crackling fire provide the perfect ambiance for an elegant Valentine’s evening in the Dining Room. Enjoy a delicious prix fixe menu prepared by our Executive Chef Tip Tribbitt, complemented by our Pastry Chef Annie Cresswell’s delectable dessert pairings, all while you listen to the soft sounds of the grand piano.

UPCOMING EVENTS January 8-12 : Italian Week specials in the Tavern & Grille January 30 : Wines of Spain Wine Dinner 6:30 pm Cocktails, 7:00 pm Dinner, The Dining Room, 90/Person Four course dinner featuring a variety of wines from Spain. Reservations required. Jackets, but no ties, required for gentlemen please. February 1 : Kids Disney Dance Party 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Clubroom, 20/Person Fun for girls and boys... come dressed as your favorite Disney character or superhero. Dancing, games, food, prizes, and a visit from some of your favorite Disney characters! SAVE THE DATE February 13 : Chocolate & Wine Pairing

February 14 : Sweetheart Dinner, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fridays : Happy Hour in Pub37, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

JANUARY 2020

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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2 Thursday Bridge 9:30 am Junior Squash Camp

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Happy Hour 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pub37

Men’s Century Tennis Tournament

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8 Montchanin Bridge 12:00 pm Italian Week Dinner Specials Tavern & Grille

9 Thursday Bridge 9:30 am Italian Week Dinner Specials Tavern & Grille

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MAPTA Junior Paddle Round Robin

No Clubhouse Food Service Hut Open 5:00 pm

No Clubhouse Food Service WCC Book Club 4:00 pm Ladies’ Lounge

Happy Hour 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pub37 Italian Week Dinner Specials Tavern & Grille Mixed Cardio Team Tennis Junior Night Lights Paddle Tournament Happy Hour 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pub37 Mixed Paddle Social (Italian Theme) 17

Italian Week Dinner Specials Tavern & Grille Junior Squash Grand Prix

Kettlebell Workshop 3:30 pm Fitness Center

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15 Montchanin Bridge 12:00 pm Battle Ropes Workshop 3:30 pm Fitness Center

16 Thursday Bridge 9:30 am

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Italian Week Dinner Specials Tavern & Grille

No Clubhouse Food Service Hut Open 5:00 pm

No Clubhouse Food Service

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22 Montchanin Bridge 12:00 pm Bosu & Balance Workshop 3:30 pm Fitness Center

23 Thursday Bridge 9:30 am Commissioners Squash Doubles Tournament

24 Commissioners Squash Doubles Tournament Morrow Paddle Invitational Tournament Happy Hour 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pub37

25 Commissioners Squash Doubles Tournament Morrow Paddle Invitational Tournament

No Clubhouse Food Service Hut Open 5:00 pm

No Clubhouse Food Service

Junior Singles Silver Squash Tournament

26 Commissioners Squash Doubles Tournament Morrow Paddle Invitational Tournament

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29 Montchanin Bridge 12:00 pm Create Your Own Workout Workshop 3:30 pm Fitness Center

30 Thursday Bridge 9:30 am Wines of Spain Wine Dinner Dining Room 6:30 pm Cocktails 7:00 pm Dinner

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No Clubhouse Food Service Hut Open 5:00 pm

No Clubhouse Food Service

Happy Hour 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pub37

FROM THE KITCHEN

PERFECTLY PAIRED WINES Food and wine, or wine and food, that is the question. Wilmington Country Club will be hosting our first wine dinner of 2020 on January 30th, highlighting wines from Spain. Much goes into the orchestration of such a dinner but it all begins with the wines. A chef must match all the nuances of each wine and create each course to complement and showcase those flavors to present a menu that leaves the diner desiring one more bite of food, one more sip of wine. That is the essence of a great dinner. Thewines arewhat they are. Craftedby thewinemaker and the viticulturist, they are a finished product. Chef Tribbitt must create his menu to best showcase the wines and develop a menu that complements the wines, knowing that the wines cannot be altered, but the cuisine can be manipulated to enhance each wines’ flavor profile and unique style. Each wine has certain characteristics, such as tannin, acidity, fruit forwardness and a myriad of other flavor profiles. Chef Tribbitt tastes each wine and then goes to the drawing board to develop a menu to match each and every wine for the dinner. The same holds true for the dessert course of a wine dinner. Pastry Chef, Annie Cresswell, sips and tastes the chosen wine for inspiration when creating one of her delectable desserts; perfectly complementing the flavors of the wine.

Keith Van Yahres Assistant General Manager Monday No Clubhouse Food Service Hut: Opens 5:00 pm Tuesday No Clubhouse Food Service Hut: Closed Wednesday Dining Room: Closed Tavern/Grille: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

Pub37: Opens 3:00 pm/ Food Service 4:00 pm Café1901:4:00pm-9:00pm Hut: Closed Thursday Dining Room: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tavern/Grille: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm Pub37: Opens 3:00 pm/ Food Service 4:00 pm Café1901:4:00pm-9:00pm Hut: Closed Friday Dining Room: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Tavern/Grille: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm Pub37: Opens 3:00 pm/ Food Service 4:00 pm Café1901:4:00pm-9:00pm Hut: Closed Saturday Dining Room: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Tavern/Grille: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm Pub37: Opens 10:45 am Café1901:11:00am-9:00pm Hut: Closed Sunday Dining Room: Closed Tavern/Grille: 10:30 am - 8:00 pm Pub37: Opens 10:45 am Café1901:11:00am-8:00pm Hut: Closed

We hope to see you at the Spanish Wine Dinner and enjoy the fruits of our culinary talents.

SPANISH WINE DINNER Thursday, January 30 6:30 pm Cocktails 7:00 pm Dinner The Dining Room 90/Person

Four course dinner featuring a variety of wines from Spain. Reservations required. Jackets, but no ties, required for gentlemen please. Call the Front Desk to make your reservation (302) 655-6171.

Click here to make your reservation online.

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WINES OF SPAIN Spain’s unique geography and situation are responsible for the wide range of climates available throughout the country which give rise to a large number of different grape varieties which can be cultivated there. Vineyards stretch from the green, rolling hills of the north to the arid expanses of the south, and all the differences between them, from weather to the richness of the soil and the water, are what makes Spanish wines so special and unique. The influence of the Cantabric Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea play a very important role in the ripening of the fruit, and even the breezes blowing from them contribute to the differences between Spanish wines. GRAPES OF SPAIN Tempranillo : This is the most ubiquitous grape of Spain. It is the main stay and backbone of two of the country’s most famous wines: Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Different regions have different names for Tempranillo, it is also known as Tinta del Pais, Cencinbel, Ull de Llebre, Tinto Fino, and Tinto del Toro, among others. It makes wines of structure and age-worthiness that have aromas of dried red currant, and red cherry with notes of smoke, cedar, and leather. Garnacha :This grape is more commonly known as Grenache, when it grows in the south of France, such as the Rhône Valley. It is a thin-skinned grape that is often blended with other varietals. In Spain, it comprises the majority of the best wines of Priorat and is also used as a blending grape in Rioja and in Cava sparkling wines. It produces dried red fruit flavors with herbal and spicy notes. Cariñena/Mazuelo : Used all over Spain and also found all throughout the Mediterranean corridor, where it often goes by the name Carignan. It is typically used as a blending grape in Rioja and is also the other top grape of Priorat. It brings structure, weight and tannin to the wines, as well as blue fruits like plums and dried blueberry. Albariño : This white grape is one of the country’s most famous. It grows mostly in northwestern Spain in the Autonomias of Galicia. Its best examples come from Rías Baixas DO on the Atlantic Ocean coast near the border of Portugal. The wines are tropically scented with layers of sea spray, notes of orange and bergamot oil. They brim with juicy acidity, which makes them great with food.

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FROM THE KITCHEN

MONTHLY FEATURED DESSERTS Dutch Apple Cheesecake Calvados Praline Fallen Chocolate Cake Vanilla Bean Crème Fraîche, Bourbon Toffee Sauce Banana Meringue Pudding

Sugar Wafer Cookies, Chocolate Sauce Caramelized Honey Nut & Seed Tarts Crème Fraîche, Orange Blossom Drizzle Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Fresh Strawberries Ice Cream & Sorbet

Photo Featured Dish: Pistachio Almond Torte from Candlelight Dinners

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TAVERN & GRILLE WEEKLY SPECIALS January 2nd through January 5th Fish & Chips with Cole Slaw, Malt Vinegar Aioli & Tartar Sauce January 8th through January 12th Spaghetti & Meatballs, Grilled Garlic Bread

January 15th through January 19th Beef Tenderloin Tips, Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms over Rice Pilaf January 22nd through January 26th Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy,

Choice of Green Beans or Cole Slaw January 29th through February 2nd Roast Turkey Breast with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Vegetable, Cranberry Relish

Specials cost $14.95 and include choice of soup or salad.

Photo Featured Dish: Barramundi from Candlelight Dinners

GROUNDS

A NOTE FROM GROUNDS Recruitment and retention are integral to success of any organization. These are on-going processes that help shape our future as we strive to continually elevate the bar we measure ourselves. In the recent months, we have attended job fairs and networking events (photo top right) to meet prospective staff members at three of the leading universities in our region: Penn State, University of Maryland and Rutgers. We are pleased to announce two students, both from Penn State, will be joining us for their internships this March. Nick Leggin hails from the Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania area and comes to our team with several years of experience at Glenmaura National Golf Club. Nick was looking for an experience that would provide him an opportunity to learn various turfgrass systems and growth for his career. Prior to joining our team, Nick will volunteer on the maintenance staff for the 2020 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. It was in his hometown of Buffalo, New York where Kevan McDonald fell in love with the turfgrass industry while working at Tri-County Country Club and earning his BS in Business Administration from SUNY-Fredonia. Kevan’s past experiences include Westchester Country Club (New York), Bonita Bay Club (Florida), East Hampton Golf Club (New York) and most recently, the Ford Plantation in Georgia for his winter internship. He has volunteered on the maintenance staffs for the PGA Championship at Bethpage, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Invitational and experienced the fall over-seed process in September at Augusta National that is the basis for the turf that is played upon for the Masters. On a separate note, we have borrowed an idea for securing our tarps from the social media world. In the past, we would have used six inch sod staples to secure the protective cover in place on the Practice Tee (photo middle and bottom right). Using a longer stake with one inch pipe sleeve with help prevent any heaving from the freeze/ thaw. This exercise will be repeated when we cover the South Course greens beginning the week of January 6th. From all of us on the grounds team, we hope you ascertain your goals and the year 2020 is prosperous for you and your families!

Jon Urbanski Director of Grounds & Golf Courses

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GOLF

A NOTE FROM GOLF Happy new year! Thank you to everyone who made 2019 a terrific season for golf at Wilmington. Our entire golf team is hard at work getting ready for the 2020 season. With a new year upon us, resolve to play better golf in 2020. This is the very best time of year to work on your golf swing. All of our PGA Professional Staff, led by PGA Director of Instruction Bob Lennon, are available for coaching in the cold weather months so you will be ready when spring arrives. A great new option for winter instruction is our recently opened Golf Simulator Indoor Studio. If you have not already received an orientation on this space, contact the Golf Shop to schedule a time. Be aware that hours of operation change over the winter months. Please see the listed hours so that we may properly serve you. Later this month we will be headed to Orlando for the annual PGA Merchandise Show. Please stop by and let us know if there is anything you would like to see in the Golf Shop next season. GOLF SHOP HOURS The Golf Shop is now open daily, Wednesday to Sunday, beginning this month. It will re-open on Tuesdays in early March. If you need any Golf Shop services please make arrangements to do so between Wednesday and Sunday during this time. Additionally, during the cold winter months there may not be an employee in the bag room. Please see a member of the Golf Shop staff for any assistance with clubs. SHIP STICKS & SHIP SKIS Going someplace warm this winter to play some golf or going on a ski trip? Hate the hassle of dragging all of this equipment on the plane? Avoid those baggage and/or rental fees and let the Golf Shop pack and ship them to your destination for you! All you need to do is call or stop by the Golf Shop, provide us the shipping details and we will do the rest for you. We will even place a return UPS label in your bag if you would like them to be shipped round-trip! Call the Golf Shop to set up a shipment today or for more information regarding this great service!

Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf

Course Availability Monday: 9:00 am Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am

Driving Range Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Saturday & Sundays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Bag Room Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Golf Shop Monday & Tuesday: Closed Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

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WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM Beginning in 2020 a brand-new set of Rules for Handicapping will be introduced globally. Here are 5 Things you need to know about the new World Handicap System (WHS): 1. Your Handicap Index may change. But that’s ok! Finally, players around the world will have an apples-to-apples handicap. Your new Handicap Index will be more responsive to good scores by averaging your eight best scores out of your most recent 20 (currently, it’s 10 out of 20 with a .96 multiplier). In short, your Handicap Index will be determined by your demonstrated ability and consistency of scores. In most cases for golfers in the U.S., it will change less than one stroke. 2. You need to know your Course Handicap. In the new system, your Course Handicap will be the number of strokes needed to play to par. This will result in greater variance in that number and presents a change, as historically it has represented the number of strokes needed to play to the Course Rating. This is a good thing, as par is an easy number to remember. Target score for the day? Par plus Course Handicap. The Course Rating will now be inherent within the calculation to be more intuitive and account for competing from different tees. 3. Net Double Bogey. The maximum hole score for each player will be limited to a Net Double Bogey. This adjustment is more consistent from hole to hole than the Equitable Stroke Control procedure. Net Double Bogey is already used in many other parts of the world and the calculation is simple: Par + 2 + any handicap strokes you receive. 4. Your Handicap Index will be revised daily. One way that handicapping is being modernized is a player’s Handicap Index will update daily (which will provide a fairer indication of a player’s ability in the moment), if the player submitted a score the day before. On days where the player does not submit a score, no update will take place. 5. Safeguards in the new system. The new system will limit extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index, automatically and immediately reduce a Handicap Index when an exceptional score of at least 7 strokes better is posted, and account for abnormal course or weather conditions to ensure that scores reflect when a course plays significantly different than its established Course Rating and Slope Rating. These safeguards help maintain accuracy of a Handicap Index, greater integrity within the system and promote fun and fair play for golfers of all abilities.

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GOLF

WINTER JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMS The Professional Staff is offering Winter Junior Golf Programs beginning Wednesday, January 29. For any Junior Golfer interested in participating in these programs or if you have any additional questions please call the Golf Shop at (302) 655-6022. EXAMPLES OF AREAS COVERED • Putting Analysis : Indoor putting analysis to help enhance fundamentals. • Dialed in Distance : With the use of Trackman, students learn the correct distance shots travel. • Hit the Sweet Spot : While focusing on fundamentals, students learn proper ways to hit the center of the club consistently. • Golf Circuit Training : Students focus on movements that enhance mobility, power and balance. • Scoring Strategy : Includes shot trajectory, intermediate swings and on-course recovery. • Rules of Golf and Etiquette : All you need to know to play by the rules. JUNIOR TRAINING SESSIONS One hour sessions with time split between the Golf Simulator and private Fitness Training Room.

SAVE THE DATES

MEN’S EVENTS

April 24: Opening Event

April 22,29 May 6,13,20: Twilight League

May 21: May Member Guest

June 18-21: 84th Invitational

This session is limited to 3 students at a time. Price: 40/Session or 500/All Sessions (18 sessions) January 29 – March 28 Wednesday 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm BUILD YOUR OWN GROUP One hour sessions to be booked with the Golf Shop.

July 4 & 5: Holiday Tournament

July 9: July Member Guest

2 students - 50/Junior 3 students - 40/Junior 4 students - 30/Junior

July 24, 25, 26: Men’s Club Championship

WINTER SIMULATOR SPECIAL PGA Director of Instruction, Bob Lennon, is running a special for those looking to get a head start on their game in 2020. Sign-up for ten (10) 30-minute sessions with Bob in the Golf Simulator for only $575. Sessions must be used by March 31. This is a great way to make real changes in your game, utilizing the latest in golf instruction technology. Call the Golf Shop to sign-up (302) 655-6022. GOLF SIMULATOR TRACKMAN TIPS The Golf Simulator Indoor Studio provides the membership an opportunity to practice and play golf indoors in an immersive virtual environment that provides accurate >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34

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