THE WILSON WIRE
WILSON COUNTRY CLUB
YOUR CLUB
JANUARY - FEBRUARY HOURS OF OPERATION
GOLF SHOP
Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday-Sunday | 8:00am - 5:00pm
PRACTICE FACILITIES
Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday-Sunday | 8:00am - 5:00pm
CLUB ROOM DINING
Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday | CLOSED
Wednesday-Friday | 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday | CLOSED
Sunday | 11:00am - 2:00pm
*Our last dinner reservation time is 8:30pm, but our dining room and bar will remain open until your time with us concludes*
GROVER'S GRILL
Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday | 11:00am - 3:00pm for dining Bar open until 5:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am - 5:00pm, dining & bar
Sunday | 11:00am - 3:00pm for dining. Bar open until 5:00pm.
*Turn items available during all operational hours at Grover’s*
TENNIS PRO SHOP
Monday | Shop Closed, Courts open for play
Tuesday-Thursday | 8:30am - 6:00pm
Friday-Saturday | 8:30am -1:00pm
Sunday | Shop Closed, Courts open for play
FITNESS CENTER
Monday - Sunday | 5:00am - 9:45pm
CONTACT LIST
Grover’s Grill
Club Room
Reservations
Golf Shop
Membership
Food & Beverage Office
252.291.3815, press 3
252.291.3815 ext. 225
252.291.3815 ext. 221 (Tues.-Fri. 9am-5pm)
252 291 1144
252 291 3815 ext 222
252-291-3815 ext 228
Maya Panayotova | General Manager maya@wilsoncountryclub com
Ashley Odom | Member Services Director aodom@wilsoncountryclub.com
Thomas Walker
Bissette | Assistant Golf Professional jbissette@wilsoncountryclub
Craig Clemmer | Golf Course Superintendent cclemmer@wilsoncountryclub.com
CLUB UPDATES
Greetings,
2024 was truly a wonderful year, full of growth and progress, and I am very thankful for the amazing team that has helped make this club such a special place. It has been a true pleasure getting to know our members, and your continued support has made all the difference.
A special thanks goes to Craig and his crew for the outstanding golf course conditions they continue to provide I am excited to have Thomas, our Director of Golf, who joined the team this past year He has stepped in wherever needed, and his leadership and commitment have already proven invaluable
A big thank you goes to Jake, our Director of Tennis, who has planned a fantastic year full of events and is eager to grow our racket program. Jake has also taken great care of the courts, and we’re looking forward to an exciting year of tennis and pickleball. I am very appreciative of Evan and Chef Will for their exceptional work in turning around our Food and Beverage department, bringing fresh energy and delicious offerings to our members Their creativity and hard work have truly elevated our dining experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful of their efforts I am incredibly thankful for Ashley, our Membership Director, who has been a constant source of support from the very beginning Her dedication to both our members and the club is exceptional Ashley is always willing to go above and beyond, offering assistance with a smile and ensuring everything runs smoothly Gracie, who has taken over the activities program, has truly excelled in her role Her passion for creating engaging and fun events for our younger members has already made a big impact, and we can’t wait to see how the kids' programs continue to grow under her leadership. Travis, our Maintenance Director, works tirelessly to ensure everything at the club runs smoothly. His expertise and dedication keep everything functioning seamlessly, and I am deeply grateful for his efforts.
Lastly, I want to extend a special thanks to Jody Barnes and Maddy Bonnabeaux. While Jody moved into a corporate role at the start of last year, she has continued to provide invaluable support behind the scenes. Maddy, who is the Corporate Executive Support and Member Relations Coordinator, has also been a tremendous asset to the club A local Wilson resident, Maddy has been essential to our success since McConnell Golf's acquisition, and her contributions have been immeasurable I am deeply grateful for everything she does
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another year of exciting growth for the club We are thrilled by the positive changes already underway Our clubhouse has undergone several exciting improvements, and we are especially excited about the ongoing projects that will continue to enhance the member experience Here’s to another wonderful year at Wilson Country Club!
Warm regards, Maya Panayotova General
Manager
EMPLOYEE CORNER
A highlight of this year has been the launch of our Employee of the Month program It’s an honor to announce that our Employee of the Year award was shared by two outstanding team members: Dylan Glover and Jonathan Bissette Both have consistently gone above and beyond, always stepping up with a positive attitude and a "yes" when asked for help. We couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication
MEMBERSHIP
A NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year! I am excited to start the new year here at Wilson Country Club. During the past eight months you have all made me feel right at home. As we begin the new year, I am excited to continue to grow the membership here at the club. The club calendar this year is full of new and exciting events as well as some of your favorites We hope you will continue to share the club with your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues We grow our club on referrals, and we cannot do that without you Thank you
Ashley Odom
Membership Director
NotPictured:
Hunter Heuberger & Fiancé Brittany
Rebekah Barr with children Abigail & Thorne
Parker Lucas
Tony & Brenda Heath with son Spencer
Adam & Shelby Lindsay with children Jackson & Ruby
Ross & Shelby Vaughn with daughter James
Gingerbread House Kit Party
Polar Express Night with Santa Claus Santa Brunch
WCC buzz
Never
has begun! We enjoyed the
ride and dinner with Santa last night Look forward to making many more special memories this Christmas season!
Sarah Cockrell Wright We had SO much fun seeing Santa, riding the train and playing with friends tonight!
@melanie raynor
The magic of the season
Polar Express train
UPCOMING EVENTS
Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that 2024 has flown by, but I’m so grateful for the time I’ve spent here at Wilson Country Club since July. It has been a true pleasure getting to know each of you and experiencing all that this wonderful club has to offer. I’m really excited about the possibilities that 2025 holds, and I’m looking forward to another fantastic year ahead!
What are your New Year’s resolutions? While I don’t usually make resolutions, I do set goals for myself, and here are a few I’m excited to focus on this year:
Build a stronger bar program with unique and fun offerings for everyone to enjoy.
Develop a Wine program that provides exceptional experiences and great deals for our membership. Continue training and leading our staff to success, ensuring a seamless experience for all
Whether your resolutions or goals are personal or professional, I wish you all the best of luck in achieving them
As we move through these chilly months, we’ve got some great events lined up at the club! From wine tastings and seafood nights to ladies' nights and family nights, there’s something for everyone I can’t wait to see you all around the club and enjoy these events together Here’s to a fantastic 2025!
Cheers!
Evan Morris Director of Food & Beverage
Discover the perfect blend of elegance and excitement at WCC’s versatile event and meeting spaces
Whether it's a corporate gathering or a social soirée, our customizable venues offer the ideal backdrop for unforgettable experiences Elevate your event with our top-notch amenities and dedicated staff, ensuring seamless planning and execution every step of the way.
From intimate board meetings to grand celebrations, make your next event a resounding success at Wilson Country Club
For more details, contact Evan, emorris@wilsoncountryclub.com
HOT OFF THE GRILL - JANUARY DINING EVENTS
PRISONER WINE TASTING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
SEAFOOD NIGHT & LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
LADIES NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 | 6:00PM START
Join us for an exclusive tasting of bold, award-winning wines from The Prisoner Wine Company Discover the rich, complex flavors of their signature blends, crafted with a unique, boundary-pushing approach to winemaking Don’t miss this opportunity to experience their distinctive wines in a relaxed, informative setting, complemented by a selection of delicious hors d'oeuvres Enjoy an unforgettable evening of great wine, food, and conversation!
SUNDAY
BRUNCH BUFFET
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 | 10:30AM - 1:30PM
Join us for the delicious Sunday Brunch Buffet at WCC! Indulge in a variety of gourmet dishes, including madeto-order omelets, fresh pastries, and seasonal dishes It’s an ideal way to kick off your day, whether you’re fueling up for a round of golf or just relaxing with friends Bring your appetite and enjoy the best flavors of the season
Join us for a seafood buffet at the club, featuring chef’s fresh catches of the season, and more! Indulge in a variety of expertly prepared dishes in a lively, social atmosphere Don’t miss out on this delicious event! Reserve your spot for a night of endless seafood! There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event.
Join us for another fun-filled Ladies’ Night with light hors d'oeuvres, and a cozy chunky blanket-making session! Enjoy great vibes and the perfect chance to unwind with friends while creating something special Don't miss out on this night of laughter, creativity, and relaxation! Reservations Required There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
RESERVATIONS REQUESTED FOR ALL EVENTS TO ENSURE YOUR WILSON COUNTRY CLUB STAFF CAN PREPARE. FROM DINING TO EVENTS, WE WANT TO KNOW THAT YOU’RE COMING! THERE IS A 48HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY ON CLUB EVENTS.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Grab your partners in wine Enjoy our regular dinner service in the upstairs Club Room with $1 off a glass of wine, 50% off bottled house wine and 20% off other bottled wine, excluding the McConnell Signature wines
HOT OFF THE GRILL - FEBRUARY DINING EVENTS
FAMILY PIZZA & BINGO NIGHT
FRIDAY, FEB. 7 | 5:30PM-8:30PM
Join us for a fun-filled Family Pizza & Bingo Night at the club! Enjoy a delicious spread of pizza, wings and other goodies, exciting bingo games, and quality time with family and friends It's the perfect night for all ages win prizes, share laughs, and create lasting memories together! BINGO!!!! There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
PRIME RIB NIGHT
FRIDAY, FEB. 21 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Join us for Prime Rib Buffet Night, featuring tender prime rib and a wonderful spread of the chef’s specialties It's a feast you won’t want to miss come hungry and enjoy a night of incredible food! Reservations Required There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Grab your partners in wine Enjoy our regular dinner service in the upstairs Club Room with $1 off a glass of wine, 50% off bottled house wine and 20% off other bottled wine, excluding the McConnell Signature wines
LADIES NIGHT - GALENTINE’S NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 | 6:00PM START
Celebrate Galentine's Day at the club with an unforgettable Ladies' Night! Enjoy decorating delicious chocolate-covered strawberries and indulge in a tasting of wines perfect for the gals It’s a night of sweet treats, great drinks, and even better company Don’t miss out on this fun, festive celebration of friendship! Reservations Required There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event.
SUNDAY BRUNCH
SUNDAY, FEB. 23 | 10:30AM - 1:30PM
Join us for the delicious Sunday Brunch Buffet at WCC! Indulge in a variety of gourmet dishes, including made-toorder omelets, fresh pastries, and seasonal dishes It’s an ideal way to kick off your day, whether you’re fueling up for a round of golf or just relaxing with friends. Bring your appetite and enjoy the best flavors of the season.
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
FRIDAY, FEB. 14 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the club with a delicious prefixe menu full of mouthwatering treats Perfect for a romantic evening or a fun night with friends join us for an unforgettable dining experience Celebrate love, laughter, and great food with those who matter most Reservations Required There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT
FRIDAY, FEB. 28 | 5:30PM
Get ready for a thrilling Murder Mystery Night at the club! Join us for dinner beforehand, then step into the mystery, unravel clues, and work together to solve the crime in this interactive, suspense-filled evening Enjoy a fun, engaging experience with twists and turns at every corner. All ages are welcome bring your detective skills and join the excitement! Reservations Required There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
HOT OFF THE GRILL
Dear Members,
2025 is now here! I hope everyone had a happy, healthy, and successful 2024 year. It was a pleasure seeing so many families having a great time this past year, and we’re excited for even more fun events in 2025!
As the seasons change, so does our menu! We’re excited to introduce fresh, creative dishes that highlight the best seasonal ingredients Whether you're joining us for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a special event, our team is ready to make your dining experience exceptional. Be sure to ask about our featured seasonal specials next time you visit we can't wait to share them with you!
Thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you soon!
William Tew, Executive Chef
JANUARY COOKIE OF THE MONTH
COCONUT MACAROONS
REBECCA KEIL, EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF AT PORTERS NECK COUNTRY CLUB
“From a young age, I fell in love with the sweet, buttery, chewy texture of Coconut Macaroons The simplicity of the recipe combined with the complexity of the flavor, including the toasted coconut, makes this a small bite for anyone to enjoy I find it best in the winter months, sitting by a fire, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa, snuggled up in a blanket Happy New Year!” - Rebecca Keil
View the recipe here: https://www.clubconnection.blog/2025-cookies/jan
FEBRUARY COOKIE OF THE MONTH
GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
KENRIC HUNT, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
“You would never guess that these chocolate chip cookies are gluten free They’re soft and chewy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and loaded with chocolate chips!” - Kenric Hunt
View the recipe here:
https://www.clubconnection.blog/2025-cookies/feb
As we close out 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful year we’ve shared First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Reid Hill for his tremendous 27 years of service Reid’s unwavering dedication and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on our membership and community, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.
Last year, under the leadership of Craig Clemmer and his team, Wilson Country Country Club enjoyed some of the best golfing conditions in its history. Their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence have ensured the best golfing experience every time you step onto the course. We’re truly fortunate to have such a dedicated team working to enhance our course.
Now, as we embrace the winter months, there will still be opportunities to keep your golf game sharp on those mild days Please remember that frost and freeze delays may occur, and we will make adjustments to maximize playing opportunities whenever possible. For daily updates, check the tee sheet notes or contact the Golf Shop for details about conditions and course availability.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re thrilled about the exciting developments on the horizon This spring, we will unveil the Operation36 Program, designed to foster growth and skill development for golfers of all ages and experience levels. Additionally, our golf schedule will feature fresh, engaging events while honoring the traditions that make our club so special.
As we usher in the new year, I want to thank our members for their unwavering support of the club and golf operations Your enthusiasm, participation, and commitment are the heart of what makes Wilson Country Club truly exceptional.
The golf staff is eager to continue elevating your experience, growing our events, and delivering an outstanding golf season in 2025 If I can assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out I am here for you and always happy to help
Best,
Thomas Walker, PGA Director of Golf
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our members! Thank you for making this year’s Christmas in the South Toy Drive a success. Your donations, in partnership with the Wilson Police Department, brought smiles to so many children this past holiday season We look forward to spreading joy again together next Christmas
GREENS AERIFICATION
MARCH 24-25
COUPLES GOLF EVENT
APRIL 25
MEN’S NET MATCH STARTS
APRIL 26
LADIES’ MEMBER-GUEST
MAY 2
MEN’S MEMBER-MEMBER
MAY 16-18
MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT
MAY 26
2025 GOLF SCHEDULE
TWO-BALL INVITATIONAL
JUNE 7-8
LADIES’ MEMBER-MEMBER
JUNE 10
PARENT CHILD CHAMPIONSHIP
JUNE 21
FAIRWAY AND TEE AERIFICATION
JUNE 23-25
COUPLES GOLF EVENT
JULY 18
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
AUGUST 9-10
ONE DAY MEMBER-GUEST
SEPTEMBER 19
COUPLES GOLF EVENT
SEPTEMBER 26
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND (ALL) OCTOBER 4-5
MEN’S MEMBER GUEST INVITATIONAL OCTOBER 16-18
SANTA SCRAMBLE
DECEMBER 6
Join the Ladies Golf Association!
Looking for a great way to enjoy golf and connect with others? Our Ladies Golf Association offers weekly play days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, running from April through November It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow golfers and explore other courses during our group outings Applications are available in the Golf Shop or Front Office We’d love to have you join us for fun, camaraderie, and great golfing experiences!
Most have seen by now that we have done some very impactful tree removal from the standpoint of improving shade issues The trees on No 15 were not just arbitrarily cut This time of year, the green stayed shaded for most, if not all, of the morning This dramatically affects the green staying frozen longer during severely cold weather, but it also impacts the soil temperatures by keeping them lower overall In the end, this affects how long it takes for the green to “wake up” in the spring and how it performs through the summer With the sprayer damage that we had on this green this past spring, I needed to eliminate this issue so that we can get this green back on track for the coming year
No 7 fairway is another area that we concentrated on correcting shade issues This is a bit more challenging due to the fact of how this hole is laid out with relation to the position of the sun this time of year The object here is not to eliminate shade, but rather to lessen the pancake effect that comes from one tree being in front of another and so on, which eventually leads to complete darkness on the turf We thinned out the left side substantially There were a few trees in there that we found out were dead We unearthed an oak tree that was crowded out by pines, so hopefully this will be a specimen tree for that area in the years to come The other objective is to selectively thin the trees out and eliminate competition for the grass from the tree roots.
Some exciting changes to the clubhouse landscaping have happened. We tore out some of the old landscaping at the entrance sign, the upper service entrance, and around the golf shop. We have also replanted the areas around the golf shop and the patio area as well as additional plantings around the putting green area. There will be blooms at various times of the year as well as varying colors from the plant foliage to make things more enjoyable from an aesthetic point of view.
In early January, we will start adding concrete to the golf shop entrance area and reworking the fence at the upper service entrance to add a gate. This will not only help to hide the dumpsters but also make the entrance and exit for the delivery trucks better.
We hope that you all will enjoy the improvements! I hope that you had a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas!
Warm regards,
Craig Clemmer, Wilson Country Club Superintendent
As we approach the winter months, we’d like to share a few important reminders regarding the Har-Tru clay courts During December, January, and February temperatures can dip below freezing, which often causes our clay courts to freeze in the mornings. Clay courts tend to retain moisture, increasing the likelihood of freezing, especially when combined with the shade from the larger trees behind the courts, blocking sunlight during the early part of the day.
For your safety and to protect the courts, please check with the tennis pro shop to confirm court conditions before playing If in doubt, it’s always best to refrain from playing on the clay courts and instead use the hard court at the back of the facility. This will help ensure the courts remain in good condition and prevent any unnecessary damage.
As a reminder, please reserve your spots on the tennis and pickleball courts through our online reservation system If you’re bringing a guest, please be sure to indicate this when making your reservation
Monday Pickleball Open Play
Please reach out to me by email jmccartney@wilsoncountryclub com for any questions you may have about our tennis and pickleball programs. See you on the courts!
SAVE THE DATE: TENNIS & PICKLEBALL TRIPS
TENNIS TRIPS
May 2-4: 3.0-3.5 Ladies’ Trip
Wilmington - Porters Neck Country Club
Sept 26-29: 2.5-3.0 Ladies’ Trip
Charlotte - Providence Country Club
PICKLEBALL TRIP
Oct 24-26: McConnell
Pickleball Trip
Greensboro - Sedgefield Country Club
FREE INTRO TO TENNIS/PICKLEBALL CLINICS
Try Pickleball Clinic
Jan 13 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Feb 10 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Try Tennis Clinic
Jan 16 6:00 – 7:00 PM Feb 13 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday Yellow Ball Clinic (Ages 12+) Mixed Doubles Open Play (Tennis)
Wednesday
Pickleball Beginner Clinic Tennis Tots Clinic (Ages 5-7)
Thursday Orange/Green Ball Clinic (Ages 8-11)
Friday Ladies’ Tennis Clinic
Saturday Cardio Tennis & Games Clinic
Please use our online reservations to reserve your spot on the court
MCCONNELL GOLF NEWS
MCCONNELL GOLF TO HOST BACK-TO-BACK KORN FERRY TOUR EVENTS AGAIN IN 2025
McConnell Golf properties will once again host Korn Ferry Tour events in consecutive weeks when the Visit Knoxville Open and UNC Health Championship showcase the game’s rising stars Visit Knoxville Open which as been contested every season since the Korn Ferry Tour’s NC Health Championship will take place at Raleigh Country Club for : https://www youtube com/watch?v=qhrFFPg0qrk
SHARE YOUR STORY IN THE SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE OF MCCONNELL GOLF, THE MAGAZINE
We want to hear from you! Share your most memorable moments from the course, courts, or clubhouses across McConnell Golf for a chance to be featured in the upcoming Spring/Summer issue of McConnell Golf, The Magazine. Whether it's a tournament triumph, family tradition, or unforgettable trip, your stories are what bring our magazine to life. If you have an interesting story to share with us, contact Communications Director, Faith Inman at finman@mcconnellgolf.com for a chance to be featured in our next edition
2025 GOLF SCHEDULE BOOKLET COMING SOON
Hitting your mailboxes in January, the 2025 McConnell Golf schedule booklet features all the information you need to get ready for the upcoming golf season. From club tournament dates to pro shop hours and instructional lesson rates, you’ll have a compact guide right at your fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, stay in the loop with a calendar that will take the hassle out of planning your next golf adventure
COURSE OPEN
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
PRISONER WINE TASTING
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
LADIES NIGHT
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
SEAFOOD NIGHT & LIVE MUSIC
COURSE OPEN
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
LADIES NIGHT
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
FAMILY PIZZA & BINGO NIGHT
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER PRIME RIB NIGHT
SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT
Wilson Country Club
4509 Country Club Dr. N Wilson, NC 27896
The O’Hara brothers, Clint and Kevin (pictured left), were crowned the overall champions at the 2024 WCC Member-Guest! Participants were treated with amazing golf course conditions and superb food and hospitality. Congratulations to all of the participants.
View the flight winners below:
Clint O’Hara | Kevin O’Hara (Merion Flight)
Matt Figg | Bill Weisse (Augusta Flight)
Dale Pulczinski | Clint Westergaard (Riviera Flight)
Keith Babb | Carson Tucker (Portland GC Flight)
John Rhyne | Preston Rhyne (Carnoustie Flight)