For Al Waniolek, Clubhouse Manager at the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course, the power of well-being comes from creating a place where people can stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the game he loves. After two years with the City, Al helps manage the day-to-day operations of the course clubhouse, handling everything from invoices and purchasing to contracts and facility improvements. With a background in finance and a lifelong passion for golf, he enjoys the unique opportunity to combine his professional experience with the sport he has loved for decades.
Combining a Passion for Golf and Finance
Before joining the City, Al spent his career in finance. While he enjoyed the work, he never imagined he would get to combine it with his love of golf. "I come from finance, so I'm used to working in a cubicle or office with maybe a window," Al said. "To love golf and be able to do similar work on a golf course is amazing." Al first started playing golf in his early 20s and spent years playing courses throughout Phoenix and traveling to experience different courses. Today, he gets to support a facility that provides those same opportunities for golfers in Wilmington and beyond.
The Work Behind the Scenes
Keeping a golf course running takes much more than what players see on the course. Al works closely with staff across the facility, including the grounds maintenance crew, to support purchasing, contracts and other behind-the-scenes needs that help keep the course in top condition. "It's a lot of the little stuff that adds up and makes the difference for our customers," he said. When he's not handling paperwork in his office, Al often steps in wherever he is needed, whether that means helping at the front desk, stocking merchandise, answering phones, or assisting customers. With golfers visiting from across the region for tournaments and events, Al takes pride in helping create a welcoming experience. "My work means a clean and well-stocked facility for people to enjoy," he said.
Improving the Golf Experience
One of Al's proudest projects at the course was updating the clubhouse men's restroom. After noticing the space needed a refresh, he helped transform it with new finishes, trim, and a custom wall wrap featuring photos from tournaments held at the course. The project combined his love for home improvement with his desire to make the facility a better experience for everyone who visits. Looking ahead, Al is also excited about the upcoming implementation of new golf management software that will streamline clubhouse operations. The system will allow staff to quickly scan merchandise rather than manually searching for items, saving time and improving service for golfers.
The Power of Well-Being
For Al, golf represents more than a game. It supports physical, mental, and social well-being in ways that benefit players of all ages. He shared that one of the course's longtime volunteers, who is 96 years old, continues to stay active through his love of golf. To Al, it's a reminder of how the sport can support lifelong wellness. Beyond the physical benefits, Al believes there is something special about spending time outdoors on the course. "There's something magical about getting out there on the green," he said. "The combination of the trees, grass and fresh air. It's almost like hiking to the top of a mountain and getting that zen moment." Golf also creates opportunities for connection. While the game is often viewed as an individual challenge, players are almost always sharing the experience with others. From the course to the clubhouse, those interactions help create a welcoming community for golfers of all experience levels.
Celebrating 100 Years of Muni
This year, the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course is celebrating a major milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Donald Ross Municipal Golf Course. To commemorate this historic occasion, the City will host a Centennial Tournament open to golfers of all skill levels on Saturday, Sept. 19. The celebration will include golf, food, prizes, live music, a special tee gift and activities for participants. The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 11:35 a.m. Registration is $100 per player, with pairings created by pro shop staff to ensure balanced teams. Post-play guests are welcome for dinner with a $30 fee. Learn more and register for the Centennial Tournament to help celebrate 100 years of Wilmington golf.
Thank you, Al, for helping create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for golfers and for supporting the power of well-being through Wilmington Parks & Recreation.