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Founding

“Our intention was to create a world-class club in a beautiful setting that offered a pure golf experience without pretense – family-oriented, member-owned and focused solely on golf. And we succeeded.”

Wil Matthews, Co-Founder

Well before construction began in 1990, Peter Barnard, Wil Matthews and Ray Richards set down the essential characteristics of what would become The Mad River Golf Club. While superb course design and excellent turf conditioning were a given, the founders also wanted a club that was affordable, relaxed and encouraging of family participation – a place to unwind from the pace of city life.

The first step in achieving their dream was to hire the acclaimed Atlanta-based golf architect Bob Cupp, former chief of design for Jack Nicklaus. On a large parcel of rolling countryside near Creemore, Ontario, Cupp created a design that made the most of the property’s beautiful long views and mix of treed and open spaces. When it opened in 1991, Mad River received rave reviews, not only for its strategy, aesthetics and conditioning but also for its playability for every level of skill.

Since opening day, Mad River has become synonymous with excellence in the golf industry. Careful budgeting and skilled management have kept annual dues among the lowest of comparable private clubs in the Central Ontario region . Two decades of ongoing reinvestment have enabled us to maintain the course – and the Club’s balance sheet – at championship levels.

Stewardship

“Our members are our greatest asset. We’re fortunate to have their experience to support the management team. Together, we have produced financial strategies that have resulted in a balance sheet that is as impressive as our golf course.”

Ray Richards, Co-Founder

Our members and management team, believe they have a responsibility to maintain Mad River’s course, clubhouse, equipment and property in top condition – not just for the present membership, but for future generations.

Thanks to affordable annual capital contributions by the equity members, we have accumulated a substantial capital fund that has enabled us to reinvest continually in the Club, without costly surprises or outside financing. The same prudent approach to annual budgeting has kept Mad River’s annual dues among the lowest of comparable private clubs in Central Ontario.

The game of golf has evolved, along with our members’ abilities and preferences, and we believe the Club has an obligation to respond to both. In 2012, for a relatively modest investment, we completed a major renovation to the course. Changes included the resurfacing of the greens, significant changes to five holes and a reconfiguring of tee boxes. These enhancements ensure Mad River continues to ‘test the best’ while offering more opportunity to enjoy the course for those with more modest golf skills.