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 NOVEMBER
THE TAP IN
Short, quick news
Nov 30 is deadline for last names starting with S-Z If your last name starts with S-Z, 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
Nov 2: Annual Member Meeting
Nov 3, 10, 17 & 24: Sunday Couples Golf League
Nov 7: Charity Bridge
Nov 10: Cigar Club’s Tin Cup Open
Nov 11: VETERAN’S DAY — Club is Open
Nov 12: CLUB IS CLOSED
Nov 16: Founders Cafe Grand Re-Opening
Nov 16: Men’s Finale Tournament
Nov 19: Finance Committee Meeting
Nov 21: House & Social Committee Meeting
Nov 21: Membership Committee Meeting
Nov 23: Tennis Turkey Shoot Round Robin
Nov 27: Thanksgiving Meals To Go Pick Ups
Nov 28: HAPPY THANKSGIVING
October
Group 1
Janet Dillon & Beth Handel 2990
Group 2
Gay Platt & Joanne Joseph 3360
Group 3
Linda Van Loben Sels & Nancy Rutherford 2880
BY RYAN BILL GENERAL MANAGER
SURVEY FATIGUE? WE FEEL YOU – BUT HEAR US OUT!
the poolside margaritas had a bit more kick, or that the lounge chairs by the patio were comfortable, but could maybe recline just a little further? Well, surveys are where those little comments turn into real changes. It’s like magic – but with way more spreadsheets.
Woodbridge Members! Let’s talk about something that might make you groan a little: surveys. Yep, those emails we send out asking you to rate everything from the crispness of our Caesar salad to whether the Pro Vs should all be logo’d. We know—they can feel about as exciting as waiting for your partner to find their ball in the rough (again). But hear us out!
First things first: We get it. It feels like you just filled one out yesterday, and here we are again, popping back into your inbox like that one friend who always needs to borrow your putter. But, just like that persistent friend, we have a good reason for showing up. The truth is, these surveys are the absolute best way for us to understand what you, our treasured members, really think about the direction of the Club.
You know how you casually mention at dinner that you wish
Here’s what’s in it for you: the more feedback you give us, the better we can fine-tune your experience. Want better locker room towels? We’re listening. Think the brunch mimosas should be bottomless? We can dream, right? Your thoughts help shape the Club in ways we simply can’t do without your input. After all, we know you didn’t sign up to become part of some secret underground focus group when you joined the Club—you’re here for the golf, the tennis, and (of course) the champagne brunch. But we promise, filling out a quick survey every now and then can help make all of those things better.
Plus, answering a survey is way easier than lining up a perfect putt, and we’ve all seen what happens when you try to take on that tricky bunker shot with the wrong club. (No judgment, though.)
So, the next time a survey pops up in your inbox, we encourage you to take a deep breath, maybe grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger, we don’t judge), and give us a few minutes of your time. We’ll keep it short and sweet –because we’d rather see you lounging by the pool than filling out forms all day. But in those few minutes, you could help us make the Club even more fantastic than it already is.
And who knows? Your next suggestion could lead to something truly epic. (Like a taco bar on every hole… we’re listening).
Thanks for helping us make this place as amazing as you are!
WELCOME
OCTOBER’S
NEW MEMBERS
FULL GOLF: 473
LIMITED GOLF: 60
NON GOLF: 248
AS OF 10/31/24
TOTAL: 781
Jeffrey & Genny Godwin
Full Golf
Sponsor: Kevin Terrell
Jeffrey is president of CDL Truck Sales, and Genny is vace president. The family has lived in the Lodi area for 20 years and enjoy golf, swim and tennis.
Justin & Annamarie Reeves
Single Golf
Sponsor: Kevin Pitto
The Reeves both work for the family business, Delta Packing Co. They have three children, all active in sports. Annamarie is also vice president of the Lodi Area Grape Growers Association. They are looking forward to creating family memories at the Club.
David Boggiano & Angela Russo
Single Golf
Sponsor: Archie Atwood
David is the general manager of Costco in Lodi, and Angela is an executive assistant at O’Connor Woods. The couple plans to marry soon. They have two adult children.
Richard Jablonski & Alice Deng
Full Golf
Sponsor: Membership Committee
The couple is new to the area, and recently purchased A&R Vineyards in Lodi. They have an adult daughter who lives in Lodi.
Hazel Kerner
Dining
Sponsor: Denny Perak
Hazel Kerner is a former member of the Club. She is looking forward to socializing with friends at the Club.
BY KRISTINE ROBERSON MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
A SEASON OF REFLECTION & GRATITUDE
This time of year naturally gives us space to reflect on what we’re grateful for, and 2024 marks a personal milestone for me—my 10th anniversary at Woodbridge. Ten years filled with memories, challenges, and hard-won successes. And while every moment hasn’t been easy, I’m deeply grateful for the meaningful projects, the supportive people, and the moments that have truly made a difference along the way.
The Project I’m Most Proud Of
If I had to choose one project I’m especially proud of during my time here, it would be the birth of our Fitness Center. Back when Ernie Micelli was the general manager, I had the privilege of working closely with him to bring that vision to life. You could say I was his assistant on the project—translating his ideas from an Excel sheet and handwritten notes into presentations, articles, and promotional materials that would resonate with our members. Those long weeks of effort ultimately led to an overwhelming 85% approval from the membership.
Today, the Fitness Center has become a cornerstone of the Club, offering a space for yoga classes, weight training, and more. Watching members actively use this space is a reminder that even the hard work that isn’t always recognized still matters.
Finding Strength in a Challenging Year
This year has brought its own challenges, both personally and professionally. November, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, has special significance to me as my partner recently fought—and thankfully beat—his second battle with the disease. Supporting him through this journey has been a reminder of the strength that lives within all of us. It’s been a year of learning to find resilience in tough moments, but life has also brought moments of joy: I recently learned I’ll soon be a grandmother, adding a new chapter to our family’s story.
What Keeps Me Going
At times, balancing membership goals, marketing campaigns, and sales projections as a department of one has felt like a lot to handle. But what keeps me going is knowing I’m not alone. Troon’s marketing and sales team has been a godsend,
offering exactly the support I needed this year. Their expertise and encouragement have been invaluable, and I’m also continually uplifted by our members. From seeing you connect with friends in the dining room to cheering each other on at events, these moments remind me of the community we’re building together.
We’ll keep working to make the Club a place you’re proud to belong to, whether that’s through new programs, special events, or simply listening to what matters to you.
Looking Forward
As we look ahead to 2025, I won’t make any grand promises, but I will say this: We’ll keep working to make the Club a place you’re proud to belong to, whether that’s through new programs, special events, or simply listening to what matters to you. Some things will change, others will stay the same, and we’ll continue to build this community together.
Reflecting on the past 10 years, I’m grateful for every moment, every challenge, and every success. Not all of it has been easy, but it’s all been worth it. Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for the support you’ve shown in good times and bad.
Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with what truly matters.
Announcing the 2025 Board of Directors Election Results
We are pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Board of Directors election! Returning to the Board for a second term are Laura Reeves and Dan Grauman, while Tore Maggio and Brian Bowling have been elected to their first terms. Each brings a unique set of skills and dedication that will help guide Woodbridge Golf & Country Club forward. Their terms begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
Laura Reeves brings nearly 50 years of experience in medical office management and a deep commitment to Woodbridge, where she has served on the Board and chaired the Centennial Committee. Her roles in the Ladies Golf groups and contributions to event planning reflect her enthusiasm for making the Club a welcoming place for all members.
Dan Grauman joins the Board for a second term, bringing his nearly two decades of law enforcement experience and dedication to Club activities. As Co-Chair of the Golf & Greens Committee and former Chair of the Membership Committee, Dan is committed to fostering a family-friendly environment for all members.
Tore Maggio returns to the Board with a strong background in finance and a longstanding relationship with Woodbridge, having served as Board President in 2011. Tore’s expertise and recent work on the Finance Committee will support his efforts to address current Club goals and enhance the member experience.
Brian Bowling joins the Board with over 20 years of management experience and a passion for Woodbridge, where he has served on several committees since joining in 2020. Currently General Manager of Parkwest Casino Lodi, Brian is focused on potential Club improvements to enhance the experience for existing members and attract new ones.
Congratulations to Laura, Dan, Tore, and Brian, and thank you to all members for participating in this year’s election. Your engagement is vital to shaping the future of Woodbridge Golf & Country Club, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with our new and returning Board members!
BY JOHN HUGHES, PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
GOLF SHOP NEWS
Make your holiday wish list!
Golf Shop Sales
Mark your calendars for these two upcoming dates when we will have special sales at the Golf Shop:
• Black Friday: All day Fri, Nov 29
• Christmas Sale: All day Sat, Dec 14 — free gift wrapping
Superintendent’s Revenge Results
Scan the QR code to see the results of last month’s tournament.
Golf Rules
Previous Question –
In Four-Ball stroke play with side A-B, A picks up while B completes the hole. The marker attributes the score for the hole to A and records no score for B. The better ball score is correct. The scorecard is certified and returned to the Committee. What is the ruling?
Answer –
It is not enough to identify a score as the score of the side in general. Each score on the scorecard must be clearly identified as the score of the individual partner who made it; if this is not done, the side is disqualified.
This Month’s 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?
Upcoming Golf Events
• During November: Senior Men’s Club Championship (ongoing Match Play)
• Nov 16: Men’s Finale Tournament
BY LOU SILVEIRA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH DORMANT BERMUDAGRASS
ON THE COURSE
This time of year, you may start noticing changes in the appearance and growth of the bermudagrass on our tees, fairways, and roughs. These seasonal changes are natural — the bermudagrass is entering dormancy. Here are some insights into what this process entails, what you can expect to see, and the care we’re taking to ensure optimal course conditions.
Understanding Dormancy in Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that thrives in spring and summer. As temperatures drop, it enters dormancy, protecting itself from colder weather. Dormancy begins when soil temperatures dip below 50°F, typically in late fall. During dormancy, the grass “shuts down,” reducing its growth and shifting its energy away from producing new green blades.
Visual Changes on the Course
1. Color Shift: As bermudagrass goes dormant, it will gradually change from vibrant green to a light brown or tan color. While this may appear to be a sign of poor health, it is actually the grass conserving its resources. Dormant bermudagrass is not dead – it’s simply in a resting phase, much like trees shedding leaves in autumn.
2. Slower Growth and Firmer Conditions in between rainstorms: With the grass no longer actively growing, you’ll notice the fairways and roughs become firmer and may provide more roll on your shots. This seasonal firmness can be advantageous for playability, as you’ll experience a faster course with less divot damage.
3. Thin Appearance in Certain Areas: Some high-traffic areas may appear a bit thin or patchy as the bermudagrass becomes dormant. We will be taking steps to minimize any issues in these areas and to maintain a consistent playing surface.
Maintenance Adjustments During Dormancy
Our grounds crew will be making several adjustments for the dormant grass and keep the course in top shape:
• Reduced Mowing Frequency: With less growth occurring, mowing frequency will decrease. This will help preserve the grass during dormancy and ensure a smoother transition into the active growing season next spring.
• Protection of Turf Health: We’ll be mindful of potential winter stressors, such as frost, and take steps to manage these challenges. Frost delays will likely be more common to prevent turf damage, and we ask for your patience as we allow the course to recover on chilly mornings.
What to Expect Moving into Spring
When spring arrives, the bermudagrass will transition out of dormancy as temperatures warm up, resuming active growth and gradually restoring its green color and lush appearance. Our team will monitor the turf health closely throughout the dormant period to ensure it is strong and vibrant next season.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these seasonal transitions. Our team is committed to providing you with the best playing conditions year-round, and we look forward to seeing you out on the course enjoying all that Woodbridge has to offer.
BY KEVIN WOLF CIGAR CLUB CHAIR
CIGAR CLUB UPDATE Upcoming Fall Events
We have some exciting events coming up this fall for our Cigar Club members and guests! These are great opportunities to enjoy friendly competition, good company, and fantastic cigars. Mark your calendars for the following events:
Tin Cup Open Sun, Nov. 10
• Sign-ups: Begin early October
• Guests: $10 cash buy-in (plus green and cart fees)
• Members: $10 cash buy-in (plus cart fees)
• Event Details: This is a great way to enjoy some healthy competition before the holiday season begins. Shotgun is 2pm.
Lewis & Clark Sun, Dec. 15
Our signature year-end event promises to be a highlight of the season!
• Sign-ups: Begin in November
• Course: Tentatively scheduled for Vineyard and River nines
• Shotgun Start: 9 am
• Guests: Lunch is mandatory (pricing to be determined), plus $20 team buy-in. Breakfast is optional – sign up when you register.
• Members: Cigar Club members – free; Non-Cigar Club members – pay for lunch and the $20 team buy-in. Breakfast is optional.
• Event Details: The Cigar Club invites all Club members to play in the Lewis & Clark North by Northwest Golf Tournament. Format is 2-man scramble. Members are encouraged to bring guests to join for golf and lunch. This year’s event is 11 hole scores across two 9's.
We look forward to seeing you at these events. Whether you’re a regular participant or joining us for the first time, it’s a great way to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members and guests. Be sure to sign up early, and let’s make the fall season one to remember!
BY RYAN WILLIAMS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL
November’s Tip of the Month Never Stop Learning! An Annual Meditation on Gratitude
It seems to me that knowing it all would be perhaps the greatest curse a human being could endure. There would be nothing to look forward to, no room for growth, every day would play out exactly as one would expect. Gone would be the magic of the unknown or the reenergizing feeling that learning new things provides. Thankfully, that has yet to be the case in my now 11-and-a-half years of coaching golf. Every year has brought me new knowledge and experiences that have helped me both as a coach and player. I thought for this month’s article that I would highlight some of the events and lessons for which I am the most grateful in 2024.
Let’s begin the events that have involved our community here at Woodbridge:
• Coaching many of you in a private capacity has given me the privilege of helping the student better understand the best version of their golf swings and help them move in that direction. Watching a student play a shot he or she did not know they were capable of hitting never gets old!
• Operation 36 provides an arena for juniors and adults to gain confidence in their games. The joy a student experiences when graduating to next set of tees is incredible. One example that stands out was Logan Harper hitting his tee shot on the 9th hole of the Lake Course to 2 feet when he needed a birdie to break 36. It ranks among the best moments I’ve had in coaching!
• PGA Junior League team again finished the season undefeated and in first place over Haggin
Oaks, Bing Maloney, and Emerald Lakes. They played incredible golf but also always represented the club extremely well; I’m always blown away by how well the junior golfers conduct themselves! Next year we will have a 13 and Under team beginning in May and 17 and Under season starting in September.
• Our NCGA Scratch League Team, led by Club Champion and Captain Ross Vilinskas, won their league and is poised to make a run at the State Championship! The league, consisting of Catta Verdera, Rancho Murrieta, and Northridge, was dominated by the Woodbridge Team, winning each of the four matches handily. They play next month at Poppy Hills in the Northern California Final!
• The Junior Club Championship was won by siblings Jack and Giana Main who shot incredible scores of 69 and 73, respectively. Both Jack and Giana are very talented players who compete regionally and nationally who will go on to play college golf and in so doing, continue a storied tradition of Woodbridge producing elite tournament players.
Now, let’s discuss some of the lessons I learned from my travels playing tournament golf that have led to breakthroughs in coaching:
• Because of my standing in the NCPGA Player of the Year points list, I was given the opportunity to play in two Monday qualifiers for PGA Tour events. Between the two of them, I played with three PGA
Tour Winners and players I’ve admired since I was a junior golfer. What’s more, each of them taught me something slightly different. Bo Van Pelt and Sang Moon Bae wowed me by the sheer excellence of their fundamentals and ball striking while Charlie Beljan impressed me with how secure he was in playing the game his own way, even hitting every putt with just one hand!
• My friend and fellow PGA Professional Coach, Brad Marek, always blows me away with his professionalism while he competes. Incredibly patient, it is impossible to tell how he is playing by his demeanor or countenance. Even after the rare loose shot, one could make a lot of money wagering on Brad getting out of a hole with a par. The fact that he won at a course playing as difficult as The Olympic Club was surprising to no one because the challenges of the course favored the player who not only played the best physically but, stayed the strongest mentally.
• Just this past week, I played with the 2024 NCGA Player of the Year, AJ Fitzgerald during the Hannah/Wehrman Cup Matches (NCPGA vs NCGA). AJ is recent college graduate and caddy at Cypress Point who this fall is playing in Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School. I was extremely impressed with his ability to play shots, showing an innate feel for making the ball do whatever the shot in front of him required. This was particularly true in the short game where he did not play a single shot in the 36 holes with which I played with him that I would not have given him an A+ grade on.
Difficult Poppy Hills lag putts, short-sided pitches with the green running away, long bunker shots, good lies and bad, it did not matter. He was able to play the shot to within “gimme” range. Seeing him play those shots has inspired me to get my butt down to our wonderful short game facility!
Please allow me to finish by thanking all of you personally for having me as your Player Development Professional. I firmly believe that our Golf Staff, led by Head Golf Professional, John Hughes, is among the best in the Northern California Section of the PGA. Mr. Hughes is very humbly of the best PGA Professionals I’ve ever been around. Teresa Ishiguro is an incredible First Assistant and teacher. Zach Kramer, who wears as many hats as any club employee, deserves massive praise for how he handles outside tournaments and many other club operations. Carson Kosaka is another do-it-all Hall of Fame member of our staff who helps in innumerable ways. I’m so grateful to get to work alongside them every day.
Lastly, our membership is amazing. I’m so lucky to have many of you as clients, students, and friends. I look forward to heading down here each day for another chance to share my passion for this crazy game! Thank you so much and please let me know anything I can do to help make your playing experience better! I can’t wait for the lessons I learn in 2025! Have a great Thanksgiving!
The Forty Niners, assisted by Teri Spring’s grandchildren Pumpkin Patch Putting Green. Many young golfers enjoyed were rewarded by turning their score cards - Halloween
grandchildren Peyton (aka. Vector) and Jackson, were markers for the enjoyed the fun with some even carding a “hole-in-one”. All Candy!!
Centennial Tennis Champs!
They fought hard and came out victorious! Congratulations to the 2024 Centennial Tennis Champions of the Year — Mark Shinmoto and Becky Harper!
SLOANE CANO MEET
Sloane is 4 years old and goes to Little Methodist Preschool. She loves unicorns, dinosaurs, her dog Risotto, and anything the color blue. Her favorite places are Disneyland and the beach. Her favorite things to do are play games, play with her friends, cousins, and sister, and of course, tennis. She does not like vegetables or missing out!
TENNIS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
BY TARIQ GLENN FITNESS CENTER COORDINATOR
Sign up for the Turkey Shoot!
NOVEMBER AT THE SPORTS
As the crisp fall air settles in, there’s plenty happening at the Sports Complex to keep you active and engaged. Here’s what’s new and upcoming this month:
Cheer On Our Ladies' Tennis Teams!
Show your support for our incredible ladies' tennis teams—A Team, B Team Red, B Team Black, and C Team—during their league matches. Your encouragement makes a difference, and we love seeing members on the sidelines cheering them on!
Turkey Shoot Round Robin – Nov 23
Mark your calendar for the annual Turkey Shoot Round Robin on Sat, Nov 23. It’s always a fun day of tennis and friendly competition! See Haley for more details.
Pool Heater Update
Our pool heater is currently out of service, but repairs are underway. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We’ll have it back up and running as soon as possible!
Gym Age Policy Reminder
If you’re bringing a child to the Fitness Center, please note that children must be 14 or older to use the facilities. Younger children will need to stay in the daycare room for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
New Gym Hours – Starting Nov 3
As daylight hours get shorter, our gym will now close an hour earlier. Beginning Nov 3, the updated hours will be:
• Monday-Friday: 5am-8pm
• Saturday-Sunday: 7am-6pm
Thanksgiving Closure
Please note that the gym will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov 28. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday!
Join Our Drop-In Tennis Sessions
Looking for a fun way to stay active? Join us for tennis drop-in sessions every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:30-11:30am. Please keep in mind that Thursday times may vary due to ladies’ league play.
Locker and Space Etiquette Reminder
As a courtesy to all members, please remember to lock your belongings in a locker and be mindful of the space others are using around you.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant community. We look forward to seeing you at the Sports Complex this month!
October, or Was It August?
WOMEN’S GOLF UPDATE
October’s weather was unbelievable! We kicked off the month by welcoming the Woodbridge 49er group for a fun round of golf. Laura Reeves and Milissa Krebill started the morning selling 50/50 raffle tickets to support the Club’s Kids' Halloween Party, raising $350. Beth Grady was the lucky winner. Special thanks to Ginny Pelton for organizing the day.
2nd Place: Donna Brundy, Betty Sacher, Franse Mathews, Shannon Hagen
3rd Place: Sharon Morgan, Patty Kooyman, Penny, Joy Sasaki
We also welcomed a new member, Lynn Winchester, to the 18-hole Ladies' Group.
The DWS tournament got underway, with the first round played at Woodbridge. Many thanks to the food and beverage department for taking excellent care of our guests. The second round was held at Stockton, and the tournament wrapped up at Del Rio.
We’ll end the month with our annual Halloween Party. Marolyn Watts, Pat Kishida, Michelle Navone, and Patty Anderson have chaired this event several times, and they always know how to throw a great party! Look for photos in next month’s newsletter.
It’s also time to sign up for the 18-hole Ladies' Group! If you’re interested in joining us, contact the Pro Shop or Beth Grady, our membership chair.
REMEMBER: “Commit and Hit!”
BY KIM DANGELO & LAURA REEVES 18-HOLE LADIES CO-CAPTAINS
49er Update
BY DONNA AARONS FORE-TEE NINERS 2024 CAPTAIN
Hard to Believe November is Here
We kicked off October play by wearing pink to show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Oct 10, our alternate shot winners were:
Jennie Fuller & Donna Aarons
Christy Frank & Barb Parejo
Kathy Cockayne & Patty Kooyman
Our Three Clubs and a Putter day on the 17th was challenging but a lot of fun. Winners included: Christy Frank, Dora Shoemaker & Donna Aarons
Our scramble on the 24th was well attended, with participants showing off their fall spirit by sporting plenty of bold orange! Winners were:
Patty Kooyman, Cindi Ciboch & Donna Aarons
We’re looking forward to our upcoming Halloween Guest Day, hosted by Sharon Morgan and Patty Kooyman, as well as a Thanksgiving event on Nov 21, hosted by Cathy Maciel and Donna Aarons. We also have some fun play planned for other Thursdays throughout November. We hope to see many of you out on the course enjoying the cooler weather!
Before you know it, we’ll be gearing up for the 2025 season. If you love golf—regardless of your skill level—and enjoy playing fun, sometimes crazy games, socializing, and great food, consider joining the Fore Tee Niners for 2025.
Hope to see you on the course!
Donna Aarons
CAFE IS CLOSED NOVEMBER
CAFE IS CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION: DINING AVAILABLE ON PATIO & BALLROOM
