THE MAD POST

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

GM Report

Jun 09

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

Project update

The irrigation team are expected to finish the installation on #2 this week and will then move to the last hole, #1. We expect work on #1 to be completed by June 19^th, and at that point they move onto the driving range field and then up both sides of the entrance road.

The final items on #6 washroom should be completed this week, but the washroom can remain open during this work. The doors will be painted, the benches installed and a couple other minor items repaired. We plan to open the washroom on #15 by the end of this week. The painting should be completed by the time you read this note, and we hope to get the water tested and approved for the end of the week.

Northgate Farms are returning next week to address a few other bunker deficiencies. We expect they may be onsite for 3-5 days to complete these repairs. Northgate will then return in October for one final warranty visit to address any other items that may arise over the summer.

I’ll provide more details on the project work against budget later in June, but we continue to track on budget.

We have received a draft recommendation from Doug Carrick on the upcoming cart path surfacing, scheduled in October. The Grounds Committee have formed an audit group to review the proposed path routing, including additions and deletions. Once that review is completed, we will go to market for updated quotes on the proposed work, I will communicate these details in July.

Golf Operations Update

Jun 08

Submitted by Carl Penfold, Head Professional

Match Play season has officially arrived! If you have signed up for any of these competitions, you should have received an email which included the bracket. I hope by now you have already reached out to your opponent to schedule your first match. Matches that are not completed by the deadline will be subject to a coin flip. Opponents are expected to make a reasonable effort to contact one another and work together to find a mutually convenient time to play. This does sometimes result in playing at a time, or day of the week, that does not normally fall within your normal schedule. It is much better to have flexibility, and to play the match, versus the alternative of flipping the coin.

When it comes to booking matches, please make sure you notify the pro shop staff that you are playing a match. They can put a note on the booking and have a scorecard prepared in advance. Last year was a challenge with the number of hole closures and changes that could occur daily. This would impact on the number of strokes a player may have received had the match been played over 18 holes. As I pointed out last year, once you receive your scorecard, it is always a good idea to check and make sure the dots on the card are correct. If you think a mistake has been made, you need to notify the shop right away, BEFORE you tee off so that it can be corrected. If you uncover a mistake while playing, it will be too late.

Golf Course Update

Jun 07

Submitted by Chad Vibert, Golf Course Superintendent

Ladies Captain's Report

Jun 06

Submitted by PA Irwin-Allen, Ladies Captain

Another glorious weather day for the Tuesday ladies. A growing number of ladies signed up for nine holes. Please look for your invite to play either 9 or 18 when it is sent from the proshop on a Wednesday morning.

The 18 hole game played was Red, White and Blue and the team with the lowest score was determined by counting 3 best net scores on a hole with a red flag, 2 with a white flag and 1 with a blue flag.

First Place- Lesley Brightling, Val Dyer and Liz Fitzhenry
Second Place- Sheila Kaarlela, Lauree Patrick, Anne Stevenson
Third Place- Fran Painter, Terri McDougall, Carla Robbins
CTP winners were Lesley B. on #3 and Fran Painter on #16
The longest putt was made by Terri McDougall 12’2”

Men's Captain Report

Jun 05

Submitted by Dean Elliott, Men's Captain

Well, week one of the MAD League is in the books and what a great week it was!! Thanks to all who came out to support their teams and test their mettle against our fantastic golf course. I am told that the 76 who played on Wednesday set a record for number of players to tee it up since the inception of the League. There were too many highlights to mention but shout out to James McSherry who managed a very tidy four under net score to lead the field. James will enjoy his favorite beverage after this week’s round from the Creemore Mug. I don’t know from experience, but I understand they taste just a little bit better this way. Congrats James! There were a few requests for consistent weather on Wednesdays all summer, to match what Mother Nature bestowed on us last week. I’ve put in the request, but no guarantees…

Director of Instruction

Jun 04

Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction
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Upcoming Thursday Night Experience

Wine & Wedges — a short game session paired with a curated wine tasting.
Thursday, June 11 5:45 to 7:00pm — $125.

Reserve Your Spot Here

How to Truly Lower Your Scores This Season — track a few numbers
The quickest way to drop strokes usually isn't a new swing — it's knowing where you're losing them. Keep tabs on a handful of stats each round (three-putts, blown easy up-and-downs, bogeys with a scoring club in hand, etc.) and the patterns show up fast.

Over the past 8 months I've created a Player Portal for the members of Mad River. If you are interested in truly improving your game this season, please read on.

F&B News

Jun 03

Submitted by Michelle Larcher, Food & Beverage Manager

From Kettle Chips to Modelo

Our complimentary MAD Kettle Chips continue to be a hit with members. Available daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the turn, the chips are made from freshly sliced potatoes and seasoned with Chef Stephen's signature spice blend. What started as a simple addition has quickly become a favourite part of the Mad River experience. The creativity doesn't stop there. Our team has been creating flavoured sparkling water infused with fresh fruit and herbs. Members are loving this light and refreshing treat throughout the day.

Chef Stephen Sagar

Jun 02

Notes from the Chef Stephen Sagar

From the Grill

If you've attended one of my cooking classes before, you'll know that soup is a subject I never seem to tire of. On June 22nd, I'll be hosting "Soups, I Did It Again!", an afternoon dedicated to one of the most versatile and comforting categories in the culinary world.

Soup may appear simple, but mastering the fundamentals can elevate an ordinary bowl into something truly memorable. During the class, we'll explore three distinct styles of soup and the techniques that make each one successful.

We'll begin with cream soups, discussing the importance of proper thickening, balancing richness, and achieving a silky texture without making the soup heavy. From roux-based classics to modern approaches, I'll share the methods I rely on in professional kitchens.

Next, we'll dive into broth soups, where clarity, depth of flavour, and proper stock preparation are paramount. We'll discuss how simple ingredients can create remarkable results when treated with patience and care.

Finally, we'll tackle the elegant bisque. Originally developed from shellfish, a great bisque showcases layering of flavour, proper extraction techniques, and the finishing touches that create its signature velvety texture.

Whether you're an experienced home cook or simply looking to improve your kitchen confidence, this class offers practical techniques you can immediately apply at home.

Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.

In the spirit of the class, I'm sharing one of my favourite summer soups: Vichyssoise. Served chilled, it is elegant, refreshing, and a perfect reminder that soup isn't just for cold weather.

— Chef

Welcome to the Team!

Jun 01

Amber Loscher, Accounting Assistant

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Debbie Clum was the first reported to have birdied the new 12^th hole on the first day. Witnessed by: Liz Hoffman, Doug and Gail Todgham.

Celebration of Life
Michael Cummings
A celebration of life will be held for Michael Cummings, husband of Donna Cummings on Friday, June 19th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Toronto Hunt Club.

Throwback Tuesdays

A Recollection from Frenchie
#15 – Par 5
Gold-545 Blue-514
White-483 Red-448 yards
Putting surface: 4,649

Before I started at Mad River, and in the early days of construction, I was invited to view the course and take a ride around the course with Bob Cupp. Bob told me a story that during deforestation a fax was sent to him regarding a bunker on left side of the fairway, it was noted that a large maple tree needed to be removed to make room for the bunker.

Bob’s faxed reply: DON’T TOUCH THAT MAPLE!!!

Photo (1991) is taken from the green, the maple tree that Bob saved appears here on right.

LINK TO REGISTER

Mad Reads 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Monday June 15 – The Correspondent written by Virginia Evans

Monday July 20 – You Don't Belong Here written by Elizabeth Becker

Monday August 17 – The Winter Fortress written by Neal Bascombe

Monday October 5 – tbd

Next Mad Post:

Tuesday, June 9th

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Thank you!