THE MAD POST

Submitted by Gary Ward, General Manager & C.O.O.

Project Update
Despite the extreme heat last week, both contractors continue to make excellent progress. We are in the second half of this first phase of the project. By that I mean final shaping on #12 fairway, #17 and #6 greens, irrigation installation and seeding will all occur in the next two-three weeks.

At that point those holes are handed off to Chad to begin growing the turf.  That process will entail watering those areas more often than usual, Chad will provide more detail in upcoming Mad Post articles. The work on these three holes accounts for almost 50% of the capital budget for the golf course portion of the project, so that will be an important marker for us as it relates to the project budget.

The Northgate Farm team will then start the bunker work, this phase of the project is more disruptive as they will be working in multiple areas at once. Details of how we plan to manage through this will be shared on the Project Information Board, my Mad Post articles and in upcoming videos.

 
Submitted by Chad Vibert, Golf Course Superintendent

Golf Course Update July 29
The Golf Course Enhancement Project is well underway, both contractors have made terrific progress to date.  The most difficult thing so far has been dealing with the extreme heat last week, as well as this week, which slowed everything down a little, made keeping  sod alive extremely difficult and was just generally hard on everything.  We will have some sodding to do on 15, 16 and 17, and 13 once weather conditions become favorable to do so, both the heat and sod quality on the tree line portions of the golf course in these locations did not allow the irrigation company to re-lay the sod that was lifted.  Likely mid to late august when the days are a little shorter these areas will be addressed.  We have already accounted for this inside the project budget.

Both #12 and #17 greens are moving along nicely, so far the construction company is on schedule.  They are currently shaping the sub grade for the 17^th green, shaping the fairway for the 12^th hole and have begun to shape the new green and bunker at the 6^th hole.  With good weather and progress this week, both 12 and 17 will be ready for irrigation early next week.  This will allow us to get seed in the ground for our bentgrass areas in early August, right on schedule.

Doug Carrick was onsite this week to approve final grading at 12, and the sub grade for 17 green.  The contractor will be adding topsoil in these locations later this week.

July has been extremely hot and dry, we have had under 10mm of rain for the entire month.  We would rather be on the drier side of things as we can always add more water, but cant take it away.  You will see some turf going off colour from time to time.  Keeping up with water requirements on the golf course has been difficult, but our team has been killing it, dragging hoses and sprinklers to keep up with the dry conditions!  It has made keeping up with sod almost impossible, we will likely lose some due to the dry weather. 
 

Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction

Submitted by Michelle Larcher, Food & Beverage Manager

The Mad River App-Not Just for Booking Tee Times and the Rise of Gluten-Free Beer, Theme Dinners

Order Food & Beverage with the Mad River App

Did you know you can now order food and beverages right from the Mad River Golf Club app? Just like booking a tee time online, members can pre-order meals and drinks before their round or schedule a convenient pick-up at the turn. Whether you're craving a breakfast sandwich to start your game or a cold drink and snack to keep you going, it’s never been easier to stay fueled while you play.

Download the app on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store if you haven’t already and place your order. We’ll have it ready when you are!

The Rise of Gluten-Free Beer: A Brew for Everyone

Gluten-free beer is no longer just a niche option—it’s a fast-growing category in the world of craft brewing. Whether it’s due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or simply a desire to reduce gluten intake, more and more people are reaching for gluten-free options when it comes to beer. Fortunately, brewers have stepped up in a big way, creating flavourful, satisfying beers that rival their traditional counterparts.