The Bulletin: June 2020

The Bulletin: June 2020

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear fellow members,

It is hard to believe it has only been two months since the stay at home order started and our normal routines were put on hold. But as we slowly return to a “new normal”, I wanted to take this opportunity for say thank you to the members. The record use of the golf courses has been amazing and I hope it continues. I also hope that in the new normal Wilmington Country Club becomes more of a walking club! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could revive a strong caddie program! I would also like to thank you for your strong support of the food take out program. Your support allowed us to keep many of our staff employed! Finally, thank you for all the notes and comments I have received. Whether it is to praise the club or offer a suggestion for how we could improve, it is always rewarding to see evidence of an engaged and interested membership. As we now expand the areas and services available at the club, we all need to appreciate how important it is to comply with the social distancing and mask requirements. Covid19 is still a dangerous and deadly disease and protecting members and staff is our number one priority. Please remember that the staff has worked hard to redesign how we operate but it is the members responsibility to enforce compliance.

Thank you for your support.

Gary Ferguson President

PHASE-I OPENING

June 1st begins Phase-I re-opening and almost every aspect of the club resumes some level of function. That said, the State has expressed specific processes and expectations that must be followed as we re-open. Taking these requirements into consideration, the attached WCC Phase-I re-opening plan has been developed and approved by the Executive Committee for implementation. Please take the necessary time to review the details of the areas of the club that you will be utilizing.

Also, please appreciate two additional points:

1. These are not guidelines. They are “rules and regulations”. They are also not permanent. They become effective June 1st and last as long as the State is in Phase-I. At some point, we will learn what Phase-II will allow and we will be able to modify operations and transition to those rules. 2. It is important that all members make an effort to adhere to these expectations. Some of these requirements are quite contrary to the way we normally operate the club and you aren’t going to like them. Please, just go with it. Now is the time to stay positive. It will make these transition periods much easier to navigate.

CLICK HERE FOR PHASE - I BOOKLET

5

GENERAL MANAGER

GENERAL MANAGER MESSAGE

Is that a light at the end of the tunnel, or are we just getting better at seeing in the dark? I know which I’m hoping for. Since our last newsletter, many baby steps have been taken and we are slowly but surely making progress. June 1st will count as a full adult step forward when Phase-I protocols go into effect. We are confident that we have a solid plan in place that will allow us to continue to expand your use of your club in a safe and healthy manner while supporting our understanding of the spirit of Phase-I. Hopefully, if as a state, we all respect the steps that have been identified by Governor Carney and his team of experts, Phases II and III will come quickly and we can get back to full operation. I haveathoughtor twoabout the ideaof a“Phased Re-opening”. This is going to be a difficult concept for many to grasp. As a society, we understand what it means to be open or closed. But we aren’t too good at things only being “a little” open. We want what we want. We want it the way it was. We want it now. Nowhere is this more true than at a private club. I am in constant communication with fine clubs across the nation. Most are actually a little ahead of us when it comes to resuming operations and they all tell similar stories about how their memberships reacted once restrictions relaxed and their clubs resumed partial operations. “What do you mean we can’t have ….?” (insert any aspect of the club that is important to you but isn’t available). You will probably react the same. We understand that these things don’t always make sense. We struggle with that every day. We also share much of your frustration. We want things back the way they were, too. It is important for you to believe that we are committed to offering everything we can as soon as we can. Please, just don’t shoot the messenger.

Phil Iannelli General Manager

Christine Jordan Clubhouse Manager

Tip Tribbitt, CEC Executive Chef

Barbara Henderson Manager of Banquets

Mindy Blumetti 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

While I have limited much of my contact with members during this period, the occasional conversation quickly gets to the question of “how’s the Club”? Other than being different in almost every respect, your club is doing fine. Back in March, club leadership made a series of difficult and sometimes dramatic decisions that may have been viewed as severe to many. In hindsight, they were “spot on”. As a result, your club is well positioned to survive this crisis – even if it lasts considerably longer. Longer? Doesn’t Phase-I mean that it’s over? Far from it. In fact, Phase-I will prove to be the most difficult and risky period of operations. As we expand operations, we do so bound with significant restrictions that will continue to inhibit your clubs ability to generate revenue. Yet expenses will rise dramatically – especially those associated with payroll. Thus far, we have been able to effectively match club offerings with available revenue sources and keep the finances on track. The short term objective is to give you a summer of club experiences that are as close to “normal” as possible. Let’s go there. Through this, much has been said about “the new normal”. What will it look like? How long will it last? Since March, members have been required to use their club differently. Not necessarily better or worse, just differently. We have been forced into a period where revision and imagination were more important than history and tradition. More discussions started with “how about; could we; or what if” than ever before. Operationally we have been allowed to hit the “reset” button and refine many elements of the club that had become overly cumbersome or inefficient. The adage that you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone has been tested in a very real sense. A few things haven’t been missed, while a few others have been discovered and proved valuable. Recreational walking and curbside dinner pick-up are a couple of examples of enhancements that we won’t want to lose. Repetitive use of the club in different ways also establishes a routine and before you know it, seems “normal”. Sometimes, this use has been outside what would traditionally be accepted at your Club, but given the unique circumstances, was tolerated - even understood. Habits are easier to start than to break. Now that Phase-I permits many of the aspects of the club to resume activity, it is time to try. Hopefully, you will remember that it is more desirable to change your shoes in the Locker Room, have a beer at Pub37 and give the employees their parking lot back. In some ways, the new normal looks a lot like the old normal. And that is a good thing. Thanks for reading.

Stay healthy and I’ll wave to you when I see you at the club.

Phil

CONNECT

CONNECT WITH US

While small adjustments will continue to be made, our updated website is 99% ready to go! One of the MOST IMPORTANT adjustments we have made is a new menu page called CONNECT. Here you will be able to connect with staff, social media, other members through the directory, etc. In addition, if you have mistakenly unsubscribed from our email list, you will be able to add yourself back on ASAP. Or, if you have an additional email address you would like to add you can do that as well. Email is our top form of communication, espcially now, so stay informed, stay updated... and spend some time checking out the new site.

Meghan Spero, PGA Membership Development and Communications Manager

BE A PART OF THE IN CROWD

Facebook /wilmingtoncountryclub

Instagram @wilmingtoncc1901

CLICK HERE FOR CONNECT

Website wilmingtoncc.com

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Don’t forget to download our mobile app!

Covid-19 has certainly changed many aspects of daily life. However, what it has not changed is the desire to join WCC and enjoy all of its wonderful amenities. Even during the two months of reduced amenity availability, requests for membership infomation and proposal packages stayed steady. This is evident in the new candidates that were elected the last two months. While we slowly work back to a new normal, I encourage you to keep WCC at top of mind when talking with friends and family. There really is no better time to join!

Search “ForeTees Club Central” on the App Store or Google Play Store.

#yourclubyourway

MEMBER MILESTONES

NEWLY ELECTED

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Dr. Erik S. Bradley

20

JUNIOR MEMBERS

Dr. Joseph J. DeStefano

20

Mrs. Karen W. Hacker

25

Carter Jauffret

Mr. Bernard A. vanOgtrop

25

Danielle LaFond

Mrs. Helen MacLeod Elkins

30

Mr. Brett S. Koelle

30

Sarah LaFond

Mr. Marc M. Rollins

30

Mr. Michael M. Rollins

30

Matthew Majewski

Ms. Michele Rollins, Jr.

30

Robert F. Rittereiser

Miss Monique M. Rollins

30

Mr. Anthony Capano

35

Ryan Taub

Ms. Barbara DiSabatino

40

Danielle LaFond

Mrs. Tina Hayward

40

Dr. Robert D. Hooper

40

Sarah LaFond

Mrs. Carolyn Hooper

40

Mrs. Patricia Meserve

40

EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES Ed McQuillin, Director of Racquets 33 Years Scott Verchick, Equipment Manager 32 Years Gustavo Herrera, Assistant Garde Manager 18 Years Victor Pavolic, Bartender 14 Years Christine Jordan, Clubhouse Manager 9 Years Babe Arden, Racquet Shop Manager 6 Years Jacob Groce, Assistant Tennis Professional 3 Years Sergio Saldivar, Cook 3 Years Alejandro Corona-Saldivar, Kitchen Prep-Utility 2 Years

David Morales, Cook 2 Years

SOCIAL

AROUND THE CLUB

Slowly but surely, we are opening back up! Indoor and outdoor dining will be available starting Tuesday, June 2 – reservations are required in Phase One of the plan. Café 1901 will be open for lunch, the Pub patio for drinks, and the Grille, Tavern, and outdoor patio for dinner. Curbside takeout will still be available but grocery service is discontinued. Things may look a little different – masks, gloves, digital and disposable menus – but we are excited to see everyone here enjoying the Club!

Christine Jordan Clubhouse Manager

NOTES OF IMPORTANCE

• For all dining venues, masks must be kept on until seated at a table. • Tavern & Grille/Patio Open 5-7:30 pm for dinner Tuesday - Sunday. Reservations re- quired for Tavern & Grille/Patio. • Cafe 1901 open for lunch service only, 11 -3 pm, Tuesday - Sunday. Reservations will not be taken for Cafe 1901. Children under 16 must be accompanied by their parent. • Pub37 inside dining closed. Only outdoor beverage service permitted. • Pool Side Cafe open for grab & go with no hot food Tuesday - Sunday 11-5 pm. • Formal dining closed.

WCC CELEBRATES OUR GRADUATES

Hayley Abernethy Catholic University of America BA in Psychology - Magna Cum Laude

Michaela Drobac Boston College

Dana Nestor Masters of Public Administration at University of Delaware Grace Nestor Tower Hill School Attending Clemson University Drew Pittenger Penn State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering

Jessica Edler Bachelor’s Degree at University of the Sciences Continuing on for Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Brooke Emmi Padua Academy Attending University of Pittsburgh

Harry Anderson Wilmington Friends School

Attending the Honors Program at Lerner College of Business and Economics at University of Delaware Grace Anzilotti College of the Holy Cross Attending Relay Graduate/Immersion Program of Education, NY Luke Anzilotti Centreville Layton High School Attending Beacon College Sean Beberman Tower Hill School Attending Vanderbilt University Ethan Bradley Unvionville High School Attending Bowdoin College Sean Brady Wilmington Friends School Attending Wake Forest University

Kathryn D. Priester JD Georgetown Law

Henry R. Evans A.B. History at Princeton University

Harold I. Salmons IV “Reed” Sidney Kimmel Medical College (Jefferson) Orthopedic Surgical Resident Physician at the Mayo Clinic Alexander Saridakis Tower Hill School Attending Washington & Lee University Harrison Saridakis Tower Hill School Attending Colgate University Nicole Saridakis St. Andrew’s School Attending Wake Forest University

Lindsay Foster University of Pennsylvania

Sam Gentilotti Salesianum Attending Temple University Fox School of Business Sarah Greenberg Tower Hill School Attending Wake Forest University

Peter Bent Harris Tower Hill School Attending Tulane

Lange B. Scanlan Syracuse University

Sydney Holmes Newport High School Attending UCLA

Benjamin Schiltz Tower Hill School

Phoebe Brinker Archmere Academy Attending Duke University

Kendra Kaericher St. Paul’s School Attending SMU - Dallas, Texas

Attending Haverford College & playing squash on college team Isabel M. Shepherd Tower Hill School Attending Georgetown University Sadie Elizabeth Stover Archmere Academy Attending University of Delaware Madeleine Tantillo Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Peter Timon Tower Hill School Attending University of Michigan

TY Brinker Archmere Academy Attending UT Austin

Alexandra Kimbiris Tower Hill School

Patrick Joseph Lyons University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Molly Matlusky Ursuline Academy Attending University of Delaware Cameron J McIlrath Unionville High School Attending West Chester University - Health Sciences Miranda McIlrath Villanova University BA in Business/Project Management Tanner J McIlrath St. Joseph’s University Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance & Commercial Real Estate

Morgan Carpenter Government & Pre-Law at University of Texas Joanna Clark Wilmington Friends School Attending NYU

Bella Truono Tatnall School Attending Virginia Tech

Benjamin Crain Emory University

Dakota Crowley Tower Hill School Attending University of Arizona

Daniel Truono, Jr. Archmere Academy Attending University of Delaware Gabriella Varriale Charter School of Wilmington Attending Penn State

Dallas Crowley Tower Hill School Attending Elon University

Katrina Winfield Wilmington Friends School Attending Trinity College

Nic Mowll Tatnall School Attending Clemson University

Will Davis Wilmington Friends School Attending University of South Carolina

GROUNDS

A NOTE FROM GROUNDS

The first summer holiday is in the books and we can now look forward to the Fourth of July. Espe- cially, as of press time, the Governor has eased some regulations regarding the 14-day quarantine and gatherings of up to 250 people. We can only hope there is not a surge in cases. We need to remain safe and in the same regard, need to get back to some sense of normalcy.

For this month’s update, we would like to address some key points that have come up in the past.

Trolleys/ Push Carts As the stay at home orders were in effect and the golf courses were restricted to walking only, many have asked what should we do with trolleys around greens and tees. This is a question of aesthetics versus agronomics. Tires on the push carts have no ill effect on turf health. Therefore, it is permissible to walk your push cart between the putting surface and greenside bunkers, or on the teeing ground. Trolleys should not cross the putting surface, mainly from a rules of golf standpoint. If tire marks become unsightly on tees, we can address this at a later date. Divots and Ball Marks Mix bottles will be in golf carts and available at the starter’s desk. A few weeks ago, we asked all golfers to replace their divot. We are now shifting back to please use the mix provided to fill your divot, in all areas of the golf courses. Continue to fix your ball mark, plus one other. Your help is greatly appreciated as our total team make-up has been reduced to 50% of our normal operating capacity. Golf Carts More than ever, the need to disperse traffic patterns is of the utmost importance. Single rider golf rounds has increased wear patterns in our pinch areas, such as the ingress and egress points to greens and tees. Please maintain carts 10 yards from greens and tees, and not follow established tire patterns. Hole Locations/ Course Set-Up Many tasks are required to set up a golf course, including mowing greens, tees and fairways, but none are as important or how it affects play than hole selection and how well that task is performed by one of our team members. For the last year, we have incorporated the use of technology in our operations. One of these tools is the hole selection program called EZ Locator. Everyday, the system will generate hole locations based upon green speeds (stimp meter readings) and percent slope of the putting surface. Each day, we manually check the program and, if needed, move the selection to ensure the outcome has not favored one golfer over another (left-hand versus right-handed golfer) and locations are moved to spread wear over the entire green surface. This includes confirming holes are moved with varying locations front, middle, back, left and right.

Jon Urbanski Director of Grounds & Golf Courses

Many other factors are considered in our hole selections each day. These include weather as it relates to: • Wind direction and speed • Is the course wet or dry? • Wet = a long golf course; Dry = the ball will run out (extra yardage with the Driver!) • Will it rain? • Holes should be utilized in higher areas of green surface. Other factors we take into account is if we are conducting a special event that particular day? Tournament hole locations will play different from regular play days. When we host an outside outing on a Monday, we want the field to have an easy day – it takes a while to move 120 plus golfers on a shotgun-Monday! Our overall philosophy for setting hole locations is that of “six – six – six.” We strive to have six easy hole locations, six medium, and six that provide a challenge. No matter the degree of difficulty, the hole location should produce a fair result. We are not aiming for comeback putts to be longer than your original stroke. Teeing grounds should be pointed to the center of fairway or center of green on Par 3s, and moved in accordance with the depth of hole on the putting surface. In addition, we take into the architectural intent of the golf hole. What club did the designer intend the golfer to use for his or her approach shot? Lastly, we need to address green speeds. As stimp meter readings increase (faster greens), cuppable areas of the putting surface decrease. Golf architect Jerry Lemons wrote an article of note in 2008 regarding green speeds, percent slope and non-conforming hole locations. You can access the article HERE. The graph below is Mr. Lemons view of greens speeds and percent slope for selecting hole locations.

Earlier this year, EZ Locator scanned our greens on both golf courses. CLICK HERE FOR THE presentation of topo maps for a few select greens. Perhaps you have asked your playing partners, “Why is the hole always cut either back left or back right on 3 North, when this is the hardest area to access for our approach shot?” The information herein will hopefully answer this and possibly a few others of the greens we have included. Have a great month of June!

GOLF

A NOTE FROM GOLF We are sincerely looking forward to opening the Golf Shop on Tuesday, June 2. During Delaware’s Phase 1 re-opening there will be some procedural changes in place to ensure the safety of all members and staff: • Mask use will be required at all times in the Golf Shop. • Maximum number of people in the shop is 3 (unless all from the same household). • Please do not enter staff offices. • When standing near the counter utilize one of the spaces marked on the floor. • Member charge only for in-shop purchases. Credit cards may be used with the online store. • Please minimize handling of merchandise. Members may try on items or return items. Apparel handled and returned will be taken off the shop floor for 2 days.

Michael Shank, PGA Director of Golf

Golf Shop Hours Monday Closed Tuesday through Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm Saturday and Suday 7:00am – 5:00pm Bag Room Monday 8:30am – Dusk Tuesday through Friday 7:30am – Dusk Saturday and Sunday 7:00am – Dusk

New Professional Staff Members

Andrea Grier, PGA We are excited to introduce the newest member of our professional team, Andrea Grier. Andrea is a PGA Professional originally from Hagerstown, Maryland, where she grew up on a Par 3 course and driving range owned by her family. Andrea played golf for Marshall University, where she earned an MBA. She spent the past few seasons working at various clubs in Virginia Beach before joining Wilmington in 2020. Andrea will be leading the Women’s 18-Holers group. Daniel Greiss Daniel is a Professional Golf Management student from Penn State who will be joining us for the summer before his senior year this fall. He grew up in the shadows of Baltusrol, where he caddied as a junior. Since going to Penn State, Daniel has conducted internships at Somerset Hills Country Club and Hyannisport Club in Cape Cod. Alex Ruxer Alex is a student at Campbell University, who is also entering his senior year. Originally from Connecticut, Alex has conducted previous internships at Tamarack, Shorehaven and Wee Burn Country Club. Jake Armstrong Jake is a student at Penn State who will be entering his sophomore year this fall. He grew up caddying at Tavistock Country Club in New Jersey. This will be his first internship.

Driving Range Monday 12:00pm – 7:30pm

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:30am – 7:30pm Wednesday (Clean Pick) 7:30am – 5:00pm Saturday 7:00am – 7:30pm Sunday (Clean Pick) 7:00am – 5:00pm Golf Course Hours Monday 9:00am Tuesday - Frday 8:00am Saturday and Sunday 7:30am

MEN’S GOLF We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2020 Men’s Golf season on Tuesday, June 2nd, as we begin qualifying for several Annual Championships! Please review qualifying/match deadlines HERE. Due to our late start this season, the windows for qualifying and match deadlines have been tightened. Please note match extensions will only be granted for extenuating circumstances after a written request for extension has been approved by the Men’s Golf Committee. Also note that Annual Championship matches will be handicapped using players’ indexes on the date of the match.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

18-HOLE WOMEN’S GOLF We are excited to get the 2020 season started! Please click on the link below for the pdf schedule of upcoming events.

CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE

JUNIOR GOLF Junior Golf classes for the summer begin Monday, June 8. Email Junior Golf Coordinator Mike LaGace (mlagace@wilmingtoncc. com) to sign-up, or for more information. There will be several procedural changes in place for 2020 to keep participants and staff members safe, including limits on class size. These will be communicated to all participants. Junior golf classes are taught by PGA Professionals and cover all areas of the game. Juniors will practice and go on-course with a progression towards ob- taining progress pins and moving through Operation 36 levels. Reservations will be required for all junior classes. No walk-ups will be allowed.

Beginning June 8 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., ages 10-14 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., ages 6-9

Online Golf Shop We will also continue our online Golf Shop for the time being. You will need a password to enter the online store: tradition1901

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE GOLF SHOP

RACQUETS

A NOTE FROM RACQUETS

Although we don’t have numerous tennis events scheduled in the month of June there are still plenty of tennis opportunities. We have started match play sessions during the week. Sign up on foretees for one of the times designated for men and ladies and we will arrange the groups and assign the court. An email will be sent to you the night before with your group and court to prevent large group gatherings that are typical for events and round robins. Our outdoor clay courts are open and we ask you to follow the court reservations procedure, physical distancing, and transference suggestions so we have a safe environment to play tennis. We are beginning our small group clinics and cardio classes for adults and juniors. Although we won’t be conducting our popular camps, we hope these smaller clinics will be a fun and learning experience for everyone. These adult and junior clinics and cardio classes are listed in the bulletin. Our adult tennis clinics and cardio will begin on June 1st and our junior tennis clinics will begin on June 8th. As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact our Racquets Staff. See you on the courts.

Ed McQuillin Director of Racquets

JUNIOR TENNIS

We are excited to kick off our junior tennis program for the summer. Click on the link below for the schedule of junior activities.

CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE

Adult Tennis Clinics and Cardio (Begins June 1)

Monday Tuesday

Ladies 4.0+ Tennis Clinic

8:45-10:00am 9:00-10:15am 9:00-10:00am 6:00-7:00pm 9:00-10:00am 8:45-10:00am 8:45-10:00am 9:00-10:15am 8:00-9:00am 9:00-10:00am 6:00-7:30pm 6:00-7:30pm 9:30-11:00am 9:30-11:00am 6:00-7:30pm 6:00-7:30pm

Ladies Singles Clinic

Wednesday Ladies 3.5+ Cardio Tennis Wednesday Men’s Cardio Tennis

Thursday Thursday

Ladies 3.0+ Cardio Tennis Ladies 3.5+ Tennis Clinic Ladies 3.0+ Tennis Clinic

Friday Friday

Ladies Singles Clinic Men’s Cardio Tennis

Saturday Saturday

Ladies 3.5+ Cardio Tennis

Adult Tennis Match Play (Currently) Monday Men’s Match Play

Monday Tuesday Tuesday

Ladies 3.5+ Match Play Ladies 3.5+ Match Play Ladies 3.0+ Match Play

Wednesday Ladies 3.0+ Match Play

Thursday

Ladies 3.5+ Match Play

NOTES OF IMPORTANCE

• Court reservations required.

• Equipment sanitized after each use.

• Racquet Shop open Tuesday-Sunday

• Face masks required in racquet shop.

• Both singles and doubles play are available.

• Lessons permitted with 4:1 ratio.

• The water and ice station with cups available for use.

• Physical distancing requirements still in place.

• Summer Racquet camps not available in Phase - I