THE MAD POST

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

This Thursday will be three weeks since opening day on May 8^th, as you can imagine, the wet weather and cool conditions have resulted in a quiet start on the golf course. Rounds are down about 25% from 2024, but it is still very early, and it does look like the forecast is finally improving.

On a positive note, the course is in terrific condition and the wet weather will be helpful to the recently overseeded areas. As we had hoped, now that the trees have begun to “leaf out”, it does seem to be disguising some of the damage created by the ice storm and other trees, natural to our forest areas, are flourishing along the tree lines.

We hosted our first dinner last Saturday and verbal feedback was outstanding; Sandy will be sending out the official survey this week. Despite the cool conditions, golf shop sales have also been strong, and the external coaching sessions we have booked later this summer are also being well received, thank you for your continued support.

Submitted by Carl Penfold, Head Professional

With the upcoming project scheduled to start in July, I wanted to provide an update to the membership about the reciprocal program. For our new members that may not yet be aware, the reciprocal program is set up as a value-added benefit of membership. In most instances reciprocal arrangements permit limited access to another private club, it does not mean your membership from Mad River extends to that club, nor theirs to Mad River, guest fees can apply. The club has agreements with clubs in the Ontario, mainly GTA area, and across the country in most major cities. You can find a complete list of reciprocal clubs within the Golf Operations section of the website.

Submitted by PA Irwin-Allen, Ladies Captain
 

Submitted by Colin Tyler, Men's Captain

Week one of the new league format is in the books! Last Wednesday clearly showed the importance of getting out there – the winning team brought the most golfers to brave the weather. Congratulations to the Black Hats! If you haven't signed up yet, you still can! Talk to the Pro Shop or email Shawn ([email protected]) and get assigned to a team.

Good news: team hats have arrived and are waiting for you in the Pro Shop. Find out which team you're on here.

Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction

Ball Position For Each Club, Properly Fitted for Wedges, & Girls Only Golf Weekend for Juniors
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me about proper ball position, I’d have a heavy pocketful. While there are some basic guidelines, ball position is personal. What matters most is where you consistently strike the ground—and that’s largely influenced by your swing path.

A simple way to think of swing path: it’s the direction your club is traveling through the ball—like tracing a line through the air. Some players swing more from the inside, others more over the top, which affects where the bottom of the swing arc lands.

But here’s why finding your proper ball position matters: it’s one of the biggest keys to consistent contact, proper trajectory, and controlling curve.

Watch this video for a simple breakdown of how to adjust your ball position depending on the club in your hands.

Submitted by Michelle Larcher, Food & Beverage Manager

Counting Calories in Your Drinks, Canadian Wines Gaining Traction, Dinner Menu Launched

Being Health Conscious While Still Getting to Enjoy a Beverage After Your Round
When choosing between beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beer, it’s helpful to know how they compare in terms of alcohol and calories. A 20 oz beer (just over a pint) contains roughly 5% alcohol and 250–330 calories, depending on the style. A 6 oz glass of wine has about 12–14% alcohol and 130–160 calories, with red wine typically on the higher end. Light beers in a 20 oz serving have less alcohol (around 4.2%) and fewer calories, typically 150–180 calories. For those looking to cut back, non-alcoholic beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol and only 80–100 calories per 20 oz. Alcohol contributes 7 calories per gram so drinks with higher alcohol content generally have more calories.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires non-alcoholic beers and any alcoholic product that claims to have low to no calories to display full nutritional labels.  However, alcoholic beverages sold through the LCBO and consignment, including wine, spirits, and international beers, are not subject to the same requirements—meaning they often come with no nutritional information at all leaving the consumer having to guess. Choosing lighter or non-alcoholic options, especially those with full labels, can help you make more informed, mindful drinking choices.

Between the Vines

This season, members have been enjoying a diverse range of wines from around the world. The Boschenal Chardonnay from South Africa has been a standout favorite, offering bold character and excellent value. From France, the Saint-Véran continues to impress with its crisp minerality and classic Burgundy charm. Closer to home, Canadian wines are gaining traction among members, particularly the 3XP Biodynamic Chardonnay and the Leaning Post Pinot Noir, both of which are earning praise for their quality and drinkability. These wines are becoming a go-to sipper after a round of golf. Whether you're venturing abroad or sipping local, there’s plenty to explore on this year’s wine list.