THE MAD POST

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

It’s been a challenging start to the season, last week was cool and wet week, we experienced 3 frost delays, numerous downpours and an all-day rain event. Turf growth remains slow and Chad feels we are a couple weeks behind typical seasonal conditions.
 
We are thrilled to finally get #12 open for play this week, Friday May 29^th. There will be a temporary cart path up the right side, to limit traffic on the fairway. The conditions are not perfect as the turf continues to grow-in, but that process will be ongoing through the entire summer.
 
Carl will send out a note mid-week outlining how the hole will play over these next few weeks. 
 

Submitted by Carl Penfold, Head Professional

The wait is finally over! After being closed since last July as part of our renovation project, Hole #12 is set to officially reopen this Friday, May 29th. We know members have been eager to get back out there and experience the finished product. In my Post article last week, I shared some information relating to how the 12^th hole will play, and changes to how it is marked. I am including it again this week and please encourage members to speak with one of the golf professionals if you are unclear.

The left side will be marked with red stakes which define it as a PENALTY AREA. If your ball comes to rest in this area, you have a few options on how to proceed. First, if you can find it, and it is SAFE to play it, you are allowed to play it as it lies inside the penalty area. A reminder that you are allowed to take practice swings, remove loose impediments, even though it is within the penalty area.

Submitted by PA Irwin-Allen, Ladies Captain

Thank you to those ladies for signing up for the Four Ball Match Play. We will have 7 grids again this year with 56 players in total. The proshop is busy putting the grids together. Tremendous participation with some new players ready to join in the fun. All participants will receive an email as soon as the grids are complete.
If you are thinking of Singles Match Play, there are still a couple more days to sign up. It’s full handicap and a great way to get another game in with a fellow member you may not have played with. 
 

 
Submitted by Dean Elliott, Men's Captain

Thanks to all of you that signed up to compete in the MAD League and our various matchplay events this summer!  The league draft took place yesterday, so expect to hear from your team captain in the near future.  The first week of league play is next week, June 3^rd.  The Pro Shop is putting together the matchplay brackets which will be released shortly.  Please pay particular attention to the match deadlines throughout the summer so the various events stay on schedule.  You should have access to information in Golf Genius for each event you are playing in.  If that doesn’t seem to be the case, please check with the Pro Shop.  We will be using Golf Genius to track these events throughout the season.  And most importantly, have fun and good luck!
 

Submitted by Ryan Rinneard, Director of Instruction
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Submitted by Michelle Larcher, Food & Beverage Manager

Clubhouse Atmosphere & Hospitality

One of the most rewarding parts of the early season has been watching members settle into the beautifully refreshed clubhouse spaces and make them their own.

While the chilly spring mornings have certainly helped, the new coffee station has quickly become one of the unexpected favourites around the clubhouse. Whether before a round, after a walk to the range, or simply stopping in to catch up with fellow members, it has been wonderful seeing so many members gathering with a coffee in hand and enjoying the atmosphere throughout the day.

The refreshed sunroom, in particular, has naturally taken on the feel of a welcoming lounge atmosphere. On Friday afternoons especially, it has been great seeing golfers gathered around the couches and harvest table enjoying a pint, conversation, and our complimentary roasted nuts after their round. The energy has been infectious and incredibly welcoming — exactly the type of atmosphere that makes club life at Mad River so special.

 
Jasmine Morning – Assistant Superintendent

What attracted you to working in golf course maintenance and turf care?

I first began working in golf course maintenance at King's Riding Golf Club during high school and university as a summer position. What started as a seasonal job quickly developed into a passion for the industry. From there, I continued my career at Station Creek Golf Club, where I became an Assistant Superintendent, before moving on to The Briars Golf Club and later Maple Downs Golf & Country Club. Each opportunity reinforced how much I enjoy the challenge, science, and creativity involved in turf management.