THE WILSON WIRE
WILSON COUNTRY CLUB
YOUR CLUB
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 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, Courts open for play
Friday-Saturday | 8:30am -1:00pm, Courts open for play
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 (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
Jonathan Bissette | Assistant Golf Professional jbissette@wilsoncountryclub com Craig Clemmer | Golf Course Superintendent cclemmer@wilsoncountryclub.com
CLUB UPDATES
Greetings,
I am delighted to share that we have two wonderful new additions to our management team: Travis Kirby, our new Director of Maintenance, and Thomas Walker, our new Director of Golf.
Travis brings a wealth of experience in HVAC and maintenance, making him a valuable asset to our club. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, cooking, golfing, and cherishing moments with his friends and wife. Please join me in giving Travis a warm welcome when you see him around the clubhouse!
Thomas joins us with a rich background, particularly in developing programs for golfers of all skill levels, with a strong emphasis on junior golf. His work with the Operation 36 program has earned him a nomination for this year’s Top 50 Coach Award. Thomas is looking forward to enhancing the member and guest experience and has exciting plans to upgrade our tournament program in 2025.
Thomas, his wife Bridget, and their 7-year-old son George are excited to become part of our community and to contribute to the growth of our golf operation
We are excited to share that the installation of new LED lights on all of our hard courts and the first two clay courts is now complete! This upgrade will greatly enhance your evening play experience, especially as we head into the cooler months with shorter daylight hours.
With the new lights in place, we can now offer an expanded schedule of evening programming for both tennis and pickleball. Be sure to keep an eye on the upcoming calendar for new events, lessons, and matches that will take full advantage of the improved lighting.
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, we have a variety of festive events planned for you and your families From holiday-themed events to our annual Thanksgiving dinner and seasonal celebrations, we can’t wait to share these special moments with all of you Be sure to keep an eye out for our full holiday event calendar!
Wishing you all a joyous season ahead, and I look forward to seeing you around the club
Warm regards,
Maya Panayotova General Manager
FALL IS HERE
The weather has become perfect for golf, tennis, pickleball and enjoying the many activities the WCC staff has in store for you, the membership. Are you ready to make more fun memories here at the Club from the Fall Festival/Chili Cookoff, Oysterfest, Santa Brunch & Dinner and our Member Ugly Sweater evening We are excited to host you Thank you for continuing 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:
Gayle Urquhart
Matthew Wells
Richard Allegood
Matt&MaryBartell
John&AngieBlinn
Thomas&CarrieBardinwithsonGatling
Cameron&ChessonGombatzwith childrenParrish,Grace&Frances
WCC buzz
Never miss out on a club event, the latest McConnell Golf news or the chance to share your member experience. Stay connected to Wilson Country Club and McConnell Golf on social media and join the conversation today.
@wilsoncountryclub @wilsoncountryclub
@ameilacbyrd <3Mr&MrsRising<3
@sarahw3532 We had a great time at movie night tonight!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Just like that, fall is halfway over, and we’re stepping into the holiday season! This is truly my favorite time of year, as we usher in the colder weather and enjoy precious moments with friends and family, as well as all of the holiday food items and seasonal cocktails!
At Wilson Country Club, I’m excited to share our wonderful lineup of festive events planned just for you From our cozy gatherings to delicious holiday dinners, there’s something special for everyone. I can’t wait for our Ugly Sweater Member Party, where we can all show off our most outrageous holiday attire, and I’m especially looking forward to our enchanting New Year’s Eve Dinner what a perfect way to welcome the year ahead!
Please be sure to book your spots for these holiday events as soon as possible Let’s make this holiday season one to remember together! I hope to see you at our upcoming events, and I’m eager to celebrate the magic of this season with each of you. Stay tuned for more details, and don’t forget to mark your calendars!
Cheers!
Evan Morris Director of Food & Beverage
Brunch
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 - NOVEMBER DINING EVENTS
FALL FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Celebrate the season at our Fall Festival, where the club transforms into a festive playground of fun and flavor! Enjoy classic fair-style food and warm up with a chili tasting, while taking a part in a variety of activities perfect for all ages Bring your family and friends for a day of autumnal delights and seasonal cheer!
SUNDAY BRUNCH
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 | 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
OYSTERFEST
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Join us for WCC’s spectacular Oysterfest! Savor the freshest oysters, expertly shucked and served alongside gourmet sides and delightful pairings Enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere as you mingle with friends and fellow seafood lovers Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone Don’t miss out on this delicious event! Reserve your spot now and get ready to indulge! There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
THANKSGIVING FEAST
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Gather family and friends and join us as we celebrate this wonderful holiday at Wilson Country Club featuring a bountiful Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings Let us do the cooking so that you can celebrate all that you are thankful for Reservations required There is a 48hour cancellation policy for this event
J. LOHR WINE DINNER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 | 6:00PM START
Join us for a curated multi-course dining experience, perfectly paired with a selection of exquisite J Lohr wines Savor culinary creations crafted by our talented chef; each dish designed to complement the rich flavors of these renowned wines Enjoy an intimate atmosphere filled with great conversation, and hear from a J. Lohr representative who will share insights into the winemaking process 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
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
HOT OFF THE GRILL - DECEMBER DINING EVENTS
DINNER WITH SANTA
WEDNESDAY, DEC 4 | 5:30PM-8:30PM
Join us for a festive feast featuring a delicious buffet filled with holiday favorites that will delight the whole family. Capture the spirit of the season as Santa himself makes a special appearance, spreading cheer and taking photos with guests of all ages It is sure to be a magical night perfect for the holiday season! There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
WCC CHRISTMAS PARTY
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 | 6:30PM-10:30PM
Get ready to dazzle in your most festive attire at our Holiday Member Party! Whether you choose to rock an outrageous ugly sweater or your most formal holiday ensemble, we invite you to join us for a night filled with fun Enjoy lively music, delicious food, and plenty of holiday cheer as you mingle with fellow members Show off your creative outfits, savor seasonal bites, and dance the night away It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and fellow members in a joyful atmosphere There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event.
NYE DINNER
TUESDAY, DEC 31 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Join us at the club for the final dinner of the year! Celebrate the arrival of 2025 at our enchanting New Year’s Eve Dinner, featuring a delectable multi-course menu, expertly crafted to delight your taste buds There is a 48hour cancellation policy for this event
GINGERBREAD KIT PARTY
SATURDAY, DEC. 7 | 10:30AM-1:00PM
Join us for a delightful morning filled with holiday cheer, where guests of all ages are invited to craft their own unique gingerbread houses Enjoy the festive atmosphere while sipping on hot cocoa and indulging in cookies and other delicious holiday treats. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a first-timer, this fun event promises to spark your imagination and spread joy Bring your family and friends reserve your spot now and get ready to build some holiday magic! There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
POLAR EXPRESS MOVIE NIGHT
SATURDAY, DEC 14 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
All aboard the Wilson Polar Express! Join us for a cozy screening of the beloved holiday classic, where the wonder of Christmas comes to life Come and enjoy a great dinner before the showing, followed by hot cocoa and festive treats as you settle in for an unforgettable cinematic experience Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget to wear your favorite pajamas for an extra touch of holiday spirit! Perfect for all ages, this enchanting night is sure to create lasting memories
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
SANTA BRUNCH
SUNDAY, DEC. 8 | 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Join us for a jolly Santa Brunch at the WCC! Gather with family and friends for a festive feast filled with delicious brunch favorites and seasonal treats Enjoy a delightful spread while Santa makes his special appearance, ready to spread cheer and take photos with guests of all ages. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience reserve your table today for a magical brunch with Santa! There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for this event
SUNDAY BRUNCH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 | 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
HOT OFF THE GRILL
Dear Members,
It has been a great year so far at the club, and we have made a lot of new memories this year while trying different and new events such as Movie Night, Wine and Design, and Brews and Tunes. We hope everyone has enjoyed the summer season and as we enter fall and the holiday months to come, there will be more opportunities to enjoy each other’s company, the club, and some of our annual events like the Brunch with Santa and the Club Christmas Dinner.
We hope everyone is finding some new favorite items on the new lunch, dinner, and brunch menus and we will continue to do specials to keep it interesting and fresh on the menu side of things, as well as our end-of-month Sunday Brunch Buffets Be sure to check the calendar of events and join us in some holiday fun and sign up for an event you and your families may enjoy We look forward to an amazing holiday season and finishing out the year with a bang
Thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you soon!
William Tew, Executive Chef
NOVEMBER COOKIE OF THE MONTH
BROWN BUTTER-CHOCOLATE CHIP
IRIS ANDERSON, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB
“I enjoy making these cookies for friends and family during the holidays season.” - Iris Anderson
View the recipe at https://bit.ly/nov-chocolate-chip
DECEMBER COOKIE OF THE MONTH
WHITE CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY
KENRIC HUNT, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT BROOK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
“Every year, without fail, my grandma and I would gather in her cozy kitchen to make her famous white chocolate and cranberry cookies for Christmas It was our cherished tradition, the perfect mix of flour, sugar, and laughter As we measured, mixed, and baked, the kitchen would fill with the irresistible aroma of those festive treats. The cookies weren't just delicious; they were a warm and comforting reminder of the love we had for one another ” - Kenric Hunt
View the recipe at https://bit.ly/dec-chocolate-cranberry
WELCOME, THOMAS
We are pleased to announce that Thomas Walker, the Head Golf Professional at Raleigh Country Club, will step into Reid’s role as Director of Golf on Tuesday, October 22. Thomas has been on staff at Raleigh Country Club for the past 10 years, progressing from Assistant Golf Professional to Head Golf Professional. A native of Roxboro, North Carolina, Thomas graduated from Methodist University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration/PGA
Golf Management He has a strong background in developing programs for golfers of all skill levels, with a particular focus on junior golf His expertise in utilizing Operation 36 has earned him a nomination for this year's Top 50 Coach Award He is well-versed in McConnell Golf standards and looks forward to enhancing the customer service experience for members and guests, as well as upgrading the tournament program in 2025.
Thomas is excited to join the Wilson team and to meet the membership when he starts in a few weeks Please join me in welcoming him, his wife Bridget, and their 7-year-old son George to the Wilson Country Club family. They are thrilled about this opportunity and eager to grow the golf operation for years to come.
JUNIOR PRIVATE LESSONS CALL THE PRO SHOP TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR LESSON!
SAVINGS TIME ENDS | SUNDAY, NOV. 3
VETERAN’S DAY: GOLF OPERATIONS OPEN | NOV 11 GOLF OPERATIONS CLOSED | TUESDAY, NOV 12
JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
Golf is a family affair for the Owens family, as evidenced by September’s Junior Club Championship Zack Owens won the Junior Boys’ title, and his younger sister Abigail was triumphant in the Junior Girls’ Club Championship.
Zack won with a sizzling closing nine holes of 36 to hold off Charlie Thurston in the Boys’ 15-18 division Brady Howell was the winner of the Boys’ 10-12 division, with Ben Stadiem in second, while Thomas Wright won the Boys’ 9 & Under division.
Abigail won her event, while Lucy Stadiem was runner-up Congrats to all that participated in this year’s event All of our juniors conducted themselves wonderfully, and we are so proud of their conduct and respect for their playing partners!
WCC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2024 WCC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP!
Dwayne Baker (Men's Club Champion)
Patch Wilkinson (Women's Club Champion
David Lee (Men's Senior Champion)
Cathy Lane (Women's Senior Champion)
Mark Whitley (Men's Runner-Up)
Hewitt Poland (Men’s Senior Runner-Up)
M.A. Tyson (Men's Senior Net Champion)
Lisa Matthews (Women's Runner-Up)
Left: Mark Whitley Right: Dwayne Baker
Left: Christian Clifton Right: Coalter Paxton IV
Left: Hewitt Poland Right: David Lee
Left: Patch Wilkinson Middle: Lisa Matthews Right: Cathy Lane
Over the past month or so I have received quite a few questions about the rough I can assure you that we are maintaining the rough in the same manner as all of the other McConnell Golf properties that have hybrid Bermuda grass rough We mow it at 2 inches, just like the other clubs It is fertilized just like the other clubs are as well It is challenging for sure, but that is one of the goals of McConnell Golf to maintain challenging golf courses After all, it is rough and should be penal if you hit into it It is also one of the reasons that the golf course as a whole does not have a lot of weeds The best defense against weeds is a dense, healthy stand of grass I have always maintained the course with this theory in mind and will continue to do so Maintaining it at a lower height is not really feasible, as it would need to be mowed more often to keep it at that height, and we simply cannot achieve that under the labor and equipment constraints that we are under now We will have our first frost in the coming weeks, and hopefully that will make it more tolerable
Over the past few weeks and even months we have been getting our fair share of rain With Helene, we had close to 3 inches fall in a matter of about 45 minutes The maintenance on the bunkers has been relentless, to say the least The crew has kept their heads high and continued to meet every challenge while maintaining the course even with all of the adversity However, it has made it challenging to get other projects started that we have planned. I have three or four small drainage projects that we need to get completed. We should be doing some landscaping projects around the back of the clubhouse in the coming months as well, and we need to cut down some trees that have died as well as some that are shading 15 green, especially during the winter months.
I hope that this newsletter finds you all doing well, and the maintenance crew and myself wish you and your families a happy holiday in advance! I hope to see you all around the course soon.
Regards,
Craig Clemmer, Wilson Country Club Superintendent
COURTSIDE NEWS
Members,
My family and I have transitioned into a normal routine well after the arrival of our little guy, and I am excited to continue building our program offerings throughout the remainder of the year. The fall is a great time to play racquet sports, so I encourage everyone to come out and play even if you have not played before. All of our clinics have been added to our club calendar, where you can sign up for our sessions. It is very
important that we have everyone sign up beforehand for events so that we can have the correct coaching coverage and know who is attending in case of inclement weather canceling the session. I have also completed my pickleball coaching certification recently and am available for both tennis and pickleball lessons or group lessons, so please reach out to me to schedule a time
I would love to hear from anyone that had any feedback or ideas of what they would like to see from our programming, or if anyone would like to support a certain open play opportunity, I am more than happy to give any resources needed to get more member/member play off the ground
Jake McCartney Director of Tennis jmccartney@wilsoncountryclub.com
Try Pickleball Clinic
Nov 4th 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Dec 9th 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Try Tennis Clinic
Nov 14th 6:00 – 7:00 PM Dec 17th 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Monday Pickleball Open Play
Tuesday
Yellow Ball Clinic (Ages 12+)
Mixed Doubles Open Play (Tennis)
Wednesday
Pickleball Beginner Clinic
Orange/Green Ball Clinic (Ages 8-11)
Tennis Tots Clinic (Ages 5-7)
Thursday
Advanced/Performance Clinic (Ages 12+)
Orange/Green Ball Clinic (Ages 8-11)
Friday
Ladies’ Clinic
Saturday
Cardio Tennis & Games Clinic
Pickleball Clinic (Intermediate) 6:00 – 8:00 PM 5:00 – 6:00 PM 6:00 – 8:00 PM 9:00 – 10:00 AM 5:00 – 6:00 PM 6:00 – 6:30 PM 4:30 – 5:30 PM 5:30 – 6:30 PM 9:00 – 10:00 AM 9:00 – 10:00 AM 10:00 – 11:00 AM
MCCONNELL GOLF, THE MAGAZINE
Hot off the press! The second edition of our 2024 magazine lineup has arrived! This Fall/Winter edition features highlights from the 2024 Wyndham Championship, as well as stories from our members and employees, and updates on clubhouse interior projects We also invite you to share your member experiences for our upcoming 2025 publications. To submit your story idea, visit bit.ly/mcconnellgolfmagazinestories and complete the form, or email Faith Inman at finman@mcconnellgolf.com Thank you for helping us make this publication a success!
HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF
As we recover from Hurricane Helene, we offer our heartfelt support to everyone affected by its devastation. If you would like to help out in some way, please consider donating to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, which supports disaster survivors, or Mountain Pet Rescue, which aids displaced animals You can make a donation to either of these worthy causes by visiting the links below
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: bit ly/ncdisasterrelieffund
Mountain Pet Rescue: bit ly/mountainpetrescue
THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST HERE SHOP & SAVE!
Enjoy our “Best of ’24” sale with exclusive deals on this year’s top picks:
Peter Millar College Game Day Package
Discounted Stache 40oz "Stanley" Tumblers
Peter Millar x McConnell Golf Property Belt
Don’t miss our Black Friday Sale from Nov 27 - Dec 2 for even more great offers! To share the holiday spirit, 20% of all sales through mcconnellgolf shop will be donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund through 2024. Merry Christmas & God bless! Keep an eye on your inbox for more details from onlineorders@mcconnellgolf.com.
