THE MAD POST
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
Aug 25
Submitted by Chad Vibert, Golf Course Superintendent
The recovery from last week’s aeration has been progressing well to date, with the turf responding very well to the process. A combination of timely rainfall and strategic fertilizer applications has provided the ideal conditions for the turf to heal and fill the aeration holes quickly.
From both a playability and agronomic standpoint, rapid recovery following aeration is extremely important. Our goal is to have the holes completely filled as quickly as possible so that we can return the surfaces to their best possible playing condition. More importantly, leaving open holes for an extended period creates opportunities for Poa annua to germinate and establish. Maintaining a dense, healthy turf canopy, along with the timing of aeration is our most effective tools in limiting Poa encroachment.
Ponds
We are continuing with general maintenance and minor improvements to our ponds throughout the property. This work includes the removal of algae and unwanted aquatic weeds, helping to improve the overall appearance, cleanliness, and condition of the ponds. This week, we have the boat with cutting heads back in action, after an absence last season due to all of the construction taking place at Mad River. This process does not dig out the pond in any way but moreover removes the aquatic weed growth that has occurred overt time. Excavation is required on many of our ponds as they remain extremely shallow.
Aug 24
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Submitted by PA Irwin-Allen, Ladies Captain
Last Tuesday, 23 players took on a fun challenge. Play
9 holes from the yellow tee with just 5 clubs in the bag, and one net best ball score for the team! It was fascinating to see the club selection strategy unfold. Most ladies headed to the range first to test-drive their five-club combinations and decide which clubs would earn a coveted spot in the bag. With only five clubs allowed, every choice mattered! Shawn was on the range if any of the ladies had any questions about their club choices.
The big questions were:
- Driver or 3-wood or 7-wood for maximum distance?
- A 6-iron, 7-iron or hybrid for those mid-range shots?
- An 8-iron, 9-iron or pitching wedge for approaches?
- Perhaps the toughest decision of all, which wedge would handle the chipping and bunker duties?
In the end, it seemed that
distance and control were the winning combination but exactly how to achieve that looked different for every player.
Aug 23
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Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction
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Uphill, Downhill, and Sidehill Lies
How to play the four uneven lies at Mad River — and why getting out of trouble is more important than trying to be a hero.
By Ryan Rinneard, CPGA Class A Professional and Director of Instruction
At some point in every round at Mad River, you're going to end up on a lie that isn't flat. The ball will be above your feet, below your feet, above you on a slope, or below you on one. And with the rough as thick as it is right now, chances are you'll be dealing with an awkward stance and a difficult lie at the same time.
The good news is that uneven lies are the most learnable shots in golf. Once you understand what the slope does to your ball, and you make three or four small adjustments to your setup, you'll play them the same way every time. Here's how.
Aug 22
James Stevenson won the Drive Chip and Putt sub-regional qualifier at Turning Stone Resort in New York last week and advances to the Regional Qualifier at Quaker Ridge near New York City in October. His win was highlighted by a dominant performance in chipping and a third place finish in putting. The winner from Quaker Ridge will go to Augusta for the National Finals.
Aug 21
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Notes from the Chef Stephen Sagar
From the Grill
Who doesn’t love the aromas of freshly baked goods? Though I consider myself a savoury Chef and not really a Pastry Chef or Baker, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to revisit old cookie recipes and beloved baked goods. I am officially ready to help out with any upcoming Church pot lucks.
In our kitchen, we like to keep things homemade whenever we can, and I hope our selection of home-baked goods have become something to look forward to when coming to the golf course.
From cookies and protein balls to our ever-popular banana bread, there's usually something coming out of the oven. This year, however, we've added a new favourite to the lineup: Almond Poppy Loaf.
The combination of toasted almonds, delicate poppy seeds, and a tender, lightly sweet loaf makes it perfect with a morning coffee or as a little afternoon treat. One might even say it’s been . . . poppylar.
And with fall just around the corner, we're already thinking about what's next. As the seasons change, we'll be experimenting with some warmly spiced loaves and, of course, putting our own spin on another classic with an Apple-Spiced Banana Bread.
Stay tuned—things are going to get spicy!
Chef
LINK TO REGISTER
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Rick Hoffman - Hole in One on #7
Paul & Charlene Wildridge - Net Eagle 2 on #12
It was good golf and good fun on the course when Rick Hoffman knocked it on #7 from the white tees with a 50° gap wedge recording his seventh hole-in-one and, remarkably, his first at Mad River!
Rick was playing alongside his wife, Liz, in a match against Paul & Charlene Wildridge, who weren’t about to let an ace steal the entire show. A few holes later on #12, Paul & Charlene answered with a 3 net 2 of their own to win the match.
An ace, a net eagle and a little friendly competition a match for the ages! Just another reminder that some of the best days at Mad River are equal parts good golf, good friends and good fun.
Who says golf attire has to be traditional? A flowing rainbow dress, bare feet and a unicorn head cover may just be the season’s trendy new look!
Style: 10/10. Golf bag & Accessories: 10/10. Personality: off the charts.
We think Alexandra may be onto something!
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Mad Reads 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Monday October 5 – Sharing Book Recommendations
Tuesday, September 1st
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