THE MAD POST

 
Staff Appreciation Day at Mad River

A special day of recognition and celebration at Mad River Golf Club!
Congratulations to our dedicated team members celebrating significant service milestones:

• 25 Years: Chad Vibert, Head Superintendent
• 20 Years: Eric Wright
• 15 Years: Bruce Ford and Ryan (Rocco) McCartney
• 10 Years: Gary Ward, General Manager; Richard Tiemens and Ryan Rinneard
• 5 Years: Rob Wilson, Assistant Superintendent, and Warren Morrison (missing from photo)

Thank you for your years of dedication, hard work and commitment to Mad River. We are truly fortunate to have such an outstanding team!

A PROUD NIGHT FOR MAD RIVER AT THE PGA OF ONTARIO AWARDS GALA!

Our General Manager, Gary Ward, stands proud alongside his Mad River team of Carl Penfold, Shawn Bodiam and Myles Bradford, who were each recognized among the Top 100 in the PGA of Ontario's Professional Recognition Program.

Four outstanding achievements, one very proud Club! Congratulations, gentlemen!

Mad Post Gary Ward – Executive Professional of the Year

Congratulations to our General Manager Gary Ward on being named PGA of Ontario Executive Professional of the Year, a prestigious recognition of his leadership and professionalism.

Having recently celebrated his 10th anniversary at Mad River, Gary has become an integral part of the Club’s success. His steady leadership, commitment to excellence and genuine appreciation for the membership and staff have helped shape the welcoming and respected Club that Mad River is today.

The PGA of Ontario Executive Professional of the Year award is a fitting acknowledgement of a career dedicated to excellence in golf club leadership. 

Gary is now eligible for the PGA of Canada Executive Professional of the Year.  These results will be announced in December…stay tuned for what we believe will be another win for Gary and for Mad River!
 

Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction
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Submitted by Michelle Larcher, Food & Beverage Manager

 

A Little Golf Magic at Mad River!

Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest smiles!

One of our youngest golfers, Jackson Lunn, experienced a little extra magic on the course this fall, thanks to a thoughtful group of Mad River ladies.

Having enjoyed several nine-hole rounds throughout the summer, Jackson arrived at the Club one morning determined to tackle all 18 holes. Little did he know that a delightful surprise was waiting for him!

It all began on the 4th hole when Jackson discovered a golf ball. His mother initially thought he was playing a trick on her, but when another ball appeared on the 5th hole with the message “Happy Halloween,” the two shared a good giggle. And the surprises didn't stop there!
As the round continued, Jackson could hardly contain his excitement. Although eager to peek ahead for another surprise, he made sure to sink his putts before investigating what might be waiting for him.

Each little discovery brought more smiles and laughter, turning an ordinary round of golf into a memory neither will soon forget.
While most of the special golf balls have earned a permanent spot in Jackson's golf bag, one bearing the message “Have fun, you're a great golfer!” will have a place of honour in his bedroom.

 
Submitted by Dean Elliott, Men's Captain

2026 is in the books!  As reflect on my first year as captain, the word that keeps coming up in my mind is thanks...  Thanks to the many members who participated in the various events over the course of the summer, and who offered me advice or words of encouragement along the way.  Thanks to all the staff at Mad River who made our time at the Club so enjoyable throughout the year.  Thanks to the six MAD League captains who rallied the troops each week - we experienced record attendance in 2026 which was great to see!  And finally, thanks to Vice-captain Brad Robbins, for all his thoughts, assistance, advice and input throughout the year.
 
Looking forward to 2027, I expect some small tweaks to the men’s program as we look for incremental improvements year to year.  With the cart path project getting off to a great start this fall, there will be some finishing up to do in the spring but overall, we will enjoy a season of minimal construction and will be rewarded for our patience as the Club underwent necessary improvements in 2025 and 2026.