Diablo Country Club Newsletter - Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

ST. PATRICK'S DINNER & GUINNESS GROWLER PICK-UP

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

EASTER EGG CARNIVAL & EGG HUNT

HARD HAT TOUR + MIXER

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

SPRING 2024

Mark Holmstedt

Sara Sanders

Erik Pounds

David Mackesey

Laura Markstein-Gallagher

Phil Luecht

Drew Sanders

Hank Salvo

Dana Pingatore

Bob Hagerty

David Gilbert

HOURS OF OPERATION

GOLF COURSE

7:00am to Dusk

PRACTICE RANGE

Monday, 8:30am to 1 Hour Before Sunset

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

GOLF SHOP

7:00am to 5:00pm before Daylight Savings

7:00am to 6:00pm Starting Sunday, March 10

Fabian Cespedes, Executive Chef fabianc@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0097

Darrin Cohen, Director of Tennis darrinc@diablocc.org | 925. 788. 8058

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 Development christinal@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0172

Cristian Ochoa, Facilities Maintenance Manager maintenance@diablocc.org | 925. 837. 4221

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

Adric Ryan, Director of Agronomy adricr@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0176

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

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

Billy Wardell, Assistant Manager Food & Beverage billyw@diablocc.org | 925. 390. 0181

WILLIE'S PLACE

Tuesday, 11:00am to 3:00pm

Wednesday‒Friday, 11:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm

RED HORSE TAVERN TOO

Monday & Tuesday , Closed

Wednesday‒Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00pm

Happy Hour

Wednesdays & Fridays, 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Burger Night

Thursdays, 5:00pm or 7:00pm, reservations required

COMPLIMENTARY FOOD SERVICE

Wednesday & Friday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Complimentary Appetizers

Saturday & Sunday, 7:00am to 11:00am

Complimentary Continental Breakfast

JACK NEVILLE SNACK SHACK

Closed Monday (except designated holidays)

Tuesday‒Friday, 11:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday, 7:00am to 5:00pm

GENERAL MANAGER/COO

I am sure that it comes up no surprise the management team is operating at full cadence as we prepare for a busy spring season and the reopening of the Clubhouse and Tennis Center. As you will read in this month's newsletter, we have hired several new senior staff members, and the team is just about complete. In the upcoming weeks, we expect to identify and hire a new Executive Chef as well. I'm extremely excited about how the team is coming together and feel confident that we're going to be able to deliver a fantastic member experience. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the several senior staff members and managers that have been doing double duty during the transition period.

Just a few weeks ago, the management team had their Annual Retreat at The Club at Castlewood. Most of the day was focused on identifying the member experience and aligning those thoughts to the preliminary results we received through the membership survey. A thoughtful road map to the reopening was also developed that identifies the priorities for each department. Although much work lies ahead, the team is excited about launching the new member experience and facilities.

This year the staff decided that rather than having an event in December, we would host an employee dinner after the busy holiday season and recognize those employees with tenure of five years or greater. The dinner was held at Blackhawk Country Club and included a casino night with prizes. We also recognized 12 employees with significant years of service.

40 Years

Harmesh Bangar

20 Years

Christina Lynch

10 Years

Amy Lindquist

Romana Tedjakusuma

Esteban Alejandrez

Star Chehrazi

Taylor Herman

5 Years

Jocelyn Ceballos

Christina Christiansen

Billy Wardell

Tanner Utler

Diana Lampi

Several Members have commented that I must be either really smart or extremely foolish, to add to the Club website a countdown clock for the completion of the renovation. We are still very optimistic that members will be celebrating their Memorial Day weekend in the Clubhouse. The clubhouse renovation is approximately 70% completed, it is exciting each day to walk through the buildings and see the progress. The Tennis Center is slightly ahead of the clubhouse schedule and as you see from some of the photos on the next page, the finishings are reaching completion with the flooring installed, finish carpentry complete, and the and the bar in place.

See you at the Club soon.

Bruce Pruitt

BRUCE PRUITT, CCM CCE General Manager & Chief Operating Officer

CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT

Group Exercise Studio in Fitness

Kitchen exhaust hood and base for new equipment

Tennis Center flooring

Elevator installation

Lockers in Women’s

Locker Room

Mt. Diablo Pub painted and ceiling grid installed

Ballroom carpentry finish is complete

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Discover Fun in the Sun: Diablo Country Club's Summer Youth Programs

We're excited to announce our lineup of summer youth programs! This season, we're bringing together the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, skill-building, and lasting memories for your little ones. From swinging on the greens to mastering the court, there's something for every child to explore and enjoy. Our newest addition of “Camp Diablo” compliments the Summer Golf School, Tennis Camp, and Sharks swim practice schedules for a full day of Diablo fun!

Junior Golf: Swing into Summer Fun!

Get ready for a summer of tee-rific adventures on the green! Our Summer Golf School is all about sparking a love for the game in the hearts of our youngest players. Led by our experienced instructors, Jim Collins and Jeremy Green, kids will learn course etiquette, basic putting and swing mechanics, chipping, and full swing skills. We will be hosting 6 sessions for ages 5-13.

Tennis: Serve, Rally, Win!

Game, set, match! Our Summer Tennis camp is designed to teach your children fun skills and drills while getting excited about the game of Tennis. Led by Darrin Cohen and his staff of seasoned coaches, children will develop essential skills, from learning the perfect serve, to rallying with friends, interclub matches, and tournaments. Whether they're beginners or seasoned players, our inclusive atmosphere encourages camaraderie and skill development. We will be hosting 9 sessions for ages 5 and up.

Afternoon “Camp Diablo”: Where Adventures Await

Looking for the ultimate summer adventure?

Look no further than afternoons at Camp Diablo! Our campers will splash into fun with open swim sessions and water activities. Each week brings a new theme, from fun at the beach to camping and even the Olympic games. With our exciting lineup of activities including scavenger hunts, relay races and creative arts, Camp Diablo is designed to spark creativity, friendship, and laughter. And to fuel their adventures, lunch is provided daily. We will be hosting 4 sessions for ages 5 and up.

Experience the Magic of Summer

At Diablo Country Club, we believe that summer should be filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. With our selection of Summer Youth Programs, we're committed to providing children with the opportunity to thrive, grow, and, most importantly, have fun. So, whether they're perfecting their swing on the golf course, mastering their backhand on the tennis court, or embarking on adventures at Camp Diablo, one thing is for certain: this Summer will be one they'll never forget.

Keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming registration dates.

Christina Lynch

CHRISTINA LYNCH, Director of Membership Development

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERS

SOUMIL & KRUTI AMIN

Upgrade to Regular Proprietary

BRANT WATSON & DEANNE EDWARDS

Regular Proprietary

DEVON & TALIA JOHNSON

Regular Proprietary

TEXT MESSAGING PROGRAM

Participants will receive key information about things happening at the Club.

The program is completely optional, and you may opt-in / opt-out at any time.

TERESA & BERNADETTE MARTINEZ

Regular Proprietary

News & Announcements/General Info:

Text DIABLO to 1-925-837-4221

Golf/Frost Delay/Reminders:

Text GOLF to 1-925-837-4221

Tennis/Court Conditions/Events:

Text TENNIS to 1-925-837-4221

Pickleball/Clinics/Events:

Text PICKLEBALL to 1-925-837-4221

Food & Beverage/Dining/Social:

Text DINING&SOCIALEVENTS to 1-925-837-4221

Fitness/Wellness/Group Classes:

Text FITNESS to 1-925-837-4221

Swim/Swim Team/Pool Hours:

Text SWIM to 1-925-837-4221

Kids Club/Juniors/Camps:

Text KIDSCLUB&ACTIVITIES to 1-925-837-4221

NOTE: You'll receive an auto text reply letting you know you have successfully opted-in per category.

WELCOME TO DIABLO

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREW LOMBARD JENN KANE

Andrew’s career spans over 15 years in the hospitality industry, with significant roles that include serving as the Assistant General Manager at the Griffin Club in Los Angeles, Clubhouse Manager at El Nigel Country Club, and Acting General Manager at The Resort at Pelican Hill. His journey through these positions has not only showcased his dedication and skill in enhancing the guest experience but also his ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve excellence.

Having spent much of his life in Southern California, Andrew is now poised for a refreshing transition to the East Bay. The move to Danville represents an exciting new chapter for Andrew and his family, offering the perfect backdrop for both personal and professional growth. Alongside his wife of 10 years, Elizabeth, Andrew looks forward to embracing this new community, and raising their 7-year-old son, Hudson, and 5-year-old daughter, Cara.

Andrew's extensive experience and passion for hospitality make him a valuable asset to our team. His forward-thinking approach and commitment to service excellence are sure to enhance our establishment and the experiences of our members. We are delighted to welcome Andrew in his new role.

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Jenn grew up in sunny South Florida and went to school for Photography & Design before pivoting career paths to work in and around the Miami Fine Dining & Hotel industry. Her career there spanned through management & events at 5 star and Michelin Chef operated properties such as Jean Georges at the Edition, Michael Mina at the Fontainebleau Resor t & Zuma at the Epic Hotel. She found her calling working in events as she most enjoys utilizing a creative and collaborative approach to creating unique & memorable event experiences.

Jenn moved to California in 2018, initially landing in Los Angeles to open the Nomad Hotel, and later became the Director of Events at the Toluca Lake Tennis & Fitness Club. In her free time, she practices wildlife photography as a self-proclaimed amateur birder & practices ceramics out of her home studio.

Jenn was attracted to the Bay Area as she and her partner, Jack, were looking for a change of location that felt more quiet and serene than the busy bustle of Los Angeles. They knew instantly upon discovering the East Bay and its beautiful natural surroundings mixed with the charm & character it has to offer, that it would be the idyllic setting for this next phase of their journey. Once connected with the role at Diablo Country Club, she knew that it was the perfect opportunity to be a part of something special that could combine her love for the community with her unique skillsets in events & hospitality.

We are very excited she has brought her creativity to Diablo, and she is ecstatic to meet all our members and help them to dream up their next special event. With Jenn coming on board, Billy Wardell will now transition back to F&B full time as the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.

HARD HAT TOUR + MIXER

On February 16 we hosted 20 members at our first Hard Hat Tour + Mixer. As members awaited the tour, they enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshing beverages and vibrant conversation. It was a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, make new friends and revel in the collective excitement for the Clubhouse grand reopening.

With spirits high, and hard hats secured, the group took an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the renovation, offering a firsthand glimpse at the future of Diablo. Navigating through the construction zones, members engaged in lively discussions, asked insightful questions, and shared their visions for the forthcoming enhancements.

Beyond the tour, the mixer served as a celebration of the camaraderie and sense of community that defines our membership. Whether you're a seasoned member or a recent addition to the Diablo family, we extend an invitation to join us for the next Hard Hat Tour + Mixer. Or take advantage of the weekly Hard Hat Tours on the Club calendar.

These personal tours with General Manger Bruce Pruitt offer invaluable insights into the design process, showcase key features of the renovation, and provide a platform for any questions you may have. Whether you're envisioning unforgettable events, pursuing wellness goals, or seeking moments of relaxation and hospitality, the revitalized Clubhouse will be a source of happiness for years to come.

Member participation is welcomed and appreciated as we strive to create a space that exceeds expectations and elevates the Diablo experience for generations to come.

We look forward to seeing you at the Club soon.

Christina Lynch

CHRISTINA LYNCH, Director of Membership Development

PRIVATE EVENTS

BEGINNING JULY 2024

RESERVATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

The long-anticipated completion of the Diablo Country Club renovation will be spring 2024. The design team has done an amazing job with a concentrated focus on maintaining the historical architecture and character throughout. The interiors are timeless and classic with an element of the unexpected, inviting members and visitors to enjoy the Club’s history, social atmosphere, and updated aesthetics.

CARRIAGE LOUNGE

BALLROOM

The Ballroom is the most expansive and versatile event space in the clubhouse with large, picturesque windows overlooking the foothills and access to a private veranda. The room adjoins the Curtola Room with a movable wall that allows for a larger event.

Seating Capacity

240 persons

Originally a farmhouse that was built in 1881, the Carriage Lounge is the heart of the clubhouse. Elegantly appointed with original architectural features, an expansive bar, and fireplace. This room works well for small, seated events, receptions, pre-function gatherings or for music and dancing for an event that is being held in another room.

Seating Capacity 40 persons

Reception Capacity 100 persons

Reception Capacity 325 persons

CURTOLA ROOM SWIMMING POOL PATIO

Dedicated in 1997, the Curtola Room honors the memory of the Curtola Family, owners of the Club from 1948 to 1961. The room boasts impressive columns with territorial views and has access to a private veranda.

Seating Capacity 80 persons

Reception Capacity 140 persons

The north end of the swimming pool with shade from the large pergola is the perfect setting for a private pool party, luncheon, dinner, or cocktail reception.

Seating Capacity 60 persons

Reception Capacity 100 persons

DIABLO’S CHALET

"Holding a unique and distinctive place in architectural design among the world-famous hostelries of the State, the Chalet, now in the course of building at Mt. Diablo Park, will be completed during May."

DANVILLE JOURNAL, APRIL 14, 1917

Architect Arthur Benton created a masterpiece, with features of the Chalet reading like a gourmet menu. Cloistered corridors, tapestry brick, private front, and back entrances, one piece porcelain enameled tubs, all with dramatic south and north facing views. Benton's past work included Riverside’s Mission Inn and Santa Barbara’s New Arlington Hotel. Both were regarded as architectural masterpieces, but the Chalet he designed for his friend Robert Noble Burgess was a gift, a labor of love. A multiuse creation, it included full apartments, studio apartments, hotel rooms and a retail shop. It was connected to the Club Inn by a covered wooden causeway, 40' above the Dan Cook Creek.

By the mid-1920's, the structure was converted to 43 hotel rooms for use by non-resident members and their guests. During that time, many of Diablo's members proudly wore the team colors of their beloved alumni, Cal, and Stanford. Both schools had eliminated football in exchange for rugby the prior decade, and both reversed course, and reinstated football in 1919. The 1924 Big Game saw the archrivals playing for a much greater prize than pride, they were each playing for a shot at a Rose Bowl invitation. As the anticipation grew, the Stanford team, wanting to escape the campus hype, used Diablo's Chalet as their home base the evening before the game. The next afternoon, Stanford rallied late in the game for the tie, and earned the Rose Bowl berth. A good omen, the team used the Chalet before the Big Game for several years. The Cal

alumni seated on Diablo's Board of Directors, had had enough, and good heartedly brought a motion that Cal and Stanford should share rights to the Chalet, granting the annual home team exclusive use of the Chalet. The Stanford alumni showed good sportsmanship. The motion passed, and the teams alternated using the Chalet in the 1930's.

World War II abruptly brought this to a halt, but the Chalet quickly found a new purpose. The J.V. McNeil Construction Company was building Camp Parks, Camp Shoemaker, and the U.S. Naval Hospital Shoemaker, known collectively as Fleet City, in nearby Dublin. The Navy Construction Brigades, affectionately known as the Seabees, eventually populated Fleet City with over 90,000 sailors. The McNeil Company workers needed accommodation, and in 1942, the Chalet was ready to assist the war effort. The next year, with construction completed, Fleet City now needed accommodation for the crew of 40 telephone operators, 40 in all. Once again, the Chalet was the answer, and over a three-year span, a bus pulled up to the Chalet in the early morning and returned every evening, transporting the valuable cargo.

After the war, the Chalet was called upon to return to member and guest hotel accommodation, as well as house the golf pro shop and Post Office. It eventually became permanent housing for several club employees, including 1964 PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Diablo's Lyle Wehrman. After three decades, the Chalet's purpose changed again. Led by Diablo Country Club Director Paul Cortese, the Chalet was converted into eight individual luxury condominium suites, unveiled with fanfare in 1982.

Today, we should never take the Chalet for granted, as it has stood the test of time. Arthur Benton's creation has served the needs of the legendary football teams, the war effort, our family of employees, golf professionals, the United States Postal Service and countless members and guests for over a century. Here's to the next century.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GOLF

FROM THE HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Spring is here, the madness of March is upon us, and the Masters is right around the corner. All of this means one thing, golf season has fully begun!

Speaking of March Madness, we will be hosting our own Golf Shop bracket challenge for the NCAA tournament. Fill out a bracket, one per member, and turn it into the Golf Shop, with the winning bracket receiving a brand-new stock driver of their choice. There will be a $20 buy in, with points awarded for each winning pick. Look for more information coming out of the Golf Shop soon!

With new products hitting the Golf Shop for Spring, we have multiple different demo clubs to try for 2024. The new TaylorMade Qi10 series is here, with the most forgiving clubheads to date. The AI Smoke from Callaway has also arrived, very easy to hit and has a great feel. Both TaylorMade and Callaway have new golf balls to try as well, with much more information coming soon.

Diablo will host a several Tuesday Demo Days. Callaway on March 12, Titleist on March 26, and Ping on May 21. Sign up in the Golf Shop today.

The tournament season is getting started for Diablo Country Club, with the Niners starting the Club off with their Mardi Gras celebration scramble. Congratulations to the winning team of Jessica Chatto, Alix Allocco, Erika Woolley, and Ashley Thomsen posting a net 25. Great playing!

The DWGG has hosted a few medal play days, with both Cheryl Burleigh and Julie Bai winning low gross along with Shawn Luecht and Deb Stevens winning low net, well done to all. The Men’s Tournament Point series starts April 19 and 20 with the four-man competition, with the winning team headed to the NCGA East Bay Zone championship. Good Luck.

As for instruction, let’s all start the year with some good vibes on the putting green! I would love to see everyone on the putting green hitting only two kinds of putts to both practice and warm up. Long putts, or putts over 30’, and shorts putts of 4-5’. Why those two? Because if you can lag your 30+ foot putt to 4’, and make that putt, then you will save strokes. If we can save you one stroke for every 9 holes, which sounds so easy, then that automatically takes two strokes off a final score. As we get better at this, we can shave multiple strokes off our total score. Who doesn’t want to have a score five shots less, while only practicing two kinds of putts?

We look forward to seeing everyone work on their game as the course dries and the sun comes out.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Spring / Summer

IRON PLAY

Thursday, March 21

4:00-4:45pm, Watson's Vista

David Solomon

Iron play on the range. Refresh on how to practice and how to hit better iron shots.

PUTTING CLINIC

Thursday, April 18

4:00-4:45pm, Main Putting Green

David Solomon

Putting clinic on main putting green.

BUNKERS

Thursday, May 23

4:00-4:45pm, Bunker

David Solomon

Let's get out of the bunker! Come watch as we learn how to flip it out of the bunker with ease, and not only get it out, but get it close!

IRON CLINIC

Thursday, June 20

4:00-4:45pm, Watsons Vista, $40

David Solomon

Hands on iron clinic for the first 5 members to sign up.

For more information and to register, please contact: David Solomon at davids@diablocc.org

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

DIABLO WOMEN’S GOLF GROUP

"There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing."

Alfred Wainwright

DWGG SEASON OPENS!

The 2024 DWGG golf season kicked off in February with scattered showers and soggy soil but that didn’t stop the most devoted golfers from enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature and the perks of “winter rules.” Twenty-one golfers participated in medal play and the start of our year-long eclectic tournament on February 8th. Congratulations to Cheryl Burleigh and Julie Bai who earned overall low-gross and Shawn Luecht and Deborah Stevens who clinched low-net in our first two medal play days of the year. Great playing, golfers!

Our new Captain, Sia McDonald, led our first Board meeting where priorities for the year were discussed. One initiative for 2024 will be supporting our members in continuing to learn and apply the rules of golf. To that end, Caren Steffens (Handicap Chair) penned a detailed play day guide covering information about our competition formats, posting scores and recent World Handicap changes. Becky Gibbert (Tournament Chair) is challenging us with online rules quizzes. Fed Ec points are awarded to those who earn 100% on a quiz. Congrats to the players who aced it!

NCGA RULES DAY

Sara Sanders (Rules Chair) recently attended the three-day NCGA intensive rules seminar. It’s no surprise that Sara passed the challenging hours-long comprehensive exam at the end of the session. We are fortunate that Sara shares her knowledge with our group in her weekly “Rules Roundup.” Thank you, Sara!

“If you’re not playing by the rules, you’re not playing golf!” NCGA Seminar

FIRST TEE EQUIPMENT DONATIONS

Could you open a small used golf equipment store with all the old gear you have in your garage? DWGG Recording Secretary, Julie Hoyle, is on the Board of the First Tee Tri-Valley which needs donations of used clubs (men, women, youth) and bags of all sizes. Please consider thinning your collection of old equipment to support this great cause for kids. 501c3 tax receipts are provided upon request. Text Julie at 925.997.8864 or email her at juliehoyle@gmail.com to arrange pick up.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome our newest DWGG member, Teresa Martinez!

Calling women golfers: If your course handicap is 38 or under, you are cordially invited to our group! Though you may join any time during the year, our season just started, so why not challenge yourself to some friendly competition and make a few golf friends in the process? To learn more, click on DWGG on the Diablo Golf web page. Please join us, we’re fun!

GOLF GENIUS

New this season, DWGG will use the Golf Genius app for play days and tournaments. With the ability to access real-time leaderboards for our events and expedited results after tournaments, we will no longer hover over our patient golf pros as they tabulate and verify winners!

Beth in search of the golf-rainbow connection.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Formal Guest Day

Thursday, March 7

Rules Day

Thursday, March21

Informal Guest Day

Thursday, April 11

Spring Handicap 1ST Round

Thursday, April 25

Spring Handicap 2ND Round

Thursday, May 2

Member/Member

Thursday, May 23

Alice & Cheryl

Bobbie, Kathryn, JuneLindsay & Captain Sia after setting a course record for “Most Fun!”

Shawn, Becky G., Valerie S

Claudia, Julie B., Bobbie, Alison

EVENTS AND

ACTIVITIES GOLF

NINERS NEWS

Thank you to those Niners who attended the January Coffee & Croissants meeting from the comfort of their cozy homes as the rain turned our first meeting into an online welcome letter read by those saved from the cold, wet weather outside.

OUR 2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Co-Captains: Gail Bishop & Robin Henry (final year, gals!)

Membership: Ann Gilbert

Handicaps: Carole Kroyer

Treasurer: Carrie Perino

CRITICAL ADJUNCT BOARD MEMBERS

DWGG Liaison: Vicki Glockner

Golf Committee: Cher yl Burleigh

Rules & Review: Carol Santa Maria

Bylaws Revision: Becky Bates

We strongly encourage anyone interested in a board member position to "shadow" any of the ladies listed above in our informal meetings. It's a great way to see how easy and simple it is and be ready for 2025.

Our dedicated tee times for all Niners & Dual Members are from 9:00‒10:30 am. We formally released all tee times originally from 8:00‒8:50am to be available to ALL golf members, since we did not efficiently utilize that block of time.

Please save the date! Usually the third Tuesday, and a quarterly shotgun/luncheon. They are also listed under the "Golf" tab and Niners on the Club Calendar. We look forward to strong participation as Niners events are some of the best at the Club.

St. Patrick’s Day

Shotgun & Luncheon

Tuesday, March 19

Easter Egg Bonanza & Expertise Games

Tuesday, April 16 (Tee Times)

Scavenger Hunt or Derby Days

Tuesday, May 21 (Tee Times)

Beach Party

Shotgun & Luncheon

Tuesday June 18

Lastly, we celebrated Mardi Gras in style on Tuesday, February 13 with lots of purple, gold, and green masks! We played fun games at every hole, and please join me in sending a huge shoutout to Sally Brown, Shawn Luecht and Karen Bard who provided us all with Mardi Gras swag. So much enjoyment with a scramble, team scores, and searching for good luck babies!

SENIOR INTERCLUB HAPPENINGS

As we sloshed our way through a cold and wet February, we were hopeful the rain would end, and we would be ready to start our Senior Golf at the end of March. Signups on the Club calendar are open for our first event on Wednesday, March 20, the Diablo Senior Kickoff. All senior men are invited to play in this first event with an 8:30am shotgun and format 2 Best Balls of 4. It should be an exciting 2024 season as the grey clouds and rainy weather depart.

Our first away event is Thursday, April 11 at Richmond CC followed by a trip to Contra Costa CC on Wednesday, April 14. Typically, signups for our home and away events are live 30 days in advance of the event, and early signups are encouraged. Away events are usually capped at 20 players so be sure to sign up as soon as registration opens to secure your spot.

In May we will head to Blackhawk CC on Wednesday, May 1 to play the Lakeside course for the first time in 5 years. Last year at Blackhawk we were washed out. Following Blackhawk will be a trip to The Club at Castlewood on Wednesday, May 15. The final event in May will be a trip to Oakhurst CC on Thursday, May 23.

Visting Castlewood CC is always a pleasure for me as I was a member there between 1973 and 1987. Out of the many away clubs we visit, Castlewood is the most like Diablo for me. However, in my humble opinion, Diablo is a far better course because of design and our grass management.

We have some exciting news; we are trying to bring in one more club to our first home event on June 25. Plans are underway to add Peninsula Golf and Country Club of San Mateo to the 2024 calendar.

Gary Ryness

GARY RYNESS, Senior Captain

DIABLO SENIORS GOLF GROUP

The Diablo Seniors Golf Group offers an opportunity to play in a variety of one-day home and away golf events throughout the season. Events are comprised of low-key competition in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

We feature a Senior Kick-off tournament, midyear Pop Smith Senior Invitational and conclude our year with the Senior Finale.

All events include meals, carts and participation prizes. Winners of any flight also receive cash in the form of Pro Shop book credit for your shopping needs.

Clubs we play include Blackhawk, Castlewood, Claremont, Contra Costa, Green Valley, Napa, Orinda. Richmond, Round Hill, Ruby Hill, San Jose, and Sequoyah.

All regular members of Diablo Country Club who are at least 50 years of age and have paid the annual fee of $50 are eligible to participate in any of the golf outings they select and are automatically eligible to win the Senior of the Year award.

For further information you may contact our Captain, Gary Ryness at gary@ryness.com.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES GOLF

JUNIOR GOLF ‒ DIABLO DOMINATORS!

The Diablo Dominators will have two teams this year playing in the 13 & Under league. The season will start in May and continue through mid-August. Director of Instruction, Jim Collins, PGA will supervise the program. We will play matches against each other using the scramble format and will play against other teams. At the end of the season, we will have a qualifier for the All-Star Team!

Click below for more information and to register.

Diablo PGA Junior League | PGA Jr. League (pgajrleague.com) Code: 1914

New this year is the 17 & Under team! Same schedule as 13 & Under team. Eligible ages are 14-17. Same schedule and format.

Click here to register:

Diablo Senior PGA Junior League | PGA Jr. League (pgajrleague.com) Code: 1914

DIABLO SUMMER GOLF SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Jim Collins

JIM COLLINS, PGA

Director of Instruction

QUESTIONS?

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

GREENS & GROUNDS

Thank you everyone for an embracing welcome to Diablo! I have had the pleasure to meet so many great members and employees here every day, and it is a privilege to be a part of this dynamic Green Department team.

From the fun side of golf course maintenance, we have been starting subtle but impactful repairs of our gopher tunnels. The team is focusing on tee surfaces to start and are branching out to some surrounds where it is less than our standard. Gophers are a bane of existence to golfers so we will keep diligent on containing our gophers and will continue to decrease our population.

Annual Spring aerification will take place this upcoming May 6‒10. The course will be closed for regular play starting Monday morning and we believe all greens, tees and fairways will be completed by the end of Friday. The practice facility will be open Tuesday through Friday during aerification. Please mind our equipment traveling through the golf course.

In addition, we are going to start aggressively aerifying the rough so it will improve conditions, but more importantly help with winter conditions. Over time the winter “bog” rough will be regular firm rough for everyone to enjoy. Improving our roughs will not be a flip of the switch, but we are going to work aggressively towards it in the immediate future.

Day light savings begins March 10. My apologies to those golfers who will lose a few early tee times to darkness, but our later day hitters can carry on longer!

Adric Ryan

ADRIC RYAN, Director of Agronomy

DEMO DAYS

Callaway Demo Day

Tuesday, March 12

Titelist Demo Day

Tuesday, March 26

UPCOMING EVENTS

Seniors Kick Off

Wednesday, March 20

Spring Parent Junior

Sunday, April 14

MPS Four Man April 19 & 20

Gold Putter Entry Day

Saturday, May 11

Men’s Golf Memorial Day Mixer

Friday, May 24

Couples Golf Memorial Day Mixer

Sunday, May 26

Healthy rough prevents ruts…

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Greetings, Diablo Country Club Members!

As we glide into the heart of the spring season, our club is buzzing with excitement, and we can't wait to share the latest happenings with you. From lively tennis socials to thrilling tournaments and the growing popularity of pickleball, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

TENNIS HIGHLIGHTS

(From Darrin Cohen, Tennis Director)

Galentine's Day Tennis Social (February 14)

Love was in the air on February 14 as our tennis courts played host to the Galentine's Day Tennis Social. Members enjoyed a day of friendly competition, laughter, and camaraderie. Check out the delightful moments captured in the above photo!

USTA Junior Tennis Tournament (February 23‒24)

Our young tennis talents took center stage in the USTA Junior Tennis Tournament. The courts were abuzz with energy as budding athletes showcased their skills and sportsmanship. We've included four snapshots to give you a glimpse of the tournament action.

St. Patrick's Tennis Social (March 15)

Get ready to embrace the luck of the Irish on March 15 with our St. Patrick's Tennis Social. Green attire is encouraged as we gather for an afternoon of spirited tennis, festive refreshments, and a touch of Irish flair.

Tres De Mayo Tennis Social (May 3)

As we approach May, mark your calendars for the Tres De Mayo Tennis Social. It's sure to be a fiesta on the courts with lively matches, delicious treats, and a celebration of the vibrant spirit of our tennis community.

Ladies Tennis Member-Member (May 10)

Calling all our ladies for a special day of tennis bonding on May 10. The Ladies Tennis MemberMember event promises friendly competition, lasting friendships, and, of course, a lot of fun!

Galentines Tennis Social

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

PICKLEBALL SPOTLIGHT

(From Diana Lampi, Pickleball Ambassador)

Pickleball 101 Clinic (February 24)

On February 24 saw the launch of our 2024 Pickleball 101 Clinic Series, a fantastic introduction to the sport. Check out the action-packed photos showcasing participants honing their skills on the pickleball court.

Pickleball 101 Clinic (March 30)

Due to popular demand, we're hosting another Pickleball 101 Clinic on March 30. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your game, this clinic is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of pickleball.

Spring Ladder League (April‒May)

Stay tuned for more details on the official April 4 launch of our Spring Ladder League. It's an exciting chance to compete, improve, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

Pickleball 101 Clinic (April 27):

Cap off April with another round of Pickleball 101. If you missed the earlier clinics, here's your chance to jump in and experience the thrill of pickleball.

The courts are alive with action, and we can't wait to see you there! Keep an eye on our newsletters and notice boards for more updates on these fantastic events.

SWIM

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

LAP SWIM & RECREATIONAL SCHEDULE

MARCH & APRIL HOURS

MON & THUR

5:30‒8:00am 9:00am‒4:00pm 6:00‒8:00pm

TUES & WED

5:30am‒4:00pm 6:00‒8:00pm

FRI 5:30am‒8:00pm

SAT & SUN 6:30am‒8:00pm

UPCOMING

EVENTS

Back to Pool Night

Sunday, March 3

Spring Swim Clinics Start

Tuesday, March 5

Sharks Swim Time Trials

Thursday, May 23

Sharks Swim

Away at Otters

Wednesday, May 29

QUESTIONS?

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

UPDATES

Calling all Sharks, it's Swim Season!

Registration is currently open, and we encourage all swimmers to sign up and join the Diablo Sharks program.

PRE-SEASON SWIM CLINICS: Offered March and April for children ages 5 to 18 years old. Each four-week clinic will focus on teaching the mechanics of the four competitive strokes, starts, turns, and finishes. The overall goal is to create technically efficient strokes through instruction, stroke analysis, and correction. Each swimmer is encouraged to bring a pair of fins to help with body alignment in their stroke.

Program Outline:

Week 1: Freestyle & Backstroke

Week 2: Butterfly

Week 3: Breaststroke

Week 4: Starts, Flip Turns, & Finishes

Age/Clinic Time: (times may be adjusted due to numbers of participants)

6 years and under 4:00‒4:30pm

7 and 8 year olds

4:30‒5:10pm

9 to 18 years old

5:10‒6:00pm

Eligibility:

Dates: Monday to Thursday

March Clinic

Monday, March 4 to Thursday, March 28

Fees: (per 4-week clinic)

2 days a week: $108

4 days a week: $216

April Clinic

Monday, April 1 to Thursday, April 25

The fee will be billed to your DCC account.

Age Group Placement:

Age group placement is determined by a swimmers age on June 15.

For example, if a swimmer is seven on June 15, then they swim with the 7/8’s. If their birthday is on June 16, then they will swim as a 6 & Under.

∙ Minimum one year of swim team experience (Tiger Shark graduates welcome).

∙ Must have the ability to swim one length (25 yards) unassisted.

If your swimmers are unable to meet the requirements or are new to swimming, we recommend starting with our Tiger Sharks program (which begins in June). You can find additional information about this program on the Tiger Sharks menu of the website.

Registration/Questions: Please email Heather Johnston heatherj@diablocc.org

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES SWIM

Tiger Sharks "Pre-Swim Team” Program!

Our pre-competitive swim program, Tiger Sharks, is specifically designed for water lovers 3-5 years old who cannot yet swim the length of the pool (25 yards) in under one minute, therefore not yet ready to join the regular summer swim team. We encourage growth and development of swimming skills, while simultaneously building children’s confidence and LOVE for the sport of swimming.

Our program helps expose our youngest swimmers to the fun and teamwork involved a large swim team without the pressure of competition. We ensure a low swimmer to instructor ratio (typically 5:1) and our instructors also introduce technical language and drills used by Sharks Swim Team coaches. The end goal is to be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted (but heavily cheered on!) at our annual Tiger Sharks mini meet. It always proves to be a memorable event for the swimmers and parents.

Is your child ready for Tiger Sharks?

Children must already be comfortable in the pool, able to put their face in the water, hold their breath and float or swim without assistance for a few seconds. Tiger Sharks is not a beginner or water safety program.

Limited number of spaces:

We will limit the number of Tiger Shark swimmers to 25 spaces

Practice Schedule:

June 5 to July 23 Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri 12:00‒12:30pm (No practice July 4-5)

Apparel required:

∙ Swimsuit for practice

∙ 2+ pairs of goggles (buy good quality)

∙ Any swim cap

Registration/Questions:

Please email Heather at heatherj@diablocc.org

Meets and Activities:

Tiger Sharks End of Session Meet!

Thursday, July 25

Tiger Sharks and families are also invited to attend all other swim team social functions.

There are no parent work assignments in the Tiger Shark Program.

Registration: Look for the registration link on the Diablo Sharks Team Unify website or click here

NOTE: In the event that you register your child for the Diablo Swim Team, and they are not ready for swim team and placed in the Tiger Shark Program, the difference in registration fees will be credited to you.

BOCCE

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

BOCCE NEWS

2024 SPRING LEAGUE BOCCE SCHEDULE

March 13

Registration Opens

Lottery ‒ March 27

First ‒ Week of April 8

Bye ‒ Week of May 20

Last ‒ Week of May 27

Playoffs ‒ Week of May 3

Championship ‒ June 22

June 23

Tournament of Champions

CONTACT

Bocce Commissioner

Nikole Rubyn

nikoler@diablocc.org

Spring is upon us, and you know what that means….Bocce is back, and we are ready to roll.

We hope to welcome back our Club Champions Team Bada Bing, Irish Rollers, Honey Jackers, The Ballers, and Ballsagna. These are the teams to watch for and believe me when I say , they show up to win! I love the competitive spirit of our program and I enjoy the friendly play and respectfulness of our members to each other win or lose. Thank you to our Championship Captains Bill Houston, Justin Keane, Jodie Dowling, Mark Jones, and Bridget McDonnell. It is a pleasure to watch you play and the spirit you bring to the courts is unmatched.

For those of you who are new to Diablo Bocce, we encourage you to reach out to members and find out if they play, and if so, is there room on their team for the upcoming season. Teams are comprised of a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 20 players. It is always smart to have a larger team so you can be prepared for players’ vacations, being under the weather, kid’s obligations and so on.

The league allows 40 teams, 8 teams on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday/Saturday, and Sunday. In the past, Friday nights have been the popular choice and the most requested night by members. To respect that request, we will rotate all Friday and Saturday games each week to give equal Friday night play.

The season starts after the Spring Break / Easter holiday week and runs through early June. Kids Club will be offered on Friday and Saturday nights during matches and all attendance will be by reservation only. Kiddos will be dropped off and picked up from the Red Horse Tavern Too where Kids Club attendants have weekly activities planned and an optional buffet for dinner.

It’s important that young children are not at the bocce area, and the rule has always been children under 12 are not permitted. With that reminder, we do understand that we are in a special situation with the Clubhouse and Kids Club building being closed, so we just ask you to please try and make other arrangements for the little ones if possible.

If you have any questions or would like help being placed on a team, please reach out to me via email at bocce@diablocc.org.

Nikole Rubyn

BADA BING

IRISH ROLLERS

HONEY JACKERS

THE BALLERS

BALLSAGNA

NIKOLE RUBYN, Bocce Commissioner