The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak is known for its impeccable playing surface, dramatic views, family-friendly vibe, and challenging shots. A modern golf marvel, it is carved into the Spruce Peak hillside encircling the serene Peregrine Lake.
Six miles down Mountain Road sits an entirely different golf experience. Located in the heart of Stowe village, Stowe Country Club (SCC) occupies what was once a turn-of-the-century dairy farm. The historic club opened in 1950 and over the years has evolved into an 18-hole course showcasing rolling fairways and manicured greens.
Nestled in the Green Mountains, SCC has always been a diamond in the rough, and Mt. Mansfield Company president Sam Gaines recognized its promise. With diverse holes routed over undulating farm terrain, he was intrigued by its potential to become a world-class course. Meanwhile, its bucolic setting a short drive from the center of town made it ideal for gatherings beyond golf.
So Gaines brought together a team to envision and construct a brand new golf experience for SCC that would complement the one-of-a-kind Mountain Course. “The true potential of Stowe Country Club is rooted in its location and natural, undulating topography. Its connection to the community and surrounding land can’t be replicated,” Gaines says. “We needed the right golf course designer to be able to think aspirationally, but also pragmatically—to create a course that would benefit both low handicappers and first timers.” The first person that came to mind was a longtime friend, Beau Welling.
Beau Knows Stowe
Beau Welling is the founder and CEO of Beau Welling Design and one of the most sought-after visionaries in the golf world. A frequent collaborator with Tiger Woods, Welling was recently tapped by the PGA of America to design one of two new courses at their Texas headquarters.
For the past several years, Welling has been working with Gaines, The Club at Spruce Peak and SCC’s general manager Michael Harger, and director of agronomy Kevin Komer to conceptualize a plan for SCC. And this year, their vision will be actualized; groundbreaking for the upgraded golf course took place earlier this spring and construction on the front nine holes will continue through fall 2024. (The back nine will get a makeover in 2025, allowing members to continue playing throughout the reno.) “We are excited to breathe new life into one of the best golf courses in the region,” Welling says.
From Tees to Greens
Although SCC’s footprint will largely remain the same, the updates will elevate all facets of the course—from repositioned tees to better green complexes. The goal of the redesign is to create a more consistent and playable course for less experienced golfers, while focusing on strategy and challenging advanced players.
One change regulars will notice is completely new green complexes, modernly constructed and presented in varying grades and shapes. Along with improved, and often dramatic, tees, the green complexes will give golfers a variety of approach angles, promoting creativity and fun. Fairways will be re-grassed, and in some cases extensively regraded, to enhance playability.
With an eye on sustainable playability through extreme weather conditions, SCC will also install a state-of-the-art irrigation system, pump system, and supplemental river pump, along with more efficient drainage on every hole.
The Long Game
Larger-scale shifts are also on the horizon for SCC. Mt. Mansfield Company is working with Beau Welling Design to sketch out a new golf practice area, expanded amenities, and potentially, a residential community. Subject to permitting and other approvals, this four-season club will be centered around golf, racquet sports, fitness, pool, and dining.
Hand in hand with the renovation, SCC is kicking off a new membership program to enjoy these future amenities. In the interim, SCC members are invited to partake in benefits from The Club at Spruce Peak, including use of the 18-hole Bob Cupp-designed Mountain Course and its facilities. (Members of The Club at Spruce Peak will continue to receive full access to SCC.)
From heart-to-hearts with buddies during play to kicking back at the so-called “nineteenth hole” after a round, golf is as much about relationship building as it is about perfecting your swing. That’s why the long-term vision for SCC is to be a true community hub. “Golf promotes human connection,” Welling says. “We want people to come here with friends, colleagues, and family members to create memories that will last a long time.”