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

Department Performance Feedback

Thank you to those that completed the F&B survey, we received 162 responses. I’ve summarized the results along with the comparative data from our prior two F&B surveys below;
 

• Staff – welcome, friendliness, attentiveness and helpfulness – 4.5/5, compared to 4.7 and 4.1 – overall our staff this year performed well, there were some comments that they could be more attentive.
• Menu – selection, quality, consistency, speed – 4.0-4.2, compared to 3.6-4.2 and 3.2-4.1 – these data points improved in all areas against prior results – areas to improve in 2027 are to increase variety on menu and wine selections and offer higher price point wines.
• Value – 87% feel we offer strong value; this is a slight increase over previous results which were both closer to 80%.
• Overall F&B – 4.3 versus 4.2 and 3.5 – the members indicated our F&B offer is improving.

 
Summary – Overall, I think the responses represent a fair assessment and are consistent with Michelle and my thoughts. The survey has provided learning opportunities for us over the next couple months and in our preparations for 2027. 
 
I’ll summarize the golf operations survey in the Mad Post next week.

Submitted by Carl Penfold, Head Professional

It’s hard to believe we’re already at the point in the season where we’re starting to see a noticeable difference in daylight. The days are getting shorter, and as a result, our first tee time will move back to 8:00am starting today. This past weekend, we moved from a 7:00am first tee time to 7:30am, and moving forward, we’ll continue to push the first tee time back every two weeks as the sun continues to rise later.

With fewer daylight hours available, our tee sheet becomes more condensed, making it even more important that we maximize the times we have available each day. If you have a tee time and are no longer planning to play, please make sure you call the pro shop to cancel it. A cancelled tee time gives another member an opportunity to play and helps us make the most of our limited tee sheet.

You may also notice the pro shop pairing back-to-back twosomes from time to time when we can create an opening for another foursome. We’ll continue to use our best judgment to maximize the tee sheet while also trying to accommodate as many members as possible.

A busy golf course also ties directly into a topic we focused on last month with our Pace of Play Awareness Week. From Friday, August 7th through Thursday, August 13th, the pro shop tracked the time of every group throughout the day. Unfortunately, we had a few days impacted by rain, which made the data from those days less meaningful. For that reason, we also continued tracking every group on Friday, August 14th.

There were some interesting takeaways from the week. Our average pace of play on any given day ranged from a low of 3:54 on Thursday, August 13th to a high of 4:17 on Friday, August 14th. The fastest round recorded during the week was 3:22, recorded by one of the first groups out on Friday, August 7th. The slowest round was 4:39, recorded on a Friday afternoon.

Submitted by PA Irwin-Allen, Ladies Captain

Hard to believe it’s September! Last week a Scramble game was played on Tuesday and although I wasn’t there, I heard it was lots of fun.
Placing first and shooting a team score of -11, was Stephanie Rumford, Lauree Patrick and Liz Fitzhenry.

Placing second with a team score of -9 and winning by retrogression was Sheila Kaarlela, Katherine Macnee and Kate Fleming.

Third place was awarded to Cathy Carl, Deborah Ise and Liz Quanbury with the same team score of -9. Congrats ladies!

Closest to the Pin on #11 was Steph Rumford and there wasn’t a winner on #3 as the paper flew away! Sorry to whoever had their name on it. There were no longest putts on this day either! Here’s to a less windy day next Tuesday and more accurate long distance putts!
 

 
Submitted by Dean Elliott, Men's Captain

The MAD League finals are set for tomorrow with Blew Bayou’s taking on Pinot Noir who finished first in the year-long standings.  Best of luck to both teams – there is a little extra cash on the line this week, not to mention the bragging rights (probably the real prize)!  It wouldn’t surprise me if the team captains had a little side wager on the outcome as well.  For those of us not on either of the above teams, there is still plenty to play for tomorrow as all the regular games are happening - flight money / Creemore Cup points, skins and closest to the pins.  Plan to stick around after your round as we crown our League winners – this week’s food special should be a hit!
 
While the League wraps up September 2^nd, there is still plenty of golf ahead.  Next up is the President’s Cup on September 9^th and 10^th.  This premier two-day event is an annual highlight.  If you haven’t signed up yet, follow this link to get in on the fun:  www.golfgenius.com/ggid/xn3uga
 

Submitted by Michelle Larcher, Food & Beverage Manager

A Change of Pace

As August comes to a close and we move into September, there is always a noticeable change of pace around the club. Many of our student team members are heading back to school, new faces are joining us, and our team begins to take on its fall rhythm.

For those of us who have had the opportunity to work alongside our students all summer, this time of year is always a little bittersweet. They have been an important part of the energy around Mad River, bringing their personalities, hard work, and commitment to our teams throughout the season. In recognition of these contributions, students have the opportunity to qualify for educational awards within their departments.

Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients! Here in Food & Beverage, I am very pleased to share that Ashley Evans has been selected as the recipient of this year's Food & Beverage Education Incentive Award.

Ashley came to me early in the application process, and from our very first conversation, I had a feeling she was going to be a wonderful addition to our team. That first impression has carried through the entire season. While balancing a full course load, Ashley works at both Duntroon Highlands Golf Club and Mad River, yet whenever she arrives at MAD, she brings the same energy and commitment to every shift.

Ashley truly understands what it means to be of service — not only to our members, but to the team around her. She brings positive energy, is always aware of what is happening around her, knows where she can help, and simply keeps moving. She is a true team player with an exceptional work ethic, and the positive feedback we receive from members only reinforces the impact she makes.

Ashley will certainly be missed as she returns to her studies. We are very proud to recognize her with this award and wish her all the best in her studies and future endeavours.

Congratulations, Ashley. Very well deserved!