THE MAD POST
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025
Sep 16
Submitted by Gary Ward, General Manager & C.O.O.
Project Update
The forecast this week looks positive and should keep both contractors moving.
By the end of the month, we expect the bunker excavation team will have completed the initial excavation and preparation work on all the bunkers. At that point some of that team will demobilize and others will assist elsewhere.
The drainage installation team should complete the drainage in all the bunkers by mid-October and will join the finishing teams to finish up the remaining work in November.
The Irrigation team plan to finish #16 by the end of the day on Tuesday and will move over to #13. They will finish #13 early next week and then move to #15. By the end of September, we expect them to be finished all holes on the back except #18.
They will move onto the front nine in October and at that point the weather becomes a greater factor as both rain and cool temperatures can impact their progress. If the temperature drops too low the glue for the pipe won’t set and the hole-by-hole work will halt. When they are unable to continue with the hole-by-hole work, they will return to finish the remaining mainline work on #1, #2, #3, #8 and #9.
Sep 15
Submitted by Carl Penfold, Head Professional
Now that the project has moved into the most disruptive phase, I am starting to get more inquiries about reciprocals. As a reminder, the reciprocal agreements with our Ontario clubs (excluding Ottawa Hunt), were suspended for the 2025 season. This decision was tied directly to the project, which started in July.
Leading up to the project, the goal was to provide as much tee access for our members and their guests. By limiting all unaccompanied play, including reciprocals, this ensured that our members had more opportunity to enjoy their golf course. When the project started in July, it significantly impacted conditions and the overall experience. This left us in a position in which we could not reciprocate with other clubs by hosting their members.
Sep 14
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Submitted by PA Irwin-Allen, Ladies Captain
There was a lot going on at Mad River last week. This edition is full of updates! A lengthy read so be sure to click ‘Read More’!
The Madheim took place last Monday and Tuesday with sunny skies and a little chill in the air. Honourary Captains Debbie Clum and Sandy Higgins kept a close eye on the matches throughout the first day and rubbed a little magic on a few of the ladies’ drivers! Chef Stephen made a delicious Mulligatawny soup that warmed the hearts and tummies of the golfers. Going into the final day, Europe was leading 10 ½ -9 ½. The second day ramped up in competitive play with Carolyn Smith joining Canada as the Honourary Captain. Morning matches (one net best ball) saw Canada come back to take a 2 point lead. The final round on Day 2 was Match play format where anything can happen and as many as 20 points can be won or lost. Both teams scored 10 points in match play which meant Canada held their 2 point lead to come out victorious. A very close MADheim result with Canada 26- Europe 24! There was a real buzz in the dining room afterwards with many ladies making new acquaintances and everyone enjoying the event. The Portuguese meal was delicious and well received. Thank you to Michelle, Chef Stephen and their team and the Proshop. A special mention to the Back shop team for such a smooth transition with transferring bags on the first day. Lucky draw winners Kim and Lori sport the fall hats from the Proshop. A special thank you to convenors Nancy O’Donnell Jeffrey and Heather Johnston for a wonderful 2 day event.
Sep 13
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Submitted by Colin Tyler, Men's Captain
There's still lots of golf left to be played this season, and we have some unique team formats on Wednesdays this fall to enjoy. While we may have some course disruptions, we still have most holes available to play and a great chance to enjoy some friendly competition as a team. This is all highlighted by the Fall Classic on October 8. Remember, this event is a shotgun start, and the season-long shootout will take place after the round and before dinner. You can pick your team for this one, so
sign up your foursome today!
The field for the Creemore Cup is now locked in for October 3, but today we want to take a look at the road to a Creemore Cup repeat and what it takes to win this prestigious title.
Sep 12
Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction
Train Smart This Winter — Start Now!
Book Your Winter Blueprint Session Here
As the season winds down and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to think ahead. The truth is, winter can either be a reset… or a springboard.
Before your swing goes into hibernation, let’s build a simple, personalized
90-minute Winter Blueprint Session — one that keeps your momentum rolling right into next season.
Sep 10
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Notes from the Chef Stephen Sagar
Mulligatawny Soup – A Hole-in-One at the Madheim Tournament
This year’s Madheim Tournament wasn’t just about great golf—it was also about great flavour. One of the standout highlights in the clubhouse was the Mulligatawny soup I prepared. To my delight, it quickly became the talk of the day. Several ladies came up afterward asking for the recipe, so I thought I’d share it with you all here.
Traditionally, Mulligatawny is a warm, spiced Anglo-Indian soup, rich and comforting. For the tournament, I used fresh chicken stock (a bit of a luxury at times) and brightened the dish with Granny Smith apples. To keep it appealing to all, I made it mild in heat but full of layered spices, ensuring every spoonful was fragrant and satisfying.
Whether after a round on the greens or as a hearty lunch at home, this recipe is sure to become a clubhouse favourite.
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CONGRATULATIONS SARA!
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Sara Bellamy celebrated an incredible hole-in-one on Thursday at the Mad, sinking her shot on #3 with a pitching wedge. The ace was witnessed by Margaret Lailey and Michelle Hayward. This marks Sara's second hole-in-one, her first came on #7 during Canada Day weekend 2024. What an amazing feat!
CONGRATULATIONS DIANA!
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Diana Miotto scored an impressive Eagle on the 4th hole, using a 4-hybrid from 143 yards. This marks her second Eagle at Mad River, the first was two years ago on #10. A big congratulations to Diana, witnessed by John MacDonald, Sara Bellamy and Thomas Bellamy. Way to go!
4-BALL MATCH PLAY FINALS!
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L-R: Charlene Wildridge, Laura Neves, Susan Quigley & Liz Fitzhenry.
Don't miss the Ladies Captain's 'Read More' section for all the exciting details of this incredible playoff!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Former Member David Anyon
Sunday, September 28th 12 - 4 pm
Club Heidelberg 569 Lake Street
St. Catharines, On
Tuesday, September 23rd
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