Tamarack Country Club Welcomes New Executive Chef, Director of Racquets, Senior Assistant Golf Professional

Tamarack Country Club, a member-owned private club in back country Greenwich, this week announced the addition of three professionals to fill key roles at the club.

“These new hires will bring fresh energy, expertise, and enthusiasm
to the club’s culinary, racquets, and golf programs,” the club said in a release.

Tamarack Country Club executive chef Steve Scarzella. Contributed photo

Steve Scarzella has been named Tamarack’s new executive chef, bringing over two decades of culinary excellence from premier Connecticut country clubs and restaurants. Chef Scarzella joins Tamarack from Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, where he served as Executive Chef for eight years.

Prior to that, he held the same position at New Haven Country Club. He has also been Executive Chef at the popular Market Place Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant in Woodbury.

“Our decision to offer the role to Steve Scarzella was unanimous, and we are certain that the Tamarack membership will love him and – most importantly – love his food,’ said Tamarack Club President, Chris Thompson.

Chef Scarzella officially joined Tamarack in early April. Patrick Vaccariello, who has been Tamarack’s Executive Chef for the past 15 years, is retiring at the end of April after helping ensure a smooth handover of Tamarack’s kitchen.

Harry Simaioforidis, director of racquets. Contributed photo

Harry Simaioforidis joins Tamarack this spring as their new director of racquets. A native of Athens, Greece, Simaioforidis was ranked among the top five junior players in his age group before coming to the US to attend Wesleyan University.

There, he captained the tennis team to two conference titles and an NCAA Championship appearance. Over the past three years, Simaioforidis has worked with top talent at the U.S. Open, including Petros Tsitsipas and Jamie Loeb.

Most recently, he led adult programming as the Head Professional at Westchester Tennis Center. Simaioforidis brings a deep passion for the sport and a global perspective that will further elevate Tamarack’s racquets program, which includes tennis and pickleball.

Brian Gillespie, Tamarack’s general manager, said, “Harry is getting the racquets department ready for opening, and we are very excited about what he will bring to the club.”

“It is an honor to join this vibrant community, and I am excited to work towards creating an even more dynamic and engaging racquets experience for all the members,” Simaioforidis said.

Shea Wolfle has joined Tamarack as a Senior Assistant Golf Professional. Contributed photo

Shea Wolfle has joined Tamarack as a Senior Assistant Golf Professional. Shea brings a dynamic energy to Tamarack’s team of golf professionals, along with a strong commitment to the game and its traditions. A PGA Professional and graduate of Campbell University’s esteemed Professional Golf Management program, Shea comes to Tamarack from Meadow Brook Club in Jericho, NY where he was an Assistant Professional. During Shea’s time at Campbell, he set a school record with 16 tournament wins and has continued his success on the course, recently winning the 2024 MET Assistants Championship and qualifying for the National Club Professional Championship. He has also developed a unique swing analysis program and collaborated with some of the country’s top instructors, showcasing his commitment to both teaching and learning.

Tamarack Head Golf Professional Michael Ballo, Jr. commented: “Shea’s dedication to the sport goes beyond playing. He is eager to immerse himself in the Tamarack culture, and I believe his experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable to our team. We’re excited to have him with us.”

These three new hires reflect Tamarack’s ongoing commitment to excellence across every aspect of the club.

Tamarack Country Club is a member-owned, private country club nestled in the rolling hills of backcountry Greenwich, Connecticut – minutes away from Westchester County Airport and Rye, New York. Tamarack offers full golf, house, and pool/tennis memberships for individuals and families. The centerpiece of Tamarack Country Club is its impeccably conditioned, 18-hole, world-class championship golf course – designed by renowned “golden age” architect Charles H. Banks and currently ranked No. 2 in Connecticut by Golf Magazine.

Tamarack also boasts a recently rebuilt 55,000 sq. ft. elegantly appointed clubhouse, featuring a full-service dining room and bar, picturesque portico dining, a private dining room/board room, banquet facilities, a golf pro shop, indoor golf training room, fitness center, kid’s club, and men’s and ladies’ locker room facilities. Tamarack’s other amenities include a racquets facility with tennis and pickleball courts, and an expansive, resort-style pool complex – complete with a casual cafe, changing rooms, and a full-service outdoor bar which is complimented by poolside waitstaff service.