Diablo Country Club Newsletter - August/September 2024

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AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2024

SUMMER CAMP OUT

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 24-25

LABOR DAY BARBECUE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

WINE DINNER

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Director

Director

Director

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Finance Committee

Golf Committee

Green Committee

History & Marketing Committee

House Committee

LRSP

Membership Committee

Standards & Traditions

Tennis Committee

Water & Energy Committee

Diablo Foundation

CLUB MANAGEMENT

Tim Pauling Jeff Miller

Mark Holmstedt

Dana Pingatore

Joe McLean

Erik Pounds

Jenée Rehrmann

HOURS OF OPERATION

GOLF COURSE

Mark Holmstedt

Sara Sanders

Erik Pounds

David Mackesey

Laura Markstein-Gallagher

Phil Luecht

Drew Sanders

Hank Salvo

Dana Pingatore

Bob Hagerty

David Gilbert

Andy Arndt, Executive Chef andya@diablocc.org | 925. 837. 9237

Ashley Greene, Director of Wellness and Fitness ashleyg@diablocc.org

Heather Johnston, Director of Aquatics heatherj@diablocc.org | 925. 837. 2723

Jenn Kane, Director of Events jennk@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0177

Andrew Lombard, Assistant General Manager andrewl@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0188

Christina Lynch, Director of Membership & Marketing christinal@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0172

Rachelle Parsons, CHAE, CPA, Controller rachellep@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0178

Bruce Pruitt, CCM CCE, General Manager & COO brucep@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0155

Nikole Rubyn, Executive Assistant, Bocce Commissioner nikoler@diablocc.org | 925. 239. 1171

Marco Sanchez, Director of Racquet Sports marcos@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0189

Aixa Santos, Human Resources Manager aixas@diablocc.org | 925. 488. 9628

David Solomon, Head Golf Professional PGA davids@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0175

GOLF SHOP

7:00am to Dusk 7:00am to 6:00pm

PRACTICE RANGE

Monday, 8:30am to 1 Hour Before Sunset Tuesday‒Sunday, 7:00am to 1 Hour Before Sunset

JACK NEVILLE SNACK SHACK

Closed Monday (except designated holidays) Tuesday‒Sunday, 7:00am to 5:00pm Beverages 'till 6:00pm

RED HORSE

Brunch*

Saturday & Sunday 10:00am to 3:00pm Lunch

Tuesday‒Saturday 11:00am to 3:00pm Dinner* Wednesday‒Sunday 3:00pm to 9:00pm

COLTON'S GRILLE

Friday‒Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm

The Clubhouse is closed for dining on Mondays.

*Reservations Required

Wednesday‒Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm MT. DIABLO PUB

Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday 3:00pm to 9:00pm

Friday & Saturday 3:00pm & 11:00pm Dinner 5:00pm to 9:00pm

POOL SERVICE (UNTIL LABOR DAY)

Tuesday 11:00am to 3:00pm (Shark Bites 3:00 to 6:00pm)

GENERAL MANAGER/COO

It is hard to believe that two months have passed since we re-opened our beautifully renovated Clubhouse, and the Court House and Kids Club opened this week. As expected, whenever you open a new facility and restaurants there are going to be growing pains as the team becomes familiar with the new surroundings, but it is exciting to see everything come together. As I am sure members understand (and thank you for your patience) this has been a tremendous undertaking and would not have been possible without the support and hard work of the entire Diablo team. Thank You.

As I recently reported, our Director of Agronomy, Adric Ryan, resigned from his position effective immediately for personal reasons. Obviously, this is not the opportune time with golf season at its peak. With that, we are fortunate to have on the team, Darryl Jackson, Superintendent and Jacob Wehr as Assistant Superintendent. During the interim they will partner with Tommy Witt who assisted the Club prior to Adric’s arrival. We expect Tommy to regularly be at the Club to guide the team.

In the past few days, Tommy had the opportunity to tour the golf course and meet with key staff. He has been asked to not only work with Darryl and Jacob to direct operation, but to focus on course condition and improve the playability and aesthetics of the green, tees, and fairways. In the next several days he expects to have an action plan that can be implemented immediately so the course is in the best possible condition by Labor Day weekend.

Bruce Pruitt

CLUB EVENTS

Fall Beer Tasting & Dinner

Wednesday, October 2

Chef's Table Dinner

Wedneday, October 9

Children's Halloween Party

Saturday, October 26

Post

9/3, 10/15 Range Closed Due to Outside Event 9/23, 10/7, 10/21

NEW MEMBERS Welcome

WADE & JUDY
JOHN "JACK"
DAVID & TAMARA RODRIGUEZ

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer so far! It is truly amazing to see our members return to the Clubhouse and to welcome so many new families into our Club.

We host New Member Mixers each quarter, and I want to personally invite you to join us. These mixers are a fantastic opportunity for members who have joined within the last 12-18 months to meet each other, as well as mingle with our Ambassadors and Committee members. If you’ve been with us for a while and just want to meet some new faces, you’re more than welcome to attend too! During the first 12-18 months of membership, we encourage you to come to one or two mixers—or attend all of them if you’d like! These gatherings are a wonderful way to connect and feel more at home in our club.

As we continue to see both familiar and new faces, there’s one simple thing you can do to help our team tremendously: update your membership profile and add a picture. Having the most current contact information and a profile picture helps us get to know you and your family better. It’s easy to do—just go to My Club, My Profile, and Update Photo. If you need assistance, you can reach out or simply email a picture to me.

We’re excited about the months ahead and look forward to seeing you around the Club. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, attending an event, or just dropping by, your presence makes our community special.

See you soon!

Christina Lynch

MEET THE NEW CULINARY TEAM

Diablo, please welcome the new Culinary team made up of Andy Arndt, Executive Chef, Zac Coltes, Executive Sous Chef, Fabian Cespedes, Executive Banquet Chef and Katia Quijada, Pastry Chef.

Zac Coltes, the Executive Sous Chef at Diablo since June, oversees the Red Horse and Mt. Diablo Pub for all meal periods. Previously, Zac was the Executive Sous Chef at Vea in Newport Beach for two years, where he played a crucial role in the culinary program's success. He is well-versed in Chef Andy’s standards and culinary vision, ensuring they are effectively implemented by the team to maintain quality and consistency daily.

Originally from Hawaii, Zac has a diverse background, having worked on both the East and West coasts, including positions at the Gaylord in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Sheraton in Maui. In his free time, he enjoys walking his two dogs on the beach.

Fabian Cespedes, the Executive Banquet Chef at Diablo, has been with the club for twenty years. His extensive knowledge of

members' preferences has been invaluable to Chef Andy and the new team. A classically trained Chef, Fabian is always open to learning new culinary ideas. He will focus on evolving the banquet experience at Diablo to align with the Club's outlets under Andy’s supervision. Setting culinary standards, teaching, and ensuring quality are Fabian's strengths. His dedication to Diablo is insatiable. Away from the kitchen, Fabian enjoys spending time with his grandkids and golfing.

Katia Quijada is the newest addition to the team at Diablo, marking the return of a pastry chef to the Club. This critical role ensures that all desserts and ice creams for the restaurants are now made from scratch in-house. Katia excels in understanding seasonality and combining flavors and textures, essential for building and rotating the dessert menu to reflect the seasons for our members. She brings local experience from similar roles at Revel, Social Bird, and Tides in Danville. Katia is also eager to continue her career by attending culinary school in her downtime.

Fabian Cespedes, Katia Quijada, Zac Coltes and Andy Arndt

SECOND IN THE LAST DUEL OF CONSEQUENCE IN AMERICAN HISTORY

America in 1859 was on the brink of civil war. California’s politicians were also hopelessly divided. Those who came to California from the American South called themselves Chivalry Democrats. They supported the southern states, were pro-slavery and advocated for the division of California into two states: Northern California and Southern California. On the other hand, the Tammany Hall or Union Democrats supported a united California, a united country and abolition. General David Colton acted as a voice for the Unionist wing of the Democratic Party, as did his friend, United States Senator David C. Broderick, who suddenly found himself in a conflict that would change the course of California.

Previously aligned, California State Supreme Court Chief Justice and Chivalry Democrat David Terry and Senator David Broderick exchanged insults over honor and changing politics. The disagreement escalated with neither side backing down. Finally, Justice Terry demanded “satisfaction usual among gentlemen,” a duel. Broderick accepted the challenge.

For any duel, the selection of Seconds was of crucial importance. The Second’s responsibility was to negotiate every detail of this deadly ritual and ensure that the rules were strictly enforced. Broderick chose Colton as a Second. He was an obvious choice. As a sheriff, he was no stranger to duels. As a General, he commanded a high level of respect, and as a Unionist, he stood with Broderick on the same side.

On September 13, 1859, in a ravine near Lake Merced, General David Colton bellowed out the call to fire at what became known as “the last duel of consequence in American history.”

“Gentlemen, are you ready?”

“Fire . . .One . . .Two . . .”

Broderick’s pistol fired prematurely, and while he stood frozen, Terry shot Broderick, severely wounding him. The Senator died three days later with Colton and close friends by his side. The press reported that his final words were: “They have killed me because I was opposed to a corrupt administration and the extension of slavery. I die; protect my honor.”

With these words, Broderick became a martyr for the cause of abolition and a unified country. David Colton took up his banner, becoming the Chairman of the Union Democratic State Central Committee, or Colton Democrats, as the press would often refer to them. He helped fuse an uneasy alliance between the northern wing of the Democratic Party and the Federalist platform of the newly formed Republicans. Politically, they shared one goal: the union of the states. Though differing on almost every other campaign issue, this objective was enough to fuse them together.

On September 4, 1861, it was this alliance that tipped the scales in the state election, resulting in the choice of Leland Stanford as the firstever Republican Governor of California. While a majority of votes were cast for Democrats, the split between two candidates, one pro-Union and one pro- Chivalry, resulted in Stanford’s victory with a 46% minority of the vote.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...

Not coincidentally, in July of 1862, Republican President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, and Stanford, along with business associates Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins and Charles Crocker were anointed the rights, loans and land grants to build the west-to-east portion of the approved transcontinental railroad.

A decade later, Colton joined the Associates as a partner. In 1877 Colton purchased the Railroad Ranch from his partners, and crafted the sanctuary we now call Diablo.

David Mackesey

EMPLOYEES SPOTLIGHT

WELCOME,

MARCO SANCHEZ

Diablo is thrilled to introduce Marco Sanchez as the new Director of Racquet Sports.

Marco is incredibly excited to join our wonderful community. With a deep passion for racquet sports, including tennis and pickleball, he is committed to ensuring each member has a fantastic experience on our courts. His goal is to create a vibrant and engaging environment where players of all levels can enjoy and improve their game.

You will often find Marco around the courts, eager to meet each of you. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, he is here to support your journey and make your time at the Club enjoyable and rewarding.

Let's make this an amazing season together. Marco will see you on the courts or at one of the upcoming Tennis events, tournaments or clinics. Make sure to sign up when registration opens to be part of these memorable experiences.

WELCOME BACK, VALERIE BETTS

Valerie Betts is returning to Diablo as the new Court House Manager. After five years away she is eager to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new members. During her previous time with the Tennis Department, Valerie developed a genuine passion for fostering connections with members, and tennis has always held a special place in her heart.

Returning to Diablo allows Valerie to bring her enthusiasm and dedication to enhancing the tennis and pickleball experience for everyone involved. She is excited about contributing to the Club's rich heritage and further developing the Court House programs.

Valerie's vision aligns with Diablo's commitment to providing exceptional facilities and a supportive environment. She aims to promote tennis and pickleball as pathways to fitness, social connection, and personal growth.

HOUSE RULES

MINORS OR CHILDREN OF MEMBERS

In recent weeks the General Rules, specifically the House Rules, have been revised and can be reviewed in entirety on the Club website. The following summaries the significant changes.

DRESS CODE

∙ Untucked shirts for men are permitted but may not extend below the back pocket.

∙ A minor is any person under the age of 18 years of age.

∙ Minors are allowed in the Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms only when accompanied by a parent.

∙ Minors that are at least 16 years of age are permitted in Colton’s Grille when accompanied by a parent.

∙ Mt. Diablo Pub is reserved for adults 21 years of age and older.

∙ Unaccompanied minors aged 14 to 17 are allowed in the Fitness Center only if accompanied by a parent or previously certified by a Diablo trainer.

∙ Golf caps and visors for men are prohibited inside the Clubhouse except for the Pro Shop, Colton’s Grille, Fitness Center and outside Verandas.

∙ Clothing designed specifically for Fitness or Tennis may be worn in the Red Horse or Mt. Diablo Pub prior to 5:00pm and at any time on the Verandas and Bocce area.

▷ Sleeveless shirts are not permissible for men at any time.

∙ Swim attire and rubber flip flops are not permitted in the Clubhouse.

▷ Cargo shorts, short shorts, and tank tops are not acceptable.

DISCONTINUED USE OF PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES

In the environment, plastic bottles can break down into miniscule particles which make their way into our food water, posing a potential risk to human health. Plastic can also leach toxic chemicals, affecting animals that ingest it, contaminating the animal and human food chains. With the completion of the renovation and placement of ice and water dispensers near the Pro Shop, at the Court House, and at the Snack Shack, the club is going to discontinue the regular use of plastic water bottles. Additionally, chilled water dispensers are available in the member locker rooms and Fitness Center. Although members are encouraged to use their own water bottle (they are also available for purchase in the Pro Shop), the Club will continue to provide cups that are made of a plant-based plastic that is compostable.

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Events are now in full swing in our newly renovated Clubhouse and facilities. It has been a pleasure to welcome members back to experience our upgraded amenities and spaces.

Club festivities kicked off with the Grand Reopening Party and Grand Opening Family Carnival, both of which were met with enthusiasm and joy. It was heartwarming to see the Clubhouse being utilized once again for such fun and unique events. The amount of planning and effort that is poured into these gatherings truly paid off, and we are proud of what our team has accomplished thus far!

One of the highlights since our reopening has been hosting our first wedding in the new Ballroom. It was a truly memorable occasion, with guests praising the quality of the food, calling it some of the best they had experienced at a wedding or banquet. This high praise is a testament to our dedicated culinary team, who continuously strive to exceed expectations and elevate the dining experience for our member events.

The Summer and Fall event calendar are stacked full of exciting Club events for members to enjoy. Our August Country Western Night hosts delicious barbecue, live music and activities for all ages. The annual Summer Camp Out is a family favorite and hosts a movie under the stars. Labor Day weekend brings the historical Invitational, The Gold Putter, followed by the Monday holiday barbecue at the pool. September and October have Wine Dinners, Fall Beer Tasting, Private Chef’s Table Dining and a spooky filled Children’s Halloween Party the weekend before the scariest day of the year. With such a vibrant calendar, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

Looking ahead, we are excited to offer a variety of event options for our members. Whether you are planning a large-scale formal event, meeting, fundraiser, pool party, or smaller gathering, we have the perfect space to bring your event ideas to life! Our elegantly decorated Ballroom and Curtola Room are ideal for hosting grand events, while the Red Horse Veranda and Chef's Table inside Red Horse offer more intimate settings with a prefixed menu for smaller groups of 24 or less.

We invite you to explore all the event possibilities available at Diablo and make your bookings today. Let us create unforgettable moments together in our newly revitalized Clubhouse.

Jenn Kane

Curtola Room

FROM THE HEAD

GOLF PROFESSIONAL

It's been a scorching Summer, and the golf action at Diablo is heating up too! We're seeing more rounds played, and the game seems to be improving—especially from what I've observed off the first tee! It's fantastic to witness everyone practicing, taking lessons, and simply relishing our stunning golf course. Looking ahead, we have exciting events lined up like the Gold Putter, Women’s Classic, and the Club Championships. As John Wooden famously said, "Perfect practice makes perfection!" Remember, those who put in the effort will surely see the rewards.

Celebrating perfection, let's recognize the recent champions of our tournaments over the past few months. The Mini Invitational, themed around California, saw 84 women gathered. It featured delightful food, drinks, and spirited competition. Jessica Chatto, Lindsay Walker, Megan Hansen, and Ashley Thomsen dominated with an impressive 25-under-par score to claim victory.

In the Couples Member/Member event, Brad and Jane Omick teamed up with Greg and Becky Gibbert to deliver outstanding performances, earning them a prestigious Diablo silver platter.

The President’s Cup unfolded over a challenging 36 holes across a Saturday and Sunday, employing a demanding stroke play format. In the Open division, David Buchanan and John Connell both posted 149 from the V tees, with David Buchanan ultimately prevailing in a playoff. Mike MacBryde

triumphed in the Senior gross division, while Terry Spraker successfully defended his title in the Super Senior division.

John Connell secured victory in the Open net division, while Mike MacBryde achieved a clean sweep in both Senior divisions. Gary Ryness emerged triumphant in the Super Senior division's net category. Congratulations to all participants for their exceptional play and achievements!

Having observed many of you play over the past months, one common strength among all the winners mentioned earlier is their ability to avoid the "big number." This skill involves effective course management, sometimes even opting to pitch out of trouble when necessary. How can we all avoid those costly mistakes and prevent them from snowballing? It boils down to mental strength in golf.

When faced with a challenging situation on the course, it's crucial to pause and assess. Take a moment to think: What's the best way to navigate this and maintain control over my score? Consider the risks involved and make decisions that align with keeping your round on track. Getting back onto the fairway gives you a chance to minimize your score.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming Thursday afternoon clinic where we'll focus on mastering the 50-yard shot. This session will further enhance our skills and help us handle various challenges on the course effectively.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact our PGA Head Golf Professional, David Solomon at davids@diablocc.org

Couples Member/Member Champions

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES GOLF

DIABLO WOMEN’S GOLF GROUP

MEMBER/MEMBER TOURNAMENT

Congratulations to the amazing performances at the Member/Member Tournament! With an exciting Margaritas & Mojitos theme, 26 teams competed in an afternoon shotgun. After the tournament, ladies enjoyed dinner and an awards ceremony. A special thanks to our event planners, Linda Spraker and Deb Stevens, for organizing this fantastic event.

RESULTS

OVERALL CHAMPIONS

Carol Klaus & Debrah Wilson

FLIGHT ONE

1ST Place – Lindsay Walker & Sia McDonald

2ND Place – Claudia Tyler & Kathy Kennedy

3RD Place – Marni Godvin & Kerry Singleton

FLIGHT TWO

1ST Place – Sally Brown & Alison Petersen

2ND Place – Becky Gibbert & Jane Omick

3RD Place – Deborah Stevens & Linda Spraker

FLIGHT THREE

1ST Place – Carol Dunkle & Anne Kubas

2ND Place – Jessica Chatto & Michelle Indelicato

3RD Place – Rebecca Adams & Gretchen Hunt

ACCURACY DRIVE

Babette Dunlop

0" – on the rope!

CLOSEST TO THE PIN

HOLE #3

Sue Smith

MINI-INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Next was our Mini-Invitational Tournament, themed "Under the California Sun." 21 teams consisting of either 1 member and 3 guests or 2 members and 2 guests, the tournament promised an exciting afternoon shotgun for everyone. After the competition, ladies enjoyed a delightful dinner and awards ceremony. Special thanks to our tournament planners, Kathryn Centers, Mandy Jenkins, and Valerie Schooley, for their dedication and effort in organizing this wonderful event.

RESULTS

OVERALL LOW NET CHAMPIONS

Jessica Chatto, Lindsay Walker, Megan Hansen, Ashley Thomsen

PEBBLE BEACH FLIGHT

OVERALL LOW GROSS CHAMPIONS

Julie Hoyle, Nicole Tucker, June Joseph, Juliana Joseph

1ST Place – Katie Alworth, Debby Grauman, Marni Godvin, Bonnie Waters

2ND Place – Caren Steffens, Connie Casagrande, Linda Spraker, Missy Arington

3RD Place – Valerie Schooley, Susan Tarantino, Mandy Jenkins, Cia Miraglia

NAPA FLIGHT

1ST Place – Cheryl Burleigh, Carlene Murphy, Palmira Brandt, Joanne Severs

2ND Place – Deborah Stevens, Kendall Stevens, Patti Jeffery, Paige Jeffery

3RD Place – Becky Gibbert, Leslie Blake, Jane Omick, Tracy Griggs

PALM SPRINGS FLIGHT

1ST Place – Rebecca Adams, Wendy Higgins, Carrie Perino, Tracy Iler

2ND Place – Alice Schultz, Therese Johnson, April Kenyon, Audrey Cormier

3RD Place – Carol Santa Maria, Jo Floriani, Sue Smith, Ann Pons

CONT. RESULTS

CLOSEST TO THE PIN WINNERS

Hole #8 – Cia Maraglia*

Hole #8 – Caren Steffens

Hole #16 – Debbie Grauman*

Hole #16 – Karen Burkhart

PUTTING CONTEST WINNERS

Julie Hoyle & Patti Jeffery

*Guest
Low Net Champions – Jessica Chatto, Lindsay Walker, Megan Hansen, Ashley Thomsen

DIABLO WOMEN’S GOLF GROUP (CONT.)

CAPTAIN’S TOURNAMENT

Join us in August for the Captain’s Tournament on 8/1 and 8/8, dedicated to honoring our current and past DWGG captains. The tournament format will be decided by the current Captain Sia McDonald. After round 2, enjoy an awards ceremony and lunch to celebrate Captains past and present. Special early thanks to event planners Sue Smith and Carol Santa Maria for organizing this memorable event.

CLASSIC INVITATIONAL

Ladies, get ready for the Classic Invitational, the biggest DWGG event of the year! This two-day tournament, held on September 12 and 13, will feature our annual Western theme. Teams can consist of either 1 member and 3 guests or 2 members and 2 guests. Event planners Katie Alworth and Lindsay Walker are already working hard organizing this exciting event.

CHALLENGE OF THE DAY

Starting in June, Becky Gibbert introduced the "Challenge of the Day" which will occur on the remaining Medal Play Days. For example, the challenge might be to hit the green in regulation on a particular hole, to have a certain number of drives land on the fairway or avoid three-putts for the entire round. $5 goes to each golfer who successfully completes the challenge.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES GOLF

SENIOR INTERCLUB HAPPENINGS

The senior golf season reached its halfway point after our home event on July 9, with 10 more events to go! Last year’s concern about rainouts has been replaced by the challenge of boiling hot weather. Fortunately, our first 11 events dodged those extremely hot days.

There are plenty of opportunities for players to register for our upcoming away events, as well as home events on Wednesday, August 7th, and Tuesday, September 24th. Registration opens 30 days before each event on the Diablo golf calendar. Since there are limits on the number of players we can bring to away events, it's best to register as soon as possible.

CASTLEWOOD

Diablo has enjoyed a home and home relationship with Castlewood for as long as I can remember. The course is now under management by Troon Golf and the conditions have improved. We played there on Wednesday May 15 with 14 Diablo members competing in three flights. First place winners in two of the three flights were Bruce Kroyer and Steve Krider. Seconds were achieved in two of the three flights by Hank Salvo and Dick Servetnick. Diablo only managed two thirds by Jim Pasichuke and Tim Pauling. Our only closest to the pin winner was Dean McElroy

OAKHURST

On May 23, in an event with 13 foursomes from Oakhurst, Diablo, and Rossmoor, the men from Diablo secured a first-place finish by Joe Buenavista and a secondplace finish by Ron Bredehoft Bob Hagerty earned closest to the pin honors. The weather was perfect, but the fast greens and blind shots baffled our guys.

GREEN VALLEY

One of our favorite courses to play in the senior rotation is Green Valley in the Suisun Valley. Green Valley limits the number of players because of a shortage of golf carts, so we could only bring 18 on Wednesday June 5 . In two flights, Diablo men captured first place in both. In flight one the winner was Eric Horodas and in flight two John Nystrom was the winner. Second place finishers were Mark Pierce and Rob Goldstein, and third place prizes were won by James Pasichuke , Jeff Miller and Gary Ryness. Mark Pierce and Bruce Kroyer won closest to the pin prizes.

SILVERADO

Tuesday, June 11 saw 15 Diablo men at Silverado Resort on the famous North Course, the site of the annual PGA Fortinet Championship. The field from Marin, Orinda, Lake Merced and Diablo joined with the Silverado seniors in 2 flights. In flight one Cecil Dunlap placed first, Richard Servetnick second, and Jim Hillman third. In flight two Ron Bredehoft took second and Eric Horodas third. Ron Bredehoft’s closest to the pin shot was 2 feet 6 inches. He made the putt!

ROUND HILL

The day after Silverado, 18 Diablo men played on June 12 at Round Hill. There was a large field of 23 foursomes from Diablo, Round Hill and Contra Costa split into three flights. Diablo winners in flight one were Brad Omick first and Bob Hagerty third. In flight two Mike Barenberg came in first, Bruce Kroyer second, and in third, Tom Bard and Al Russello. In flight three only Gary Ryness snagged a second. Ron Bredehoft won closest to the pin for the second day in a row.

HOME EVENT ON JUNE 25

Diablo welcomed Contra Costa, Crow Canyon, and Orinda to our first home event since the new clubhouse opened on June 1. The food prepared by Executive Chef Andy was the hit of the day. The 84 players in three flights competed on a warm and wonderful day. Our flight one winners were Rick Steffens and Ron Bredehoft, second went to Rob Goldstein, and Dave Yarnold took third. In flight two Bob Nealis took first, Bob Chace second, and Joe Buenavista third. In flight three Paul Bensi scored first and Bruce Kroyer took third. Closest to the pin winners were Terry Spraker and Bob Hagerty

HOME EVENT ON JULY 9

Diablo welcomed guest players from Silverado, Claremont, San Jose, and Green Valley. In all 20 foursomes and 80 players competed in 100-degree weather in three flights. In flight one the winner was Ron Bredehoft, second went to Bruce Kroyer, and third went to John Nystrom and Al Russello. In flight two Tom Bard came in first, Jim Hillman second, and Joe Buenavista third. In flight three Bob Nealis lapped the field in first place, Gary Ryness second, and Jim Pasichuke

third. Closest to the pin honors went to Terry Spraker (again) and Steve Headen.

Fortunately, Chef Andy cooled us down with a fantastic lunch. When the round was over, we dined on crispy chicken sliders, street tacos, chorizo chopped potato skins, and spring rolls. So, no matter the weather or the bad shots, we had something to cheer about.

COMING UP

The seniors will host a home event with Richmond, Oakhurst, Blackhawk, and Napa Valley on Wednesday, August 7. They'll also have a trip to Sequoyah on Thursday, August 8, and to San Jose on Tuesday, August 27. September will include five more events, plus the all-important October Senior Invitational called Pop Smith. It’s not too soon to find your partner for the tournament.

Gary Ryness

GOLF

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

JUNIOR GOLF

CHAMPIONS

Walker Houssels

Cade Reed

Declan Gonzales

Max Dunlop

Henry Alworth

Harrison Beinke

Darius Mercado

Andrew Gustafson

Liam Gonzales

Diablo Warriors Capture “In house” League!

In the final match, with both teams tied at 2-2, the Warriors defeated the Dominators by a score of 7-5. Eric Houssels coached the Warriors. Leading the way for the Warriors were Harrison Beinke and Henry Alworth, who secured a decisive victory by earning all 3 points. They shot an impressive 29 on the front nine! Many thanks to all the parents who assisted with the food preparations!

Jim Collins

Diablo All Stars travel to Auburn for regional qualifying.

The 17U team shot 2-under 70 to finish in 2nd place, narrowly missing qualification by a few shots. The team members were Barron Beinke, Logan Alworth, Carson Lee, Ben Roden, Sammy Mercado, and Ryan Chinn.

The 13U team shot a score of 115 (+7), missing qualification for the Nor-Cal Championship by just one shot!

QUESTIONS?

Please contact our Director of Instruction, Jim Collins at jimc@diablocc.org

RACQUET SPORTS

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Director of Racquet Sports at Diablo and I am truly excited to join this esteemed community.

I kindly request your patience during a 30-day grace period as I develop a comprehensive plan for my on-court schedule. During this time, you will see me conducting individual lessons and group clinics and I will be using this period to understand member needs and determine the optimal mix of programming. Additional group tennis clinics will resume in the Fall.

I have been attentive to member feedback, and one recurring theme is the desire for more tennis events. While we already have some exciting activities on our current tennis calendar, I will be working diligently over the next three months to create a dynamic program of events based on your valuable input.

Let’s make this a wonderful 2024. See you on the courts!

MARCO’S

TENNIS

TIP

OF THE MONTH Work on Your Doubles Formations to Win More Matches

There are three basic doubles formations:

1. Up and Back Formation:

This is the most common position that I see in most matches. In my opinion, this is the most TIMID court position. Playing it “safe”, you will most likely win or lose the match based on pure skills. I believe that in doubles you don’t have to be the best player skills-wise to win. If you are the SMARTEST player, you can WIN more matches!

2. Both Players Up Toward the Net:

This is the most aggressive position. The team that owns the net is usually the team that will win more matches. The skills needed to be successful and effective are: A good approach (Power, depth, spin, and/or direction), mid-court volley(depth and direction), overhead (spin, power, and/or direction), good footwork (the ability to move forward or backpedal) and put away volleys.

RACQUET SPORTS

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

3. Both Players Back at the Baseline:

This position can be an aggressive position if it’s done properly and with the right intentions. This strategy is often used when you have two singles players pair together or two big hitters pair together. Skills needed are aggressive, powerful groundstrokes and attacking the middle of the court to create openings.

Which position do you play the most? Which position do you think is more effective? Each position needs a set of skills, and if applied the right way that’s how you can win more matches.

Our long-awaited Court House has finally opened! The name reflects a broad range of activities happening below the Clubhouse. It's a great casual space to socialize at any time of the day. There is plenty of shade and beautiful new patio furniture to enjoy smoothies, adult beverages and grab n go style faire with your friends. You can also head up to the Red Horse for lunch after your match. Clothing specifically designed for tennis or pickleball may be worn while dining prior to 5:00 pm and on the Veranda at any time.

We're excited to welcome some new team members! Valerie Betts will be greeting members at the courts, while Star Chehrazi is enhancing our post-match hospitality at the Court House.

Elsa Funston, our Merchandiser, is working to introduce a wider selection of tennis and pickleball attire, along with court shoes. She's focused on curating a lineup that reflects our members' style preferences, so stay tuned for new arrivals in the weeks ahead.

on the courts on Wednesday nights for Drop in. We also have a 6.0 Mixed Men’s/Women’s USTA Night & Weekend Team that has been having a lot of fun thanks to Captains Carla and RJ Forgham.

Diablo kids are enjoying 9 weeks of Summer tennis learning racquet skills and making memories on the court. Our weekly Junior Tennis Summer Camps conclude on August 9. A big thank you to our Summer seasonal staff Avalyn Hoyle, Libby Leal, Federico Pesce, and Finn Corkern, led by our fantastic Coach Daniel, for making this camp a wonderful experience for the kids (and parents).

Marco Sanchez

Our Men’s Tennis is picking up some momentum. Member Royce Paulson has been working hard to get a consistent group of men QUESTIONS?

Please

SWIM

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

SWIM TEAM SCHEDULE

Last Swim Practices

9:00am to 11:00am

Thursday, August 1

Friday, August 2

SHARK SWIM TEAM

The Sharks have an excellent Summer season filled with meets and practices. Competitions kicked off in late May and run through the first weekend of August. Throughout the season, team records were shattered, personal bests were achieved, new skills were mastered, and swimmers reached new heights of performance. Beyond the achievements in the pool, lasting friendships were forged, creating memories that will endure for years to come.

LAP SWIM & RECREATIONAL SCHEDULE

AUGUST

MONDAY & THURSDAY

5:30‒8:00am

9:00am‒8:00pm

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

5:30am‒8:00pm

FRIDAY

5:30am‒8:00pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

6:30am‒8:00pm

TIGER SHARKS

In September, we are excited to launch our Fall swim program, offering a perfect opportunity to build on your progress and apply your newfound swim skills. This season introduces longer swim sets and various techniques to enhance your performance. The program continues until the last Thursday in October, just before Halloween. Please note that our recreational swim team will be on hiatus from November through the end of February.

PRE-HIGH SCHOOL CONDITIONING

QUESTIONS?

Please contact our Aquatics Director, Heather Johnston at heatherj@diablocc.org

December to January: This program is designed for individuals looking to get in shape ahead of their high school swim season starting in February. It provides participants with a preview of what high school swim practices will entail, preparing them for the demands they'll face. The training is structured to challenge swimmers while boosting their confidence and readiness to try out for their high school swim team.

RECREATIONAL LAP SWIMMING

We see you out on the balcony of the new Fitness Center. Your curiosity has peaked! After your gym session, why not head down for a refreshing swim to stretch out and complement your cardio routine? Unsure how to begin? Reach out to our Aquatics Director for personalized guidance.

Our heated pool offers year-round lap swimming. Adding swimming to your day will introduce you to muscles you may not have used before, offering a fantastic way to unwind from other activities. Whether you prefer an early morning start, a mid-morning break, or an afternoon session, there's a perfect time for you to come and swim laps.

During many Fall evenings when the lingering heat is draining your energy, stop by the pool to cool off, stretch out, and rejuvenate with some exercise. We're open until 8:00 pm, ensuring you have ample opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim.

OLYMPIC TRIALS EXCITEMENT

Olympic Trials are on everyone’s minds! Four Diablo families recently took their Diablo Sharks to be inspired by and cheer for the next US Olympic Swim team at the US Swim Trials in Indianapolis. The trip was made even more special when they met former Diablo Shark, Gavin Wight, who competed at the trials and still holds two records on our Diablo Swim Team record board.

HEATHER JOHNSTON, Aquatics Director
Heather Johnston

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

BOCCE NEWS

Bocce season near the Snack Shack was quite lively and engaging! With over 420 members participating, the competition was intense throughout the season. Seeing both new and familiar faces added a special dynamic to the games. It's wonderful to see such enthusiasm and growth in the bocce program.

Congratulations are definitely in order for the teams that made it to the playoffs! It takes consistent dedication and effort to qualify and excel in matches week after week. For those who clinched their league championships, they secured a spot in next season's play, and it is a testament to their hard work and skill.

WED WINNER PAISANOS

The June playoffs brought not just a change in season but also a shift in intensity under the blazing Saturday sun. As temperatures soared, the matches rolled on with each team striving to outplay the weather as well as their opponents.

Amidst this heated competition, one team, Team Paisanos, rose above the rest. In an impressive display of skill and determination, they secured the coveted Club Championship title. Their path to victory was nothing short of remarkable, sweeping through the finals with six consecutive wins in a single day. Triumph in round 1 over Fore the Bocce, round 2 over Irish Rollers and finals against Aperol Splits.

For Team Paisanos, this triumph marked a significant milestone as first-time winners. Their achievement not only crowned them Champions but also cemented their place in the records of the Club's history. As they celebrated their hardearned victory (under the shade), their success served as inspiration to all, showcasing the rewards of perseverance and teamwork.

NIKOLE RUBYN, Bocce Commissioner
Rubyn
Finals — Irish Rollers vs Paisanos
Finals — Aperol Splits vs Bada Bing
Fore the Bocce
Finals Winners — Paisanos
2024 SPRING CHAMPIONS: TEAM PAISANOS
HIGH ROLLERS
BALLS OF FURY
TEAM BAROLO SENZA PALLE

August 7

August 21

Registration Closes

Registration Opens Thursday, Aug 22 Lottery Picks Wednesday, Aug 28 Captain's Meeting 4:00pm

WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY SUNDAY 5:00PM OR 7:00PM START 4:00PM OR 6:00PM START

Submit your team form starting Wednesday, August 7 and team forms must be turned in by Wednesday, August 28.

QUESTIONS: Please email bocce@diablocc.org

SEPTEMBER

DIABLO COUNTRY CLUB

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