Player Development Professional Ryan Williams 369-2371 | rawilliams@woodbridgegcc.com
Golf Shop/Tee Times 369-2371
Fitness Center Coordinator Tariq Glenn 370-6330 | sports@woodbridgegcc.com
Tennis Professional Mauricio Achondo, USPTA 327-5659 | machondo@woodbridgegcc.com
Tennis Professional Haley Marais, USPTA 275-5158 | hmarais@woodbridgegcc.com
Sports Complex & Reservations 370-6330
2024 DECEMBER THE TAP IN
Short, quick news
Dec 31 is deadline for last names starting with A-L
If your last name starts with A-L, your food and beverage quarterly minimum ends this month. As a reminder, our events, Cafe food and beverage, beverage cart and wine bottle purchases all count toward your food and beverage minimum.
Upcoming Member Events & Meetings
Dec 5: Charity Bridge
Dec 5: Sports Committee Meeting
Dec 8: Sip & Paint — the Grinch
Dec 8: NFL Game Night in the Cafe
Dec 15: Lewis & Clark Tournament
Dec 17: Finance Committee Meeting
Dec 19: House & Social Committee Meeting
Dec 20: CENTENNIAL FINALE — Christmas Dinner Dance
Dec 21: Turkey Shoot Round Robin
Dec 22: Brunch with Santa
Dec 24: CHRISTMAS EVE — Club closes at 3pm
Dec 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS — Club is Closed
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner
November Scores
1 Sharon Daegling & Jackie Burrows 3350
Linda Fugazi & Eric Daegling 2840
Group 3
Jean Devine & Jo Anne Barkley 3700
BY RYAN BILL GENERAL MANAGER
EXCITING NEWS: THE CAFE IS OPEN!
We are thrilled to announce that the Café has reopened its doors following a much-anticipated renovation! With its fresh new look and enhanced features, we hope the updated space offers an inviting and comfortable experience for all our members and guests.
While the Café is now fully operational, we want to let you know that a few finishing touches will be completed over the next few weeks. We appreciate your patience as we finalize these minor details, ensuring everything is polished to perfection.
Looking ahead, we're excited to share that Phase Two of our Club improvements will begin in January, focusing on giving the banquet hall the upgrade it deserves. This much-needed renovation will enhance the space to better accommodate events and celebrations, creating a venue we can all be proud of.
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to stop by the Café to enjoy the new ambiance and spend time with your fellow members. Thank you for your continued support as we work to make our club even better.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year!
WELCOME NOVEMBER’S
BY KRISTINE ROBERSON MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR MEMBERSHIP
ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING RECAP
At this year’s Annual Member Meeting, we shared some exciting developments and reflected on the club’s growth and challenges over the past year. Here’s a summary of a few of the items presented:
Enhancing Your Experience: The 2025
Proprietary Perks Program
I”m pleased to announce the expansion of our Proprietary Perks. After thoughtful planning, the Board has approved the 2025 program, which brings greater benefits to our members. Full Golf members will now enjoy double the number of golf guest passes compared to 2024, and Single Golf members will see a 50% increase in their guest passes. This enhancement underscores our commitment to making your Club experience even more rewarding.
Financial Achievements and Membership Insights
I’m pleased to report that we have already surpassed our 2024 initiation fee target, collecting more than $107,800 by the end of September. This success, which includes an additional $4,020 from upgrade fees, has set us on a strong financial path heading into the new year.
ClubIQ Feedback
In response to feedback from the ClubIQ survey about crowding concerns, we’re carefully managing our membership levels. As of now, we have 780 members, which is approximately 35 fewer than last year and 20 fewer than at the start of 2024. This slowing in sales helps balance Club usage while maintaining an inviting environment for all.
Membership Growth and Challenges
Our Club has seen mixed results in membership growth this year. While golf memberships have grown, they did not meet our ambitious goals. Conversely, sports memberships have seen a slight decline. Survey responses indicate some golf members feel the club is skewing too sports-centric, while some sports members express feeling undervalued.
We want to assure everyone that each membership category is vital to our collective success. Sports memberships support our sports complex and attract younger families, contributing to the Club’s future. Balancing
COUNT
Michael & Bonnie Loudin
Single Golf
Sponsor: Membership Committee
The Loudins recently moved to Lodi from Texas to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. Michael enjoys golf and Bonnie enjoys playing
Randy & Laura Heinitz
Dining
Sponsor: Leonard Ciccerello
The Heinitz’s are retired and have been married for 43 years. They are former members of the Club and looking forward to reconnecting with friends.
these interests ensures every member feels appreciated and heard.
Your Role in Our Success: Member Referrals
A testament to our community's strength, 90% of new members in 2024 joined because of member referrals. This remarkable figure highlights your pride in Woodbridge and your dedication to sharing it with friends and family. Your support is crucial to keeping our Club dynamic and welcoming.
Streamlined Membership Process
This year, we refined the membership process to make joining as seamless as possible. From the initial inquiry to the welcome letter, every step has been designed with ease in mind. A special thanks to the Membership Committee, led by chairs Mark Berry and Andy Petersen, and members Tom Gau, Sean Greene, Mike Isola, Craig James, Geoff Peterson, and Chris Phelps, for their dedication. Their commitment to personally meeting with each applicant helps ensure new members align with our Club's values and culture.
New Member Information Center
FInally, I’m excited to re-introduce the Member Information Center, a resource aimed at improving communication and making essential Club information easily accessible. Available on our website under My Club, this center includes FAQs, dress codes, hours of operation, and much more, putting everything you need right at your fingertips.
I hope these updates reflect our dedication to enhancing your experience and supporting our club’s thriving community. Thank you for your continued engagement and passion for Woodbridge.
Have a wonderful holiday season this year!
DRINK OF THE MONTH
Newton’s Law
This December, warm up with the Drink of the Month at the Club: Newton’s Law. A perfect blend of cozy and crisp, this cocktail layers rich seasonal flavors to create a standout sipping experience. It starts with the deep sweetness of dark brown sugar, dissolved and balanced with a splash of bourbon and a tangy twist of fresh lemon juice. Apple butter adds a comforting note of autumn warmth, while the whole drink is brightened by a finishing touch of orange peel and cinnamon.
Served over ice in a rocks glass, Newton’s Law is as inviting as a fireside chat on a chilly evening. Whether you’re savoring it during a festive gathering or winding down after a round of golf, this cocktail delivers the perfect balance of bold and refreshing. Don’t miss your chance to try it this month at your Club!
Ingredients
• 1 tsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp hot water
• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp apple butter
• ice
• Garnishments: orange peel & cinnamon
To Make
• Stir 1 tsp. dark brown sugar and 1 tsp. hot water in a cocktail shaker until sugar is dissolved.
• Let cool, then add 1½ oz. bourbon, ½ oz. fresh lemon juice, and 2 tsp. store-bought or homemade apple butter. Fill shaker with ice; cover and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds. Strain cocktail into an ice-filled rocks glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist and sprinkle freshly grated or ground cinnamon
BY JOHN HUGHES, PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
GOLF SHOP NEWS
Congrats Player of the Year Carl Nahigian!
Results – Men’s Finale Tournament 2024
View the results by scanning the QR code:
Player of the Year Point Race
The year-long point race is complete, and a big Congratulations to Carl Nahigian who has captured the title of 2024 Player-of-the-Year!
He finished at the top of this year's Men's Point List with 290 points. Jason Mayer and Chad Bartlett were close behind with 258 pts and 254 pts, respectively. The top 25 point earners received Credit Book awards.
There was great participation in all the men’s events this year. Thanks to everyone who participated, we hope you had fun!
See the final points by scanning this QR code:
Holiday Golf Shop Sale
Make sure you stop in for the special sale & festivities at the Golf Shop this month! Our annual Holiday Sale is Sat, Dec 14 and includes free gift wrapping!
Golf 2025
A preview of point events included in the 2025 Men’s $100 Tournament Program is below. Mark your calendars!
Feb 15: Kickoff Tourn./NCGA Zone
Qualifier
Mar 15: St. Patrick's Day Scramble
May 17 & 18: Woodbridge Ryder Cup
Jun 4: Twilight League (start)
June (Gross): Club Championship
Matches June (Net): Club Championship
Jul 12: Triple Play Tournament
Aug 23 & 24: President's Cup
Oct 25: Superintendent's Revenge Tourn.
Nov 15: Finale Tournament
Other 2025 golf events:
Jun 18, 19 & 20: Tokay Invitational
Aug 2: Junior Club Championship
Sep 3 & 4: Women’s Invitational
Sep 20 & 21: Vocker Cup
Matches in Oct-Nov: Senior Club Championship
Golf Rules
Previous Question –
A player plays a provisional ball into the same general location as the original ball and both balls are found. The player is unable to identify either ball. What is the ruling?
Answer –
The player must choose one of the balls to be treated as the provisional ball which is now in play, and the other ball is treated as the original ball, which is no longer in play, and must not be played.
This Month’s Question –
A spectator deliberately deflects a player's ball in motion after a stroke from the general area. The ball would have come to rest in a bunker. What is the ruling?
BY LOU SILVEIRA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
COURSE & TREE MANAGEMENT IN THE WINTER
As the year winds down, we reflect on a productive and eventful 2024 on the course. December brings its own unique challenges and opportunities for the maintenance and improvement of our beautiful Club. Here are some updates and highlights to keep you informed:
Winter Course Maintenance
Winter is a critical time for course maintenance. The team is focused on:
• Wet Conditions: Persistent wet weather has created softer playing surfaces. We ask for your patience as we address drainage and limit cart traffic to preserve the turf.
• Frost Delays: With cooler mornings, frost delays may become more frequent. While we understand they can be inconvenient, protecting the grass from damage is our top priority. Walking on frost-covered grass can crush frozen leaf blades, causing long-lasting harm.
• Leaf Cleanup: The fall leaf drop is upon us. Our crews are working diligently to keep playing surfaces clear while also composting the collected material to enhance our sustainability efforts.
Tree Management
Over the past month, we have assessed the health and safety of our trees. A couple of hazard trees adjacent to the north parking lot have been identified for removal during the winter months, while others will undergo strategic pruning. These measures will not only enhance safety but also improve sunlight penetration and airflow, promoting healthier turf conditions.
Irrigation System Updates
Although we’re in the wetter season, irrigation remains an important focus. Repairs and upgrades to the irrigation system have been scheduled to ensure optimal water efficiency next year. This includes an audit of every sprinkler in the controllers and replacing aging sprinkler heads and testing the entire system for uniform water distribution.
Seasonal Projects
Our team is preparing for several offseason projects, including:
• Bunker Renovations: A few select bunkers are being overhauled to maintain adequate and consistent sand levels.
A Look Ahead to 2025
We’re already planning for the spring and summer seasons, including aeration schedules, fairway enhancements, and another round of fairway topdressing. Additionally, we’re exploring more eco-friendly maintenance practices to reduce our environmental footprint.
Your feedback is invaluable to us as we strive to maintain and enhance the course. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me or any member of our agronomy team. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work to keep Woodbridge a premier golfing destination.
Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!
ON THE COURSE
BY RYAN WILLIAMS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL
December’s Tip of the Month Standing Up to the Seasons: A Primer on Winter Golf
Sitting here writing this month’s tip while it is raining outside has forced the acceptance that winter golf has arrived. With the shorter days, colder temperatures, and sometimes nasty storms, this season provides challenges unique from other, kinder parts of the year. That said, golf in the months between November and March can still be very enjoyable and foster growth in all of us as players. For this month’s tip, I thought I would share some keys to success for your upcoming rounds.
Dressing for Success:
Being prepared for the elements begins in your closet. Tour caddies never earn their commissions more than in bad weather weeks. They work tirelessly to make the game feel as normal as possible for their players. Here are some of the key ways:
• Hands: I listed this item first on purpose. If I had to choose one single part of rain gear, it would be rain gloves every time. They are designed in such a way that they grip better the damper they become. A sturdy grip is crucial during any round, but especially
in the rain. Keep a pair in your bag all the time to be prepared! We also have the G-Tech Sport Vest that acts as an electric handwarmer! If your hands get cold, that would be a solid investment!
• Body: whether you own a $400 top-of-the-line Gortex rainsuit or $50 set off of Amazon, having a jacket and pants to keep you dry as long as possible is a must. You will be most thankful if the conditions are starting to affect your scorecard in adverse way. Nothing adds to the sting of a double bogey like your clothes getting soaked.
• Headwear: There are numerous styles but keeping your head dry and warm is also a key to keeping your spirits high! Mine makes me look like a scarecrow, but with a beanie on underneath it my hair stays dry and my ears stay warm! With that in mind, be sure to have with you a beanie for those dry but cold and windy days!
• Feet: Waterproof shoes are an absolute must! From days as a cart boy, nothing made me more miserable than cold and
wet feet! Be sure to wear a pair of shoes that can work any time of the day, even in the mornings when the grass is still full of dew!
Warming Up:
I mention to students all the time that PGA Tour Players do not use the driving range as a means of “warming up.” I promise you that their bodies are ready to move a club aggressively long before their first ball is struck. Sometimes, a winter early morning tee time makes hitting balls an impossibility because of daylight. In such case, I would highly advise a dynamic mobility and stretching routine so that your body is ready to rotate and swing a golf club. A warm-up that activates your core and glutes as well as opens up your hips, shoulders, and hamstrings can go a long way to getting your round started in a decent fashion as well, most importantly, preventing injury.
Mindset:
Golf is an inherently unfair game. The best players of all time understood that and, rather than blaming the course or just plain old bad luck, took
ownership of what happened them on the course. Johnny Miller, one of the game’s great players, acknowledged in his book, “I Call the Shots,” that his attitude held back his career to some extent. In his chapter on other great players, he described that Tom Watson, winner of 5 Open Championships, seemed to actually enjoy bad bounces. Proper Links Golf and Open Championships, because of their proximity to the sea, are often played in weather not unlike our winters. Thus, those that have success in such conditions tend to be those that embrace the challenge, rather than diminish the original form of the game as unfair. In the words of Dr. Bob Rotella, I would encourage all of you to “embrace the challenge of the day, whatever it may be.”
Bad weather requires acceptance to handle it as a player. Trying to fight mother nature by imposing a more “normal” style of golf on a tough day is foolhardy at best. Here are some examples of things that must be accepted:
• Hitting more club: because the ball is sitting on dormant Bermuda grass, likely has more moisture on its cover, and temperatures are cooler, it will simply not go as far. In our scratch league here at the club, I hit a 5-iron from 214 yards on the 16th hole (7 River). It was hot, a little downwind, and I was swinging well that day. Put me in that same situation on a winter day and I would
very likely be hitting my 19-degree hybrid. 7-irons that once went close to 180 yards might be hit from 145 on a cold morning. I urge you to be willing to grab one extra stick!
• Lies: Winter Rules is an accepted concept at most courses. This involves, when in the General Area, bumping the ball into a good lie. If you are playing a tournament that allows you to do so, then please do not give yourself a competitive disadvantage by not cleaning and replacing your ball. In more casual situations, however, I would encourage you to play your ball as it lies. Will you hit the ball as solid or score as well? Probably not. Will you grow as a player by learning to strike the ball in any type of lie and better understand how to score regardless of the conditions? Almost assuredly!
One of Woodbridge’s best players, Russ Humphrey, is also among our most die-hard winter golfers. It is not uncommon for Russ and I to be the only ones playing on a cold, rainy, or windy day. I cannot help but think the way his mind works plays a huge part in his success as a player!
Let’s use him and Tom Watson as an example, play some great rounds, and most importantly, enjoy the game this winter at Woodbridge!
RenovationCelebration
JENNA KEIGLEY
Jenna Ryan is 4 years old, and was born on Christmas Day. Along with tennis, she practices taekwondo and joined swim team this year. Her favorite activities are anything involving her two older sisters. Friends would describe her as nurturing, which may explain why she wants to be a nurse or “animal nurse.”
BY TARIQ GLENN FITNESS CENTER COORDINATOR
December to Remember: Get Fit for the Holidays!
DECEMBER AT THE SPORTS COMPLEX
The holiday season is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to stay active and keep your health goals on track. Whether you’re gearing up for festive celebrations or looking to feel great in your holiday attire, we’re here to help you stay motivated this month!
Don’t wait for the New Year—start today!
• Relieve holiday stress with a high-energy workout.
• Stay focused to maintain your energy throughout the season.
• Enjoy your holiday treats without feeling guilty by sticking to your fitness routine.
Holiday Hours
Plan your workouts around our modified holiday schedule:
• Christmas Eve: 5am–2pm
• Christmas Day: Closed
• New Year’s Eve: Regular hours
• New Year’s Day: 5am–4pm
Our holiday hours are also posted at the Fitness Center for your convenience. Enjoy the season, stay active, and let’s make this a December to remember!
JR TENNIS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
The Woodbridge A team has had a tremendous first half of the season. We are in first place in the league with a record of 8 wins and only 1 loss!! All 5 lines have strong and talented players-
• “Sisters Duo” Janis Morehead and Jill Thompson
• Carol Johnston and Becky Harper
• Carrie Koenig and Natalie Nguyen
• Linda McCay and Beth Neal
A Team B Team-Red
It was a tough start for Woodbridge B team red. Before our season even started, two of our beloved players sustained season-ending injuries. We are grateful for our tennis family at Woodbridge who have graciously rearranged schedules to help us cover those open spots each week. It’s wonderful to see how we have developed as tennis players and as friends. We look forward to the second half of our season picking back up again in January 2025.
• Cindy Brink and Callie Crum
We are fortunate to also have great subs when someone is not able to make a match: Katie Graves, Cindy Hayes, Cherie Fiscus, Lora Fry and Kate Rooney. We’ve also had Jill Means and Shelby Moran from the B team fill in as needed. We are all “one big tennis family.” We all enjoy league matches as well as playing for fun, and working on our skills in clinics and lessons.
Women’s Tennis League Update
As we take a brief break in our women’s tennis league, here’s an update on how our talented teams are performing so far this season:
• Woodbridge A Team: 8-1
• Woodbridge B Team (Black): 6-4
• Woodbridge B Team (Red): 1-7
• Woodbridge C Team: 4-4
The Woodbridge B black team is enjoying the 24-25 CVTL tennis season and is currently sitting in third place! The team is playing smarter tennis and having fun in our fourth year as a team!
B Team-Black C Team Women’s Tennis
The Woodbridge C team has entered their sophomore season with new confidence, new skills and the same attention to fun! As the first half of the season comes to an end we find ourselves having won four of our eight team matches! Lines C1, C2 and C3 all have one win and lines C4 and C5 are on fire with three wins a piece. There have been a few other wins with subs in place as well. It has been so rewarding to see our hard work at clinics, practice
We’re proud of the dedication and sportsmanship displayed by all our players and teams! Let’s continue to cheer them on as they prepare to resume play in January 2025. Here’s to a strong finish in the coming months!
Wishing everyone a joyous and relaxing holiday season. Happy holidays from me and the entire team!
sessions and drop in pay off this year. We are dedicated and determined to add to both our individual and team wins. With matches on pause until the new year, the C team looks forward to their second annual Christmas Party, time together at lunch and a new team picture for the sports complex wall. While the added wins this season are fun and rewarding, we will still tell you the best part about C team tennis is the people. We always have the most amazing time!
BY KIM DANGELO & LAURA REEVES 18-HOLE LADIES CO-CAPTAINS
WOMEN’S GOLF UPDATE November was All Business
November was packed with activity at the Club, from board meetings to general meetings. We voted and announced the 2025 Board members, and all upcoming events for the year have been chaired. Captains Kim D’Angelo and Laura Reeves will take on another year of leadership, and the roster is ready to go to print.
We wrapped up October with a fantastic Halloween party, thanks to the hard work of Patty Anderson, Marolyn Watts, Michelle Navone, and Pat Kishida. Congratulations to all the winners! Special recognition goes to Captain Laura Reeves, who stole the show. Laura Reeves, Ginny Pelton, Kathie Holtzapple, and Sharon Dangling claimed first place in the costume contest.
In November, we brought back the Turkey Shoot after a hiatus, much to the delight of the ladies. Congratulations to all the winners!
Patty Anderson and Marolyn Watts also presented the 18-hole ladies’ donation to the Lodi & Tokay Girls Golf teams. The giving spirit of our members shone bright again as they crafted Christmas tree ornaments for the San Joaquin Historical Society’s Tree of Lights.
As rain might keep us off the course for the rest of the month, our ladies are channeling their energy into planning the Christmas Party to close out the season.
We’ve also had the pleasure of welcoming five new members in recent months! If you’re interested in joining the 18-hole ladies’ group, contact the Golf Shop or reach out to Beth Grady, our membership chair.
REMEMBER: “Commit and Hit!”
49er Update
BY DONNA AARONS FORE-TEE NINERS 2024 CAPTAIN
Fun Fall Season
The Fore Tee Niners have been busy posting scores and celebrating the season with fun events!
On Oct 31, we celebrated Halloween with our final Guest Day of the year. The wonderful party, hosted by Patty Kooyman and Sharon Morgan, was a festive success. Congratulations to our winners: Christy Frank, Christy’s mom, Rhonda Craig, and Nancy Little.
In November, we tried a new twist by using scores from only the odd-numbered holes to award prizes. Shannon Hagen claimed 1st place, with a three-way tie for 2nd between Christy Frank, Patty Kooyman, and Sharon Morgan.
On Nov 14, Zach surprised us with a unique twist: throwing out one hole to determine the winner. Barb Parejo was on fire, taking 1st place, while Patty Kooyman and Rhonda Craig tied for 2nd.
Despite gloomy weather, we celebrated Thanksgiving early with a “Turkey Ball” game, hosted by Cathy Maciel and Donna Aarons. The event was well attended, and we managed to finish play before the rain poured down. The winning team of Jennie Fuller, Barb Parejo, Shannon Hagen, and Donna Aarons held on to their turkey ball and achieved the lowest gross score. Mary Jane Beckham and Arleen Mataga came in 2nd.
We’re looking forward to closing out 2024 with more fun golf games and our Holiday Party on Dec 12.
Join us in 2025 for another year of fun and friendly play—it’ll be here before you know it!
