7/7/2026
To me, the Mad River’s success has never been just the physical course and clubhouse. It was rooted in the Mad values and the community that was built. A long waiting list today shows the club is strong and growing — people want to be part of what the Mad is. That sense of belonging, what I call “the Mad family,” was created by many people over many years: the founders, subsequent boards and committees, a steady management team, dedicated staff, and a caring membership.
From day one the course has been immaculately maintained and was designed to challenge every level of golfing skill. The physical construction work was done under Ray’s supervision with the course Architect, Bob Cupp’s guidance, but it’s the people — the stewards and the members over the 35 years who have made it what it is today.
Golf is, for me, a very personal game. The hardest fights to succeed at golf are often inside your own head, far more than anything the terrain can do to you. That the Mad works for all ages and abilities shows that we achieved what we set out to do: create a superb rural family golfing experience that one would not tire of playing.
Our early thinking wandered all over the map. Should we have a simple starter’s hut or a full country club with a pool and tennis to attract families? Should one be able to enjoy a Shandy after a round? We learned quickly about liquor laws and the need to offer food if you want to sell beer. Every new idea led to long discussions, and the club that exists today is the result of those many, many discussions and decisions.
I am proud of what we started and even more proud of what so many of you have continued to build and improve on. My thank you to the other founders, the volunteers, the staff and the members for your commitments that has made the Mad what it is. Please raise your glass with me to the past, the present and the future of our club."
Wilmot Matthews, Founder