EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SHARON
President
JOHN
Vice
ED
Secretary
JOHN
WILLIAM
Executive
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANDREW
DANIEL
DANIEL
JAMES
JEFFREY
KAREN
MIKE
PHILIP
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It seems that we are finally getting a sense that spring and warm weather is just around the corner. Seeing flowers beginning to bloom around town and the golf course turning green is a welcome reminder of what is lies ahead These seasonal changes are predictable and anticipated, often holding wonderful memories of years past.
What often isn’t “wonderful” are not expected, unpredictable changes, which unfortunately happened to the Club last month. Much to our surprise and shock, the Board learned that RBCC’s property had been reassessed, resulting in a drastic increase in taxes Many of you who live and own property in Sussex County may also have discovered the same thing. We received no notification of this new reassessment, that we can find, and only learned of it from a Member who discovered our reassessment by chance searching tax records
To provide a little background, property values in the County have not been reassessed in almost 50 years and a 2018 Chancery Court settlement required a reassessment of all properties in Sussex County, as of 2023, for the 2025 tax year. A company was hired by the County to appraise all properties in Sussex and assign to each property its fair market value, which set a cascade of appeals by shocked property owners Prior to this point, RBCC was valued at $2,300,000 and our tax bill in 2024 was $58,000.
What we just learned is that RBCC is now viewed as the #1 most prime property in all of Sussex, valued at $100,000,000 and our yearly property tax could jump to $200,000 an almost 250% increase!! We believe this valuation was made based on if the property was to be developed as homesites with improvements in place and not to remain as a golf course and country club as purchased and built in the early 1960’s After catching our breath from this whiplash, the Board quickly acted by engaging outside legal counsel and hired a highly respected company, Golf Property Analysts, to work on an appeal which was filed before the March 31 deadline
Sharon Covington Board President
Some may ask why RBCC is paying property tax as we are a tax-exempt, 501c7 social club The short answer is that, while we are generally exempt from state and local taxes by our 501c7 status, we do not however qualify for exemption from property taxes.
While it is inevitable that the Club’s property taxes will increase, the Board will continue to do everything possible to ensure the increase is fair, appropriate and according to state/county rules and real estate law. We will keep membership informed and welcome any Members with expertise in this area to reach out to “C” for consultation.
On a lighter note, we just celebrated the Club’s 100th birthday highlighted with a beautiful cake made by the Club’s own Pastry Chef Greg. There was a wonderful Member turnout and the cake tasted even better than it looked Our first big family outing of the year kicks off with the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday and Brunch on Sunday. Please be sure to sign up, bring the kids, and dress in your finest attire as the Easter Bunny will be there to greet you And don’t forget, golf season kicks off in April with 9- and 18- Hole Ladies’ play and Men’s Day.
Wishing everyone a Happy Spring, Easter, and Passover!
Carpiu "C" Chereches GM/COO
GENERAL MANAGER’S UPDATE
In line with keeping things “green,” the Club has embarked on an effort to reduce the use of the plastic water bottles and ask the Members and guests to use reusable bottles and re-fill them at the new water stations (at the pool when it opens, Golf Shop, and Halfway House) The longterm goal is to tap into our existing water lines beneath the golf course and have more hydration stations to cool off in the summer heat.
and we will still be working on some improvement projects Alan’s team is continuing the work on the golf course. We will start next week on the work to resurface the pool deck. And we plan to repair the problematic collapsing drainage pipes and tidal gates around the golf course sometime in June without disrupting play.
After the last weekend in March brought us sunny days in the 70- and 80-degree weather, nature had to prank us on April 1st with a drop back in the 50s with a brutal wind just to make a clear point of the fact that “Spring” likes to take her time around here in our coastal paradise
What is undeniable though, is that the process of spring is already irreversible, we just need to have a little more patience; everything turned green around us, the trees are blossoming, and the amenities get more and more animated Members are either returning from Florida, or just joining the Club, and we’re staffing up accordingly for the Centennial season. The twelve H2B groundskeepers have just arrived from El Salvador (eleven of them for a second or third season), and more are expected for the restaurant in the upcoming months. We've also successfully hired a new Horticulturist, Courtney, to give us the much-needed help from a trained and experienced professional in keeping our property “looking pretty ” Please say hi as you see her manicuring the Club surroundings.
The one amenity that comes back to life every April that we’re all excited about is racquets. Terri has dedicated the entire winter months to blow you away this season, as she and her staff always do on the Club courts. As mentioned last month, the biggest tennis event this year, and this century of our existence in fact, will be Frances Tiafoe’s guest appearance for a memorable experience on July 17. Details will be released soon about the historical event and how you can participate in it
While the season doesn’t officially kick in before the Memorial Day weekend, the courts will be busy, the patios will come back together to welcome diners, the ladies’ and men’s golf leagues will start,
Meanwhile, as mentioned in the President’s Letter, we’ll continue the appeal with the county for the new property assessed value and increased taxes associated with that, and keep you updated as we hear more. Our next step will be a meeting with the county’s referee, and we hope that we will have a new appraisal completed in time for the official hearing that will follow
We're so excited to welcome you back and create new memorable experiences this season.
Happy Easter and Chag Pesach Sameach!
"The first of April, some do say, Is set apart for All Fools' Day. But why the people call it so, Nor I, nor they themselves do know. But on this day are people sent On purpose for pure merriment." - Poor Robin's Almanac, 1790
FY26 DUES BILLING UPDATE
With the membership changes in place, your statement now reflects the 7% Operating Dues increase approved by the Board for FY26. The Club bills Operating Dues 2 months in advance, so a one-time adjustment has been made on your current statement for the April dues billed on your February statement.
AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS
To ensure your statement is complete and your payment is processed and posted by the end of the month, it is best to set up your recurring payment plans for after the 5th and before the 25th of each month.
HOLE-IN-ONE POLICY OPT-OUT
If you are a Regular Golf Member, you should have received the Hole-in-one Policy email on March 29. In April, the Club will charge every Regular Membership a $10 fee for the fund and give Member’s 30 days (April 30th) to opt out on the Member’s website under Member Central or by contacting the Membership Department. Members can choose to opt-out only once during the month of April. As a reminder, If you previously opted out, you would remain opted-out and not be charged unless you alert the membership department otherwise.
SOARING THROUGH THE DECADES
This month the Club will be sending the second edition of Soaring Through the Decades, the bimonthly centennial publication. This second edition will feature the 50s and 60s. If you or a loved one would like to share a story or memorabilia, contact Bethany! We’d LOVE to feature you in this exceptional year!
Stephen and Kristen Best
Robert and Mindi Tunnell
The following individuals are being considered for membership in Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Any communication concerning these nominations should be directed to the Chairperson of the Membership Committee or the Membership Director. Information shared will be considered confidential and will be protected.
Posting for a Social Membership: Paul and Keavney deClouet of Washington DC and New Orleans, LA Sponsor: Angela van Helden
E. Scott & Pamela Conover of Baltimore MD, and Rehoboth Beach, DE Sponsor: Michelle Swanenburg
Scott and Inci Porter of Chadds Ford, PA and Lewes, DE Sponsor: Chase Brockstedt
Bradley and Kathryn Rozansky of Bethesda, MA Sponsor: MK Willis-Smith
IN MEMORIAM
Carole Schagrin
RBCC Member since July 20, 1968.
TUESDAY DINING SERVICES
The Club is now open on Tuesdays for Lunch and Dinner for the rest of the year. Join us for as Member Night will now be Tuesdays starting on April 1.
WEEKLY OFFERINGS
Tuesday - Member Night
Wednesday - Bingo
Happy Hour continues weekly Wednesday through Saturday from 3pm - 5:30pm
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH
Crème Brûlée Martini
Try our newest dessert cocktail that captures the essence of the classic Crème Brûlée dessert with a rich, creamy vanilla base and a hint of caramel, topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday
Closed for Dining Services
Tuesday through Thursday
WINES OF THE MONTH
Joseph Drouhin Macon-Villages 2022, Burgundy, France 2022
$15/46 From one of the most recognized estates in Beaune, this is 100% Chardonnay from outside Pouilly-Fuisse, displaying notes of white flowers, lemon curd, and under ripe peach with an expressive creaminess. Very classic and easy drinking. Organically farmed.
Mollydooker, Two Left Feet, Red Blend, McLaren Vale, Australia
2021 $16/50 This seamless blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet has created an enticing wine that exceeds all expectations. Ripe fruits of dark cherry, blackberry, plum and raspberry are complimented by the secondary notes of vanilla and mixed spices. The silky, satin like fruit profile, encompassed by lovely ripe tannins, cascades effortlessly through the palate providing fantastic depth and WOW factor.
HALFWAY HOUSE OPENING
The Halfway House will open Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 9am to 3pm, weather pending, starting Friday, April 4.
Lunch........................................11:30am to 3pm
Happy Hour Menu.....................3pm to 5:30pm
Dinner.........................................5:30pm to 8pm
Friday and Saturday
Lunch........................................11:30am to 3pm
Happy Hour Menu.....................3pm to 5:30pm
Dinner.........................................5:30pm to 9pm
Sunday
Lunch........................................11:30am to 3pm
Closed for Dining Services at 3pm
Clubhouse & Locker Rooms Closed at 3pm
NEW MENU ITEMS
The Club showcased new menu items for Lunch and Dinner during the last week of March. Look for the RBCC eagle on the menu for the changes! Some of the new features include:
Grilled Lamb Chops
Baked or Naked Oysters
Spring Pea Salad
Bacon, Mushroom, Goat Cheese Pizza
Curry Cauliflower Steak and more!
April 5
April 10
April 18
April 19
April Save the Dates
Tuesdays: Member Night | Wednesdays: Bingo Night
MAY Save the Dates
CONGRATULATIONS NICK!
Exciting News for members of your Professional golf staff!
We are thrilled to announce that Nick Confer has been named the new Head Golf Professional at Radley Run Country Club. Over the years, Nick has proven himself to be an exceptional professional, and we are confident that he will be a fantastic addition to Radley Runs’ golf operation. As the Head Golf Professional, he will oversee the golf & tournament operations.
We are very happy for Nick, Alli and baby Henry as they begin their next chapter of their lives. Nick and Alli have worked tirelessly to help create the current operations at RBCC that you all have grown to love, particularly their fantastic skills within the merchandise operations. Please join us in congratulating Nick on his new role and in wishing him and Alli continued success in all their endeavors. We anticipate Nick and Alli to remain with RBCC through the beginning of April.
GOLF PRO TIP OF THE MONTH
A proper left-hand (non-dominant) grip is crucial for control and consistency in your golf swing. Here’s how to check and improve yours:
1. Positioning the Club in Your Fingers
Place the club diagonally across the base of your fingers—not in your palm. This promotes better wrist hinge and flexibility in the swing.
2. Thumb and Index Finger Placement
Your left thumb should rest slightly to the right of the shaft (for right-handed golfers). The crease between your thumb and index finger should point toward your right shoulder.
3. Knuckles Check
When looking down, you should see two to three knuckles on your left hand. Seeing too few may indicate a weak grip (leading to slices), while too many can cause a strong grip (leading to hooks).
4. Grip Pressure
Maintain a firm but relaxed grip—think of holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out. Too much tension reduces clubhead speed and feel.
5. Connection with the Right Hand
When placing your right hand on the club, ensure it complements the left hand without overpowering it. The left hand is your control hand, guiding the clubface through impact.
Quick Drill:
Grip the club with just your left hand and take small swings to feel the connection between your grip and clubface. This helps reinforce proper hand positioning. A solid left-hand grip sets the foundation for a consistent and powerful swing. Keep practicing, and your shots will become more controlled and accurate!
MERCH OF THE MONTH
This month’s featured merchandise is our new Centennial Sherpa Blankets, which are available in a variety of different colors and patterns, and feature our secondary Centennial logo, the Conestoga Wagon.
WELCOME BACK, OUTSIDE SERVICE STAFF!
As the golf season ramps up, we’d like to take a moment to extend a warm welcome back to the dedicated outside service staff. These individuals play a vital role in ensuring that the golf experience runs smoothly with the ultimate goal of providing exceptional service. A special thank you to the Outside Service Supervisor Bret Hollis who was the loan outside service employee throughout the winter. Bret stayed busy preparing for the upcoming season as well as continuing to provide all Members with fantastic services year-round. We look forward to having Bret and the team back beginning in April!
FIXING BALL MARKS & DIVOTS
Golf courses are finely manicured areas, requiring a lot of care and attention to maintain their beauty and playability. As Members & staff alike, it is our responsibility to help preserve the course for other Members and future players. Two common issues that arise on the course are ball marks and divots. Both can significantly impact the condition of the greens and fairways if not addressed properly. Please be sure to fix as many ball marks as you can see on the putting green and utilize the supplies sand bottles to fill in divots on the course. Let’s keep the course looking as good as we can throughout the season.
Click on the Image Scroll through photo updates with Audio BY Pat and
Alan
HOLE 15 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The project on 15 is finally underway! The team had a late start as we had to wait for permits, but that also helped as now we will be sodding when the temperatures are higher so the bermudagrass will quickly knit. Hole 15 started as a tee project, as it was the only complex not completed last year. However, fill was needed and due to wanting to help fix the drainage issue on hole 14, fill was generated by extending the creek drainage area from behind 15 green. Because of the amount of disruption from equipment crossing over the hole, it was decided to renovate it completely to match hole 19.
The entire hole will be fairway height bermudagrass which gives players options around the green. For example, higher handicappers can now putt rather than needing to chip, whereas better golfers also have the option to chip, but it will be from a tighter lie than out of the rough. We are making good progress, but the biggest delays may be due to the weather. We are planning on completing it by early May and by then the temperature should be at the point where the Bermudagrass will knit quickly, and we can reopen soon after.
HOLE 17 TEE ADDITION
With the extra fill from the Hole 15 project, the team is adding a new tee box on hole 17 to fill in the big yardage gap that is currently there.
CONNECTING PONDS
The Golf Course Maintenance Team is planning on connecting the ponds from 10 to 11 to 12 with large pipes to ensure better drainage. The timing on this project will depend on when the equipment can be released from the Hole 15 project. However, it will be planned to take place in sections to minimize disruption to play on the golf course.
WARMER WEATHER AHEAD
After a cold start to the year, the warmer than normal weather now means that the course has started to green up as the turf awakens. The Golf Course Maintenance Team has started mowing the greens and as the growth allows, they are lowering them back to the regular height after letting them ride out the winter to protect themselves. They will start mowing other areas as they fully wake up.
BUNKER SAND
As spring continues, the Golf Course Maintenance Team will be adding sand to the bunkers to prove more consistent conditions and aesthetics.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Sunday
Golf Shop.........................................8am to 5pm
Golf Course..............................Check ForeTees*
Driving Range............................7:45am to Dusk
Performance Center..........8:30am to 3:30pm*
Tuesdays
Golf Course.................................................12pm
Golf Shop.....................................................11am
Driving Range.........................................11:15am
*Check ForeTees for open availability.
HOURS OF OPERATION REMINDER
As the warmer weather becomes more frequent and the Club heads into the spring and summer season, please be aware that the Golf Shop and Golf Course Hours of Operation will change. Tuesday Maintenance starts again on April 1.
WELCOME BACK
H2B TEAM MEMBERS!
The H2B’s for the Golf Course Maintenance Team are scheduled to arrive back on April 1. This will provide additional assistance to get caught up on detail work and the bunkers will be back to being attended to daily. Please welcome them back with us!
APRIL 3 - OCTOBER 30
EVERY THURSDAY | 1:00PM SHOTGUN
Cost:
$275.00fortheseason&$10.00weeklycashentryfee
AnnualFeeincludesKickoffDinner,“Dogfight”Dinner,andfoodonMen’sDays
OpenseachThursdayoneweekpriorat8:00am Closesat10:00amonthedayof
Registration: Format: StablefordPointQuota,A&BFlights,BlindPartners
Signupasagrouporasasingle GolfStaffwilldotheirbesttopairsingles
RBCC RBCC MASTERS TOURNAMENT MASTERS
Saturday, April 12 | 8:30am Shotgun
Registration opens Saturday, March 1 at 8:00am
1 Best Ball par 5's
2 best ball par 4's
3 best ball par 3's closest to the pins gross & net prizes
Centennial Centennial Hickory Shaft Hickory Shaft Tournament Tournament
Friday, May 9 | 1:00pm
$85 per player
Includes Lunch, cart fee, Hickory Clubs, “Gutties”, & Prizes
Scramble Format
Registration opens April 1 at 8:00am
HOURS OF OPERATION
CHARITY PRO EVENT
Frances Tiafoe Charity Pro Am and Exhibition to celebrate the Centennial year!
Date is set for Thursday, July 17
Sub-committees gathering to ensure success of this incredible Club opportunity. More information to follow.
TENNIS COURTS OPENING
Welch Tennis is set to recondition the tennis courts in early April. Weather pending.
FITNESS CLASS SIGN UP POLICY
A minimum of three participants must be registered for a class. If fewer than three people sign up in advance, the class will be canceled—regardless of attendance by those who did not register.
Class sign-up cutoff times in ForeTees will be as follows:
Early morning classes: 7:00 PM the night before Midday classes: 7:00 AM the same day
Evening classes: 12:00 PM the same day
WATER BOTTLE USE
As part of the Club’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability, the Club will no longer provide plastic water bottles. We encourage Members to bring their own reusable bottles, and water stations with paper cups will be available for your convenience.
NEW CLASS ALERT!
Barre Intensity with Lesslee on Saturdays at 8:30am combines attributes of Pilates, cardio, and body-sculpting fitness training.
Racquets: Monday - Sunday
Tennis Courts.................Closed for the Season
Pickleball Courts.............................8am to Dusk
Weather Pending
Fitness: Monday - Sunday
Fitness Center..................................5am - 11pm
Pool: Closed for the Season
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Vesna Josic Janicijevic Vesna brings 22 years of knowledge, understanding and passion to customize each session to the needs, goals and feedback of her clients.
BOOK NOW ONLINE!
60 minutes - $145
90 minutes - $180
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Make your reservation now for Youth Summer Activities!
Cinco de Mayo Family Field Day will take place on Sunday, May 4 from 12pm-4pm. Indulge in a delicious Mexican-inspired buffet, then enjoy an afternoon packed with exciting outdoor activities, family games, and a scavenger hunt!
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
