The Wawenock Golf Club men’s and women’s leagues are in full swing as we approach the third week of the season.
The Closest to the Pin competition has been a highlight of the ladies' league through the first three weeks, with some impressive — and in one case, nearly impossible — approaches finding their way close to the flag.
Louise Cornforth opened the season on Hole 3 with a strong effort at 11 feet, 3 inches in Week 1, then topped herself in Week 3 with a 21-foot, 4-inch pin-seeker on the same hole. Linda Cosgrove claimed Hole 8 honors in Week 1 at 19 feet, 5 inches.
But the story of the early season belongs to Jeanne Foley, who turned in a week to remember in Week 2 — winning both holes on the same day. Her Hole 8 effort of 43 feet, 5 inches was impressive, but it was her Hole 3 shot that left everyone speechless: just 6 inches from the cup. That's not a golf shot — that's a putt that hadn't quite happened yet.
Through two weeks of play, the Men's Morning League is as wide open as it gets. Four teams share the top spot with four points apiece, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive season at Wawenock.
Leading the pack — in a tie, of course — are Joe Taylor and John Reeves, last year's defending champions who are looking to make another deep run. Right alongside them are the teams of Mark Hurlbut and David Hastings, Pete Lewis and Wally Ornsteen, and Wayne Gilbert and Rob Davidson, all of whom have made clear they have no intention of letting the champs have an easy path to a repeat.
With the entire field still very much in the hunt, the next few weeks of morning golf should be lively. Tee times, gentlemen — it's anyone's league.
In the Men's Evening League, Mike and Reed Prentice have staked an early claim at the top of the standings, leading the field with six points through two weeks of play. The father-son duo has been the team to beat so far, and they're making sure everyone knows it.
Breathing down their necks, however, is a trio of teams all knotted up at 5.5 points. Ryan Feltis and Don Shiminski, Pete Lewis and Wally Ornsteen, and Ken Seiders and CJ Pendleton are all within striking distance of the lead — and of each other — as the season finds its footing.
Worth noting: Lewis and Ornsteen are holding their own on two fronts, appearing in the top tier of both the morning and evening league standings. Not a bad way to spend a day at Wawenock.
With just half a point separating first from the chasing pack, the Evening League is shaping up to be a tight race all season long.
Social Scrambles Off & Running
Wawenock Golf Club kicked off its 2026 Social Scramble series on a high note, drawing 38 participants for an evening of friendly competition out on the course.
Taking first place with a 27 was the team of Makenna Poole, Matt Poole, Robert Clifford, and Kobe Lincoln, edging out a strong field that saw three teams finish tied at 30. Clayton Giggey, Chuck Plummer, Frazier Caner, and Wim Hart claimed second place with a 29, while two additional teams rounded out the competitive middle of the pack with scores of 31.
On the par-3 8th hole, Josh Arzate stuck his tee shot to within 12 feet, 5 inches to claim closest to the pin honors.
A highlight of the night came from the all-girls team of Cindy Clifford, Olivia Poole, Ari Barter, and Kerri Lincoln, who posted a 37 — and for the first time in Social Scramble history, did not finish with the highest score of the evening. A milestone worth celebrating.
The next Social Scramble is set for Sunday, June 28. Stop by the Pro Shop to register and secure your spot.
Course Conditions Key
With the course in outstanding condition, we're asking all members and guests to do their part in keeping it that way. A few simple habits go a long way — and together, they make a real difference in the experience for everyone who plays.
Please remember to fill your divots on the tee boxes using the sand provided, and drop any broken tees in the basket before you head to the fairway. On the greens, take a moment to repair your ball marks — and fix one or two extra if you spot them. It only takes a few seconds, but the results carry through for days. Out on the course, please respect the cart paths, ropes, and signage in place to protect sensitive turf areas. These boundaries exist for good reason, and following them helps us maintain the quality conditions you've been enjoying all season.
The course looks great because of the hard work put in by our grounds crew — let's honor that effort by playing our part every time we tee it up.
Name the Chipmunk Contest
For 100 years, our beloved chipmunk has been the face of Wawenock Golf Club — appearing on scorecards, signage, and club materials since the very beginning. But despite a century of faithful service, our little mascot has never officially had a name. As we prepare to celebrate our Centennial, we think it's past time to fix that.
We're inviting all members to submit a name for the chipmunk who has represented this club since 1926. Whether you've been a member for decades or just a few seasons, this is your chance to leave your mark on Wawenock history. All submissions must be received by Tuesday, July 1.
The winning name will be unveiled at the **Centennial Celebration Dinner on Saturday, August 1 — making it a perfect addition to an already milestone evening. The member behind the winning submission will receive a $50 restaurant gift card as a thank-you for helping write the next chapter of Wawenock history.
Send your submission to [email protected]. After 100 years of waiting, he deserves a great name — and we're counting on our members to come up with one worthy of the occasion.
Sign Up for Lessons with Dan Gillis
Looking to sharpen your game this season? PGA Professional Dan Gillis is available for private instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering personalized lessons tailored to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you're working on the fundamentals or fine-tuning a specific aspect of your game, Dan brings the expertise and attention to detail to help you play your best golf.
Lessons are priced at $50 for a 30-minute session or $70 for a full hour. To schedule your time with Dan, stop by the Pro Shop to sign up. Spots are limited, so don't wait to get on the calendar.
Help Wanted in the 1926 P&G
The 1926 Pub & Grille is growing, and we're looking for friendly, motivated people to join our team. Whether you're looking for full-time work or a part-time schedule that fits around your summer, we'd love to hear from you.
Previous serving experience is a plus, but it's not a requirement — we're happy to train the right person. If you have a great attitude and enjoy working in a fun, welcoming environment, you may be exactly who we're looking for.
Interested in learning more? Stop by the Pro Shop or the restaurant and ask for details. We look forward to meeting you.
Centennial Merch Available Now
To commemorate 100 years of Wawenock Golf Club, we've put together a special collection of Centennial merchandise — and it's available now in the Pro Shop. Whether you're looking for something to mark the occasion or a gift for a fellow member, there's something for everyone in this limited-edition lineup.
The collection includes hats and T-shirts bearing the Centennial logo, along with a selection of on-course keepsakes, including pin flags, ball markers, and divot tools. Each item is a nod to the history and tradition that have defined Wawenock for a century, and a lasting reminder of this milestone year.
Supplies are limited, so we encourage members to stop by the Pro Shop soon to browse the full collection. These items won't be around forever — and neither will our first 100 years.