6/24/2025
Step one was to approach three local high schools, have the school leadership find girls interested in learning the game. We’d then bring these girls out to Mad River, where we could introduce them to golf, provide professional coaching, equipment and ideally some of them would develop a love for this wonderful game. As it turned out, our own Hannah Bloemendal played a larger role than school leadership in finding athletes at each school in that first season. Hannah has continued to be an advocate for us in promoting this initiative, and the success we’ve experienced thus far wouldn’t have been possible without her contributions.
Sponsorship was also a critical component for not only the launch of the program but the ongoing costs each year for coaching and equipment. Diana Miotto has been a huge supporter from day one and many members continue to support the program through financial contributions or equipment donations. At the Ladies Member Guest last week, the 50/50 winner Anita Lorelli, kindly donated her winnings to the program, thank you Anita and all the members that have contributed to this remarkable initiative.
This summer we have 11 girls registered, the lesson program starts in July with lessons each Monday evening until the end of August. Interestingly, but perhaps not surprisingly, we’re discovering most of the girls enrolled are high achievers academically and athletically. As the program evolves, something we are considering as an add-on to the golf program is a mentorship program that may also be helpful to these girls. I’ll keep you appraised once the program gets started this summer.
If you have any other questions, you can reach me by email at
[email protected] or by phone at 705-428-3673.
Thank you,
Gary Ward,
General Manager/COO