10/1/2020
Head Professional Search
The deadline for applications closed on September 30. We received over 60 resumes from across Canada, with the majority originating from the GTA.
The applications include some outstanding candidates that the selection committee and management will interview in early October. All internal candidates will be interviewed and first interviews will be scheduled for the middle of October.
Second interviews will follow and we plan to present an offer to the candidate of choice in early November with an announcement to the membership to follow upon acceptance.
Financial Update
Operating and Capital results through August remain on track and I expect similar results in September. Given how the year started and the uncertainty surrounding everything, it has been, in a bizarre way, an outstanding season.
We continue to monitor the various government programs offered due to the pandemic. Applications for the CEWS program can now be made next year and applied retroactively which will allow us to fully assess our final results before determining if we qualify and/or ought to seek any further assistance.
Overall, it continues to appear as though we will effectively manage our way through this pandemic.
Membership
The “Tee it Up in 2020” membership drive was a huge success and is officially sold out! The joining fee is now $20,000 and Sandy continues to work with prospects even at this late date in the season.
Thank you for your support through these past two seasons, it continues to be clear that our best source of new members is from your recommendations and your immense pride in Mad River.
Back Shop
Initial preparation work is now well underway for the back-shop expansion. Next week, full mobilization will begin with an initial focus on grading and pile work.
We expect some modifications to services in the back shop, but do anticipate we will continue to be able to access the building throughout the month of October.
The amount of work completed this fall will be dependent on weather. Given normal weather patterns, we do expect the work will carry over into the spring of 2021 and be completed prior to opening the course.
Paving Update
Given the numerous scheduling delays we experienced on the entrance road paving project due to the pandemic, we have deferred the work until after the back-shop construction is completed next spring.
Land Task Force
Work is ongoing, albeit slowly, on the land exchange. We believe this process will continue throughout the winter months and I will keep you abreast of any noteworthy progress.
COVID Update
We had originally planned to re-introduce walk-on times in October, but with the recent increase in cases have made the decision to continue to utilize booked times until the end of the season.
We understand the importance of walk-on times to the membership and will be making all efforts to ensure we can return to this practice in 2021.
Most of our protocols have not materially changed since the opening of stage 3, but we continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and will adapt if necessary, over the final four weeks of the season.
Closing Day
We have scheduled Sunday November 1st as our last official day, one week later than usual, to allow for additional fall golf this year.
Permitting play beyond that date becomes a challenge for a couple of critical reasons;
Any damage that occurs (ball marks and divots) does not recover at that time of year, so will carry into next year.
The final chemical applications Chad puts down to protect the turf through winter are expensive and any traffic on the course after they are applied reduces their effect. This increases risk of overwinter damage and less desirable spring turf conditions.
Chad and his team have the golf course in marvelous condition for your enjoyment over the remaining weeks of the season. I hope to see you out on the course.
If you have any comments or concerns, I can be reached by email at
[email protected] or by phone at 705-428-3673, extension 7.
Thank you,
Gary Ward, General Manager/COO