Golf and friendships go hand in hand. From life-long friends competing in a league, to new-found acquaintances sharing a tee-time, it can cross age, race, and class. Sometimes golf is the only thing people have in common, but on the course that’s somehow enough.
The embodiment of this keystone of the golf world is the annual “Buddy Trip.” If you have been on a Buddy Trip, you know instantly what to expect, but if you have not –you do not know what you are missing! More than an day spent golfing, a Buddy Trip adds fresh new experiences to your golf friendship.
In addition to world class championship golf, a Buddy Trip to Spruce Peak offers everything from restful recovery in the Spa, to celebratory brew tours (loser plays DD, or charter a tour with one of our local partners). We’ve developed a sample 3-day itinerary, easily customizable by you or our team for your perfect Buddy Trip experience.
Day 1
Arrival day. Whether you are driving or flying into Burlington International Airport (BTV) - Stowe is easy to get to so you can plan on an early start as soon as you arrive. Play a quick 9 or simply get in some practice swings at Stowe Country Club, home of the largest practice facility in the state with all-grass tees, a dedicated short game area, two putting greens and a staff of PGA professionals who can help you knock off the rust. For only $20, you can hit balls and practice for as long as you want – our practice facility is a great place to watch the sunset.
Your friends are probably arriving at different times, but plan on meeting up for dinner and drinks. Stowe Country Club is the home of Kirkwood’s Pub, serving up more than your ordinary clubhouse-fare. Pair a gourmet burger piled high with local accoutrements with a can of Stowe-brewed Heady Topper, or simply enjoy a cocktail on the patio overlooking the 18th green.
Day 2
The exclusive Mountain Course at Spruce Peak which is available to members and their guests, and guests staying in a qualified unit in The Lodge at Spruce Peak (including the premier 3-and 4-room Penthouse units). As an Audubon Certified course this is pure mountain golf at its finest. The front nine climbs and falls with holes playing around and across the man-made 100-million-gallon snow making lake. The back nine climbs right from the turn with switchback cart paths and breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountain National Forrest.
The exclusive Mountain Course at Spruce Peak which is available to members and their guests, and guests staying in a qualified unit in The Lodge at Spruce Peak (including the premier 3-and 4-room Penthouse units). As an Audubon Certified course this is pure mountain golf at its finest. The front nine climbs and falls with holes playing around and across the man-made 100-million-gallon snow making lake. The back nine climbs right from the turn with switchback cart paths and breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountain National Forrest.
The Lodge sits adjacent to the Mountain Course and the Lodge Valet will coordinate getting your clubs delivered to the course. Enjoy a full breakfast at the hotel or enjoy the complimentary continental at the Golf Cottage that is available for players. The course visually intimidating, but if you use the yardage book you will have a huge advantage. Trust your distances and swing easy. Keeping the ball in play is paramount to hitting the slick and tiny putting surfaces in regulation. Be sure to bring your camera and ask the staff for a quick group shot on the 14th fairway with the ski trails in the back drop.
If you are not planning on playing on, you can head to the Spa for some rest and recovery with a golf-specific sports massage, or perhaps spend the afternoon touring the area’s local breweries and distilleries. Vermont is home to some of the best craft beer in the world, including Rock Art, Ten Bends, Lost Nation, and more. A bit further, but worth the trip, is Hill farmstead Brewery which has been Rated the No. 1 brewer in the world for seven straight years by www.ratebeer.com
Dinner options are plentiful, but for some energy-filled comfort food, we suggest grabbing some pizza at Vermont’s #1 rated pizzeria, Piecasso–perfect for takeout to enjoy in your room as you recount the day’s game.
Day 3
Our sister course, the classic Stowe Country Club, is a parkland layout that occupies a turn of the century dairy farm. Rolling hills and meandering streams dross the fairways making for awkward lies. The large greens a receptive and the course just long enough to challenge the lowest handicap players in your group. The resort course is open to the public but also has a seasonal membership. Tee times are available online, but groups of 12 or more get their own group golf concierge that includes preferred pricing and other perks.
Our sister course, the classic Stowe Country Club, is a parkland layout that occupies a turn of the century dairy farm. Rolling hills and meandering streams dross the fairways making for awkward lies. The large greens a receptive and the course just long enough to challenge the lowest handicap players in your group. The resort course is open to the public but also has a seasonal membership. Tee times are available online, but groups of 12 or more get their own group golf concierge that includes preferred pricing and other perks.
If you are looking to really impress your buddies, how about working with one of our PGA Professionals and developing a team event complete with uniforms, a pairing cocktail party upon arrival and a Ryder Cup format and a trophy?
Begin planning for your Buddy Trip today by contacting our Group Golf Sales Manager, Josh Nicholls at 802.793.602