The Running Deer Golf Club (RDGC) celebrated its annual Men’s and Ladies Club Championship this past weekend, featuring a rigorous 36-hole flighted stroke-play format to crown the 2025 champions. While the week’s weather was less than cooperative, the course—recently the site of a 2025 U.S. Open sectional qualifier—was in admirable shape. This was thanks to an army of machinery that rolled out at 5 a.m. Saturday, coordinated by Derek Carter, Charlie Clark, and the course maintenance crew, who worked tirelessly after consecutive rain delays.
RDGC has a storied history as a welcoming community hub that unites male and female golfers in friendly yet competitive spirit. Over the years, the club has grown its championship events to foster camaraderie and tradition among players of all skill levels.
This year’s tournament delivered several intense showdowns across all flight levels: In the “D” Flight, Dave Debreceni opened with an impressive 77, then held firm with a 90 to finish at 167—good enough for the victory over John Villane (174) and John Merulla (174).
Connor Van Dine claimed the “C” Flight by shooting 80–83 for a total of 163, edging out Michael Martin, whose late momentum (birdies on 16 and 18) brought him to 164.
The nail-biting “B” Flight went to Ray Grier, who defeated John Myerski in sudden death. Grier posted a 79–77 total, and Myerski posted 80–76.
“Although I’ve won 4 club events…this event was much harder,” said Raymond L. Grier of Philadelphia, PA (a notable 2024 A-flight champion, senior‑division winner, and 2025 member‑member A-flight champ). “I had to make birdies on 9, 15, and 16 to send the match into a sudden‑death playoff where I won on the second hole with a par.”
In the “A” Flight, John Mack took the title with 75–76 for a total of 151. Pete Benedetti had posted a stellar 72 in his first round before an 83 closed him out at 155. Top honors in the Ladies Flight went to rising star Rylee Delaney, who shot 76–74–150—fending off former champions Rose Gallagher and Sue Reutter.
The Championship Flight was dominated once more by RDGC legend Steve Barry. After a shaky 82 in his first round from the long Black Tees (7,148 yards), Barry bounced back with a 73 to win—his fifth club championship—finishing at 155 and eclipsing University of Wilmington golfer James Derocini, who finished at 158 (79–79).
“A great Championship Weekend at the Deer! Best Wishes,” said Dan Hoban Jr., PGA Head Professional at RDGC, highlighting the spirit of competition and fellowship.
Thanks also to Harrison McGuigan, PGA Membership Services Director, for his excellent photography. A full gallery from the weekend will be available on the Running Deer Golf Club website soon. Membership and tournament inquiries are warmly accepted via email at info@runningdeerclub.com or by phone at (570) 555‑1234.
