November 2023
A PLATINUM CLUB OF AMERICA
700 WYNDEMERE WAY NAPLES, FL 34105 (239) 263-1700
WYNDEMERE.COM
November 1! We are back in season and look forward to getting all our members back on campus and all our activities into full swing. • • • •
The entire golf course is in great shape and open every day for play. The Grab and Go opens on Wednesday, November 1. Fitness and Wellness classes have more choices and more times. Bocce has started a fall league.
Be sure to read the rest of this newsletter to get caught up on all the happenings as we open our 2023 – 2024 season. Our staff has worked diligently over the summer to put together a great calendar of events and I hope you are able to sample many of them. November also brings us some important club business. The Annual Meeting of Wyndemere Country Club will be on November 8, 2023 at 3:30pm in the Wyndemere Room. You have received information about the meeting. Please remember to either attend in person or fill out and return the proxy. We will be reviewing all the operations from last year and looking forward to this year. In addition, on November 15, 2023 at 3:00pm in the Wyndemere Room, we will hold a Town Hall meeting to present the proposed projects for 2023-2024. These include additions to our Activities Center and a new Golf Learning Center and a revised practice area and driving range. The goal is to get the membership as much information, in advance of the meeting as possible. There was a preview Showcase held on October 30 for the proposed Golf Learning Center and one will be held on November 6 for the proposed Activity Center. Please click here for further information on these. If there seems to be general agreement at the Town Hall meeting regarding design, we will arrange for voting to begin on November 16 and the voting will be open until November 24. If there are major changes in design and/or further questions, it may require the committees, designers, architects, contractors, etc. to go back and do some more work. We will then schedule additional meeting(s) and adjust the voting period accordingly. We will not start any voting until all the comments have been taken and the questions answered. I know that you will be very impressed with the design and functionality as well as hundreds of hours of work that have been expended to bring these proposals to you. I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus and continue to appreciate your support.
Gary Lapidas Club President
Annual Meeting: Wednesday, November 8 at 3:30pm (Tap links to sign up) Town Hall Facilities Master Plan Meeting: Wednesday, November 15 at 3:00pm in the Wyndemere Room & Broadcast Live
Dear Members, I hope this message finds you all in great spirits. As we stand on the cusp of a new season, I wanted to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. It is your commitment and dedication that continually inspire us to reach greater heights. We're embarking on an exciting journey of growth, innovation, and transformation. Together, we are committed to achieving new milestones and taking our organization to the next level with the arrival of Ron Parris, CEO. The upcoming season holds tremendous promise, and we couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead. Our team has been hard at work, planning a series of events and initiatives that promise to be both engaging and enriching. We can't wait to see you at these events and share these experiences with you. The true driving force behind the success of our organization is the enthusiasm and involvement of our members. Your dedication is the reason we are here, and it's your passion that fuels our collective progress. As we move forward into this new season, we want you to know that your voice and input are valued. We encourage you to actively participate, share your thoughts, and be part of our journey of growth and change. In closing, we are incredibly excited about the season ahead and the positive developments within our organization. Your membership means the world to us, and we look forward to sharing these exciting times with you. Here's to a fantastic season! Warm regards,
Leslie Evans Executive Director
Community speed limit is 25 mph. Let’s keep our roads safe. Three easy ways to help relieve congestion at the gate for visitors and guests below.
Last month I featured the New Members that have joined our Wyndemere family since May. Below are some faces and names of several of our new Members that have joined over the past year or more so you can begin to get better acquainted. Please assist me in welcoming the following New Member:
Cheri Schwartz, CMP Membership Director
Alice Scott ~ 413 Edgemere Way N. / Providence, RI ~ Sports
Kathy & Bill Parent
Barrie & Helen Whipp
Mitzi & Phil Barrett
Alex & Sally Smith
Kevin Bartlett
Gillian Campbell
Meg & Tom Mackey
Gaston Cudemus
Ross & Amy Gill
“In Memoriam” Former Member Dr. Thomas “Tom” Grady 10/24/23 (tap link to view obituary)
We are thrilled to welcome all our members back to the sunshine state! It’s been a busy (and hot) summer of planning, but we are geared up and ready for an exciting season here at Wyndemere. I can’t wait to share all the details with you! Oktoberfest - Friday, October 20th On Friday night, we kicked off the fall season with our annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Tiebreaker. 100 of our wonderful members joined us to enjoy a night of Bavarian-inspired festivities. The Tiebreaker was filled with the sounds of laughter and clinking beer steins as everyone indulged in traditional German cuisine, including bratwurst, house-made pretzels, wiener schnitzel and spätzle. Welcome Back Party – 45 Years of Wyndemere - Saturday, November 18th We have something special planned for Saturday, November 18th - our Welcome Back Celebration with a delightful Polynesian twist. This year, we're encouraging all our members to embrace the spirit of the South Pacific by dressing up in their best tropical attire.
Starting at 6:00pm and going until 10:00pm, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening. The popular GRS Band will once again take the stage at Wyndemere to provide an evening of great music and dancing. But the fun doesn’t stop on the dancefloor- get ready to be transported to the enchanting islands of Hawaii as a true Polynesian performance will be showcased from hula dancers to fire spinners, you won’t want to miss the show and experience the beauty and wonder of traditional Polynesian dance and music! As always, we'll have an array of mouthwatering dishes and refreshing drinks available upon your arrival. Our culinary team has crafted a menu that will transport your taste buds to the tropics, with exotic flavors and cocktails to complement the evening. RSVP Today! We can't wait to celebrate with you at this year’s Welcome Back Celebration. You won’t want to miss out on the festivities! RSVP by visiting our website, phone app or calling (239) 263-0389 to reserve your spot today. Upcoming November Events – 11/10 - Carvery Night (Vista Lounge): Join us for an evening at the clubhouse featuring a grand buffet with an array of mouthwatering offerings. 11/13 - Volunteer Fair (Pro Shop Lawn and Surrounding Areas): We invite all members to explore exciting opportunities to get involved and give back to our Naples community. 11/23 - Turkey Trot 5k (Hosted by Racquet Sports): Lace up your running shoes and join us for a heart-pumping 5K event, a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful “Fall” Florida weather. 11/23 - Thanksgiving Dinner (Wyndemere Room/Vista Lounge): Celebrate Thanksgiving with us at the Clubhouse, where we'll serve up all your favorite fall feast items. 11/24 - Burger Night (Tiebreaker): Satisfy your burger cravings with our popular burger night event at the Tiebreaker. 11/28 - Taco Tuesday (Tiebreaker): Don't miss our delicious Taco Tuesday event, where you can savor a variety of different tacos and Spanish-inspired dishes with your fellow members.
The holiday season at Wyndemere brings warmth, community, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more details and surprises as we continue to celebrate this special time of year together!
Samantha Oman Catering & Events Director
Grab & Go Café opens on November 1st Hours are 7:00am - 2:00pm Daily
Member satisfaction - We heard you loud and clear! The traditional dining landscape has evolved to meet the ever-changing desires of food lovers, and now, it's time for a culinary revolution. In a world where customization is king, à la carte dining is a breath of fresh air. Introducing the laserfocused, à la carte dining experience you've been waiting for. Chef Neil at the helm and heart of this culinary transformation has developed menus that are sure to raise the bar. This newfound focus on à la carte dining is more than a trend; it’s a transformation in the way food will be experienced. À la carte dining invites you to indulge in the pleasures of personalization and ensures that your dining experience is exactly what you envision. As the culinary world continues to evolve, your preferences matter. With the à la carte dining experience, it's all about you, and your satisfaction.
Leslie Evans, Executive Director
Here we go again, the start of another fall/winter golf season! This will mark my 10th season at Wyndemere, which when I think back it’s hard to believe it has been that long! I’ve enjoyed the challenge of making the golf courses the best we can each day, and very appreciative for the support along the way! I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the staff once again this month. They have done a phenomenal job this summer, and what they have accomplished just in the month of October is remarkable. Their accomplishments include: • • • • • •
Removing top layer of dirty bunker sand and replacing with new sand for 6” total Extensive trimming of natural areas located between golf holes Stump Grinding of volunteer Sabal Palms that end up blocking views Re-Sodding Select Bunker Faces that have deteriorated Refurbished all the bunker rake handles Refurbished all Bronze Yardage Plates
If we contracted this work out or purchased new vs. refurbishing, that price tag would easily exceed $100K. The work involved in maintain a golf course is endless, but I’m extremely proud of their willingness and commitment to do whatever it takes to get the job done! They are a true asset to Wyndemere! This summer we did have some capital projects completed that I want to mention. • •
New Landscape Clubhouse Parking Lot Bridge Wear Deck Replacement
The new landscape in the parking lot will take a full year to mature, but we replaced some plant material that was showing its age. New plants were installed that help tie in the parking lot with newer landscape projects that have been completed dating back to the tennis court project in 2017. The bridges were in dire need of work. The synthetic wear deck was removed and was replaced with pressure treated lumber. Any damaged structural boards were replaced at the same time. I’m very pleased with the finished product. As we move forward to November, our focus shifts away from projects and more towards maintenance and details. We have a very active golf season and our goal has always been to provide an exceptional golfing experience for our member’s and guests! We look forward to that same challenge this season and to seeing everyone out enjoying our beautiful campus!
Aaron Ohloff, GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent
We are excited to announce that the golf course, after several years of persistent claims, has been re-rated by the Florida State Golf Association. The new course rating will go into effect on November 1st, which will reflect slightly different/ higher course Slope and Rating from each set of tees. We are confident you will see course handicaps that more accurately reflect the golf course difficulties. Below is a comparison of our previous course ratings/slope to our updated version. Handicap hole allocations remain the same.
Play with the Pro - Continuing with Success Our Golf Professional staff is looking forward to another great season of enjoyable golf with our members! This season-long annual tradition called “Play with the Pro” kicks off November 1st and will allow YOU, our great Wyndemere members, the opportunity to play alongside our Golf Professional staff in a team format through March. Teams are comprised of three members plus one Professional, with a format of 2 Net Better Balls of Four. We are all looking forward to the fun camaraderie and exciting competition! This team sign-up sheet is available in the Professional Shop. Golf Instruction Ladies Clinics will begin this November 1st and run through the year on Wednesdays 11:00am - $35 per student. The schedule and sign-ups are now posted on the Wyndemere website. Dennis Meyer Game improvement Golf Clinics for November: Tuesday, November 14th - 10:00am start Friday, November 24th - 10:00am start Each session will hold up to 3 students at $85 per person. Sign-up on the golf calendar. New Golf Carts have arrived!
2023-2024 Demo Day & Fittings We have 12 more demo & fitting days scheduled with Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist, XXIO, and Bobby Grace Putters. Sign-up information is available online and in the Professional Shop. If there is ever anything we can do to make your experience at Wyndemere more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to make us aware. Welcome home and let’s have a great season! New Golf School Coming to Wyndemere! Operation 36 is a new program centered around playing on the course right away and moving up in levels with the emphasis on the short game. Classes are a month long program that meet on either Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons or Thursday mornings. With a playing component on two Friday afternoons a month. If Kyle Gailloreto, PGA interested please contact Ben Melms, PGA at bmelms@wyndemere.com to sign up or Director of Golf for more information.
Wyndemere Women’s Golf Association 9-Holers
Wyndemere Women’s Golf Association 18-Holers
Any woman golfer who wishes to play 9 holes is invited to play on opening day, November 7. Time to make new friends and reunite with buddies. Non-golfers may sign-up to dine. Continental Breakfast at 9:30am and shotgun start at 10:30am. Groups will be organized by the Pro-Shop for a scramble format. Lovely luncheon will follow in the Clubhouse. November 14 celebrates Sadie Hawkins Day. Teams of 3 women and a man will have shotgun start a 10:30am; lunch to follow on the Tiebreaker Patio. Pro-Shop staff will do their best to recruit men for teams if players don’t have a foursome planned. Be ready for December 5 Holiday Tournament, and it’s never too early to plan for a partner for Member/ Member on January 30 and Member/Guest on February 13. ***Please use the event calendar on the Wyndemere Website and click on 9-hole golf to sign up by 3 pm on Saturdays. Or you may call, email or stop in the Pro-Shop. If you don’t get a confirmation email by Monday, please call to double-check (239)-263-1661. Meet our new intern, Luke Gordon, who will help keep us organized this year!! Looking forward to good times together,
Judi Mottaz WWGA 9 President
Dee Reidel WWGA 18 President
wyndemere9golf@gmail.com
deereidel@icloud.com
Wyndemere’s Duplicate Bridge game is played on Monday’s in the Wyndemere Room of the main clubhouse. All Wyndemere Members are welcome. You must bring a partner, and the cost for the sanctioned game is $8.00. This year you are asked to be in your seat at 12:15pm so our director can determine which bridge movement is needed and the game can begin promptly at 12:30pm. Complimentary beverages, a veggie tray, and cookies will be available. October 16: 1st North South: Bob and Cathy Stone; 2nd North South: Lynn Baxter and Fran Ryan. 1st East West: Martha
Neil Skewes and Mary Burke; 2nd East West: Sugar Rubin and Beth Eberhard. October 30: 1st North South: Nancy Smith and Brenda Gisriel; 2nd North South: Marjorie O’Brien and Judy Bell. 1st East West: Fran Ryan and Ellen Kaufman; 2nd East West: Sugar Rubin and Beth Eberhard.
If you have any questions, please call Nancy Smith or Beth Eberhard who organize the weekly game. Beth’s phone number is 440-967-5502 and her email is betheberhard@gmail.com. Reservations are not needed; just bring your partner and be in your seat by 12:15pm on Mondays. If you need a partner, please let us know and we will do our best to find you one. Nancy and Beth look forward to an enjoyable year of bridge for all.
Now into the fall and nearing holiday stretch, we are welcoming all the car carriers and Ship Sticks deliveries that have been arriving these past few weeks. Whether you are making your way back for a few weeks or you are here for the duration of the season, we are happy to see everyone make their way back to Wyndemere. It is officially time to get this new and exciting 2023-2024 season kicked off! With our season now underway, we are receiving all sorts of merchandise daily. As you stop by and visit us in the Golf Shop, you’ll see shipments arriving from Tail, Tzu Tzu, and San Soleil for the ladies. For the men, expect to see additional Peter Millar, FootJoy lightweight shorts, Donald Ross Sport and more. You will also be happy to see the new shoes and apparel lines from G/Fore. As you walk through the shop to see the new arrivals, check out the refreshed stock of Maui Jim Sunglasses. You will also notice this year’s expanded line of golf bags and color choices, arriving this month. Expect to see the new Diva, Maverick, C130, and Stellar golf bags from Sun Mountain. Besides offering demo days and personalized fittings from every vendor, we have added more demo clubs in the Golf Shop. Be sure to try out the new Ladies’ Ping G LE 3 and Callaway Paradym Star Clubs. More selection of Taylor Made Stealth Drivers and TP5 golf balls are now here. We are looking forward to another fabulous season and would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Lisa Polewaski Merchandise Manager
We are excited to introduce additional team members! Please help us welcome Nya Welinski who will join us as a Wellness Concierge; and Serenity Toler, a deep tissue specialist, expands our team of skilled massage therapists.
Upcoming Events:
Nya
Serenity
November 3rd Healthspan with Pat Payne Click here for details and Registration. November 6th Trek will be here doing bike tune ups AND have representatives here to assist with helmet fitting, light installations, and safety best practices! Click for details and Registration.
Fitness Updates: As of November 1st, we will be enforcing the 3-minute class policy: class participants must check-in for class at least three minutes prior to the scheduled start time. This policy avoids delaying or disrupting the class and allows us to permit those waiting on standby to enter the class prior to start. Late arrivals will not be permitted and will be charged the class rate. Afternoon classes are now available on Tuesdays, Thursdays with more to come! We now offer a Sunday Class - Yoga at 9:00am with Polly! New Cycling Instructor, Lee Mambuca Wednesdays at 8am and Saturday at 9:30am. Saturday dance party - Zumba Gold with Maria Nogueira on Saturdays at 11:00am. The 2023-2024 annual unlimited package is being offered at $1,000 ($200 less than last year) or pay $10 per class. A NEW Seasonal unlimited package will become available January 1st through April 30th for $500.
Bring on the Guests! As a reminder, ALL guests who are not being accompanied by you will need to be registered and pick up a Guest Pass from Administration. You may register through the website via Resources or call Barbara in Administration (239) 263-1700. Guests under age 16 must be accompanied and supervised by their parent/guardian; guests younger than 14 are not permitted to use the fitness facilities or spa services without prior management approval. Please inform all guests of club polices: no cell phone, no virtual training, appropriate attire required… Here is a link to the current Club Rules & Regulations.
Spa and Salon: As of November 1st, Spa Hours will change to Monday through Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm Friday & Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm
Reservations are made by calling (239) 263-0777 Keri Manix, CFSD Wellness Director
Good riddance to the Summer Heat! Season is now upon us and it’s time to hit the ground running! We hope everyone had an incredible end to their summer with friends and family. Aside from the plentiful past due rain, the month of October was filled with the return of past events as well as some first ever activities! Wyndemere has started its new Fall Bocce League! This league has 18 teams with 132 players and will be battling under the lights on Tuesday’s. Please continue to check the calendar as we have switched over to our seasonal hours. This means a new schedule with new times for Clinics, leagues, drop-ins and more. Equipment tune-ups: We are gearing up for a busy start to the season and it’s important to have adequate equipment. Footwear is first on the checklist. Make sure you have proper tennis/pickleball shoes that have good support and good soles for safety! We tell members that shoes are not only for protecting your feet, but for reducing the impact and providing support for your knees and lower back. We are in Florida folks, which means we must take the sun into account and protect our face. Ballcaps, floppy hats, and/or polarized sunglasses all are recommended for players here at Wyndemere. Please stop into the Pro Shop if you have any of these needs. Finally, the racquets and paddles, please be sure to bring in your paddles/racquets to have one of our Pros check out the grip, frame, strings, etc. to be sure that everything functions. Upcoming Events in November: Pickleball In-House league: If you missed the registration and just got back, please let us know and we can get you in as a SUB for the fall pickleball league. Tennis Pro exhibition: Thursday, November 9, 5:00pm Click here for the Guest Players Bio’s Pickleball Pro exhibition: Wednesday, November 15, 5:00pm. Click here to sign up for dinner following the exhibition Thanksgiving Pickleball stay and play: Thursday, November 23, 8:30am Click here to register Thanksgiving Tennis stay and play: Thursday, November 23, 8:30am Click here to register Trivia question for the month of November: (Tennis) What was the first electronic device used in tournaments to help assist with line calls? First answer to come in via email to ggould@wyndemere.com will receive a complimentary 30-minute tennis or pickleball lesson with your Head Professional Garrett Gould. The Racquet Sports Team Jicham Zaatini Laura Parker Garrett Gould Heidimarie Michitsch George Obidiegwu
- Director of Racquet Sports - Pro Shop Team Member/Pickleball - Head Tennis & Pickleball Professional - Bocce & Croquet Coordinator and Pro Shop Team Member - Racquet Sports + Bocce Maintenance
Garrett Gould Head Tennis & Pickleball Professional
Again, Wyndemere for the win! 49 people were invited to compete in a five-day tournament in Pinehurst North Carolina. Yet again, Wyndemere for the win! Jennifer Joseph, playing for Wyndemere, took first place in doubles, and second place in singles! Photo to the left showing off her Trophies with her favorite person at Pinehurst, Paula... the bartender!
Croquet “Get in the Swing” Welcome Back Party! Friday, December 8, 2023 3:00pm - 6:00pm Tap here to sign up
Oktoberfest 2023
Upcoming Events for December: December 1: Pasta Night December 1: Holiday Craft Sale December 9: Veteran’s Breakfast December 13: Holiday Dinner Dance December 22: Carvery Night
December 23: Santa Brunch "Fun in the Sun" December 26: Taco Tuesday December 28: Burgers & Brews BBQ December 31: New Year's Eve Brunch December 31: New Year's Eve Celebration
The purpose of The Girlfriends of Wyndemere is to build camaraderie as members socialize, find common areas of interest, discuss relevant topics and discover what Naples has to offer. The Girlfriends of Wyndemere is open to all the women of Wyndemere. There are no dues or obligations to attend meetings, other than to be a Girlfriend.
Upcoming Events (click on the date to view the flyer & sign up):
N ov e m b e r 7 : Wi n e & We l c o m e N ov e m b e r 8 : Em p t y B o w l s N ov e m b e r 6, 8, 1 3 & 1 5 : M a h Jo n g g L e s s o n s N ov e m b e r 1 3 : Vo l u n t e e r Fa i r N ov e m b e r 1 4 : D i n i n g D i va s O p e n i n g N i g h t N ov e m b e r 1 7 : M a g g i e D i m o n A u t h o r D i s c u s s i o n N ov e m b e r 2 8 : M e x i c a n Fo o d i e - Fo o d Tr u c k To u r December 2: Holiday Cookie Elves D e c e m b e r 4 : Oy s t e r S h e l l D e c o r a t i n g C l a s s D e c e m b e r 6 : S t i r, S h a k e , a n d S e r v e D e c e m b e r 8 : Fo r T h e L ov e o f Pe a r l s D e c e m b e r 1 1 : B a r b i e G o e s B ow l i n g
Monday’s & Wednesday’s
November 6th & 8th and 13th & 15th 3:00pm-5:00pm | Craft Room @ Tiebreaker $20 Per Session
(239) area code
Administration CEO Dining Reservations Executive Chef Fitness Reception Desk Golf Course Maintenance Golf Professional Shop Homeowners Association Ladies’ Locker Room Member Billing Membership Director Men’s Locker Room Racquet Sports Shop Security Automated Security Staff Spa
263-1700 Ext. 2100 263-7205 263-0389 263-8014 263-6129 263-0022 263-1661 263-0761 262-5347 643-6270 643-6336 263-3626 261-5683 263-0782 263-3726 263-0777
Administration 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday-Friday
Tiebreaker Dining Grab & Go Breakfast
7:00am - 2:00pm Daily 7:00am - 10:30am Saturday 7:00am - 9:30am Sunday Sunday Brunch 10:00am - 2:00pm Lunch 11:00am - 2:30pm Daily Dinner 5:00pm - 8:00pm (Sunday’s on 11/12) Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday Happy Hour 4:00pm - 6:00pm (Sunday’s on 11/12) Wednesday - Saturday Please make reservations at www.wyndemere.com Clubhouse Dining - Beginning 11/7 Lunch 11 :00am - 2:30pm
Monday - Friday Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Executive Director Director of Racquets Executive Chef Golf Course Super Director of Golf Membership Director Wellness Director
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director
Ron Parris, CEO Johnathan Beers, CHAE Leslie Evans, SHRM-CP Jicham Zaatini, CEP Neil DeVries, CEC Aaron Ohloff, GCSAA Kyle Gailloreto, PGA Cheri Schwartz, CMP Keri Manix, CFSD
Gary Lapidas Jack Condon Peter Sacks Karen Osar Lynn Jolliffe Bill Henderson Brad Green Sandy Muther Richard Tilghman
Dinner
5:00pm - 8:00pm Tuesday & Friday
Happy Hour
4:00pm - 6:00pm Tuesday & Friday
Amenities Golf Pro Shop
7:15am - 5:30pm
Cart Barn
7:00am - 6:00pm
Golf Practice
7:00am - Dusk Daily
Racquet Sports
8:00am - 5:00pm Mon-Fri 8:00am - 3:00pm Weekends
Tennis Courts
7:30am - 10:00pm
Activities Center
8:00am - 9:00pm
Spa
10:00am - 5:00pm Mon-Thurs 10:00am - 3:00pm Fri & Sat Spa Closed Sunday
Gym
5:00am - 8:00pm Daily
Pool
Dusk to Dawn