Season Kicking Into Gear
Three inches of rain over a 24-hour stretch is enough to sideline just about any golf course, but thanks to the relentless effort of Superintendent Greg Dalot and the Wawenock maintenance crew, the course bounced back quickly and was busy all weekend long. While Friday’s deluge forced the course to close, the team wasted no time getting conditions back to a playable level for members and guests eager to enjoy the centennial season.
Anyone who visited the club over the weekend could see the results firsthand. From pumping water and clearing drainage areas to preparing greens, tees, and fairways for play, the crew put in countless hours behind the scenes to make sure golfers could get back on the course safely and efficiently. Recovering from that kind of weather in such a short window takes experience, preparation, and a tremendous amount of hard work.
Greg Dalot and his staff continue to do an incredible job navigating one of the wettest stretches of the spring while keeping Wawenock in outstanding shape. Their commitment often starts before sunrise and continues long after golfers leave the property, and weekends like this are a reminder of the effort that goes into maintaining a course in difficult weather conditions.
A huge thank you goes out to the entire grounds crew for their dedication, resilience, and pride in the course. The fact that Wawenock was open, playable, and packed all weekend after Thursday and Friday’s storms says everything about the team behind the scenes.
Course Updates
Progress continues on several important projects around Wawenock, even as recent weather has caused a few unavoidable delays. The biggest challenge has been at the driving range, where the heavy rains have left the area too wet and saturated to safely get the bucket truck onto the grass to complete installation of the remaining netting. With approximately three inches of rain falling Thursday into Friday alone, conditions simply have not cooperated over the last several days.
The good news is that the project is very close to completion, and the hope is that drier weather this week will allow crews to finish hanging the remaining netting and prepare the range for opening shortly thereafter. Everyone involved understands how eager members are to begin using the range, and work will continue as soon as conditions safely allow access to the area.
Meanwhile, excitement is also building around the upcoming opening of the 1926 Pub & Grille. Final touches continue to be put in place as the club prepares to welcome members and guests into the new dining space. Manager Anita Kirkpatrick and the entire Wawenock team are looking forward to opening the doors very soon and creating a welcoming atmosphere for golfers, families, and the community throughout the centennial season.
The temporary tees also continue to improve every day as the turf matures and conditions progress in the right direction. While patience is still required for a little while longer, the expectation remains that the tees could be ready for play before the end of the month if favorable weather continues.
Follow the signs
Members and guests are also reminded to please observe all signage, stakes, ropes, and directional markers around the golf course. The recent stretch of heavy rain has left several areas especially vulnerable, and these restrictions are in place to help protect turf conditions and allow the grounds crew to continue preparing the course for the busy weeks ahead. Respecting designated cart paths and restricted areas makes a significant difference in preserving course conditions during periods of wet weather.
Golf carts should be kept away from visibly wet or soft areas whenever possible, and players are asked to avoid driving or parking carts near greens and green surrounds. These highly maintained areas can sustain damage quickly under saturated conditions, particularly during a spring season that has already brought substantial rainfall. The cooperation of members and guests plays a major role in helping Superintendent Greg Dalot and the maintenance team keep Wawenock in the best condition possible throughout the centennial season.
Leagues are coming
League signups are still underway in the Pro Shop as Wawenock prepares for another active season of weekly competition and camaraderie. The women’s league is scheduled to begin play on Tuesday, June 2, while the men’s league season will officially tee off on Wednesday, June 3. Members interested in participating are encouraged to stop by the Pro Shop soon to register and secure their place for the season. Additional league details, formats, schedules, and information are also available on the Wawenock website.
Centennial plans taking shape
Planning for Wawenock’s centennial celebration is entering its final stages as the committee prepares to officially unveil the full schedule of events for the weekend of Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2. A great deal of work has been taking place behind the scenes to create a memorable celebration that honors the club’s first 100 years while bringing together members, families, and the broader Wawenock community. More details on tournaments, social events, dining, and special activities will be announced soon.
Members are encouraged to stay tuned to the Wawenock website and social media channels, as well as future editions of this newsletter, for updates and announcements as the celebration weekend approaches. Excitement continues to build as the club moves closer to one of the most significant milestones in its history.
Members are also reminded that the commemorative centennial book, “Wawenock: 100 Years of Golf & Community,” is now available free of charge for all paid members. Books are ready for pickup in the Pro Shop and provide a detailed look back at the people, stories, photographs, and moments that have shaped Wawenock Golf Club over the past century.