For the first time ever, this year’s Delaware Amateur Championship will be hosted by White Clay Creek Country Club in Wilmington. The semiprivate club runs just a hair over 7,000 yards in length, with a unique layout that should give competitors a run for their money June 24-26.
As they continue prepping for the three-day event, White Clay Creek staffers remain confident. “We do a great job preparing the golf course on a weekly basis for our members and guests. With the conditions we currently provide, I plan to go into the season with the same routine we do every year,” says golf course superintendent Josh Weaver.
He’ll begin preparing the grounds around Memorial Day, ramping up the process in early June. “We begin getting the golf course closer to tournament conditions one to two weeks before the start of the event,” he says.
“White Clay Creek presents a formidable challenge,” says Luke Neubauer, the club’s head pro. “The layout features strategically placed bunkers, undulating greens and water hazards.”
So competitors will have to be precise and creative with their shot-making. “Golfers should expect firm, fast and fair conditions. We have some of the best and most challenging greens in the area,” Weaver says. “The course is a real test for the players, from tee to green.”
In last year’s tourney at Wild Quail Golf and Country Club in Kent County, Alex Hosier held his own, stringing together his best state amateur performance. He’s a resident of Baldwin, Maryland, but an out-of-town membership at Elverson’s French Creek Golf Club grants him access to Golf Association of Philadelphia and Delaware State Golf Association events.
Before any tournament, Hosier does his homework—even when he’s unable to see the course in advance. With the help of a yardage book and Google Earth, he figures out ideal shots and formulates his strategy ahead of time. “Any new course is always a challenge, and one of the best parts about tournament golf is experiencing new courses and trying to unlock how to attack each hole,” he says. “Since White Clay Creek is more accessible than some of the private venues we play at, it will be easier to take a test spin around the track.”
To prepare for this year’s amateur championship, Hosier is playing in as many tournaments as he can. “There are so many great players in the area, and you always have to look for ways to get better and better,” he says. “I worked hard over the off-season, and I’ve seen some real results. I’m excited.”
Visit whiteclaycreek.com.
Related: Your Guide to Golf Courses and Clubs Around the Main Line Area
