10/28/2025
Bunkers on #18
I have been asked why the bunkers on #18 were not part of the project and if we plan to have them revitalized to the standard of the rest of the bunkers. The answer is yes; we do plan to have them completed next spring.
As to why they weren’t included in the project, I’ll explain. During our planning to address the safety concerns and damage caused by errant shots from #18 into the parking lot, our data clearly indicated two problems;
- The length of the hole was a problem and in particular, the length for those playing from the green deck.
- Golf course architectural safety guidelines highlighted that the close proximity of #18 green to the parking lot was a problem particularly when coupled with the length of the shots coming into the green and the prevailing northwest wind direction.
As a result, Doug Carrick recommended a two phased approach to the problem. Phase one was to move the tee decks to shorten the effective length of the hole and, if necessary, phase two would be to consider moving the green site further north and west to further shorten the hole and add additional space between the green site and the parking lot.
We approved a plan to move the tee decks first, our optimal outcome was that phase one would resolve the problems, and the green site could remain in the present location.
In the spring of 2024 when the project Request for Proposals (RFP’s) went out for bid, we had not opened the new green tee deck yet and so did not know if phase one would be effective. Once again, at the advice of Doug Carrick, we decided not to include the bunkers on #18 in the RFP’s in the event phase one did not work and the 18
th green still needed to be moved. Doug indicated and we agreed, it wasn’t prudent to spend the $100k plus to revitalize the 6 bunkers on #18 only to tear them up again, if we still needed to move the green site.
We opened the new green deck midway through the 2024 season, and for the first time, didn’t have any shattered windshields from errant shots off #18. Data from a portion of one summer was a small sample size to base a decision on, but it appeared that phase one had been successful and the new tee decks had resolved the problem.
We monitored results this summer and once again experienced no shattered windshields. So by the time the course construction started in July, we decided to acquire a quote from our contractor on the cost to add the bunkers on the 18 into the project. We also put the request out to other contractors and did receive another quote from a company we’ve worked with in the past.
Our course contractor was already on a tight schedule to complete the work this fall. As a Toronto based company, they were reluctant to come back next spring for such a small job and so with the additional labour they required to add #18 bunkers into the scope and finish the project this fall, their quote didn’t work for us.
However, the quote from the second contractor was acceptable, and the board have approved the revitalization of the bunkers on #18 and the practice range. These bunkers will be completed to the same specifications, including the Better Billy Bunker drainage system and the work will begin next spring.
Cart Paths
As part of this golf course enhancement project, we also plan to re-surface the cart paths in the fall of 2026.
Cart path work is generally completed in the spring or fall, the shoulder seasons for paving companies. While the project is a significant outlay of funds for us, this is considered a small project for these paving companies, and they won’t interrupt larger summer projects to undertake a project of this magnitude.
Given our project schedule, next spring is not an option as we’ll still be wrapping up our project so damage to the new paths would likely occur. Additionally, we want to limit disruption for you next year and as a result, the cart path resurfacing will occur next fall.
Thank you
It’s been a memorable year in so many respects, from the unbelievable amount of damage created by the Ice Storm in March, to an unusually slow and cold April and May, followed by an exceptional stretch from July through until now.
While the enhancement work was disruptive, revitalizing the bunkers, addressing the safety and agronomic issues and installing a new irrigation system were all necessary capital expenditures. These infrastructure enhancements will improve our already exceptional golf course but combining all the work into one project will limit disruption to your golf over the next 5-10 years.
I know it’s been less than ideal playing through all the work, thank you for all your patience, understanding and support.
Thank you also to our Mad River management team - Michelle, Sandy, Trish, Carl, Chad, Stephen and all our other teammates. They went above and beyond again this summer and I’m so grateful for all their efforts to deliver exceptional results through an usually challenging season.
I hope everyone has a wonderful off season and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2026.
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