Stowe Country Club
Alex Elias
Courtesy of Spruce Peak
Following the completion of a multi-year, full-course redesign led by renowned golf course design firm Beau Welling Design (BWD), Stowe Country Club re-opened in July.
“The transformation of Stowe Country Club represents a meaningful investment in both the game of golf and the future of the Stowe community,” said Sam Gaines, President of Mt. Mansfield Company, the owner of Stowe Country Club. “This project honors the history of the course while reimagining it for the next generation, creating a place where members, guests, and local residents can gather to enjoy the landscape, the sport, and the shared experiences that define this region.”
Guided by Welling’s design philosophy, the golf course emphasizes approachable play for golfers of all ages and abilities while maintaining a thoughtful challenge for more experienced players. Expanded fescue landscapes, a long-term tree management plan, and enhanced sightlines further highlight the property’s natural beauty, creating a course that is as visually compelling and highly playable.
“From the outset, our goal was to create a course that feels true to its setting while enhancing the overall playing experience,” said Beau Welling. “By working with the land’s natural movement and refining its existing character, we’ve shaped a layout that offers greater variety and flexibility, making it engaging and enjoyable for players of all levels.”
Originally Hole 16, the green on Hole 13 has been moved to the golfer’s right, across the stream, turning the hole into a dogleg right instead of a straightaway.
“We also did a significant amount of grading (the most of anywhere on the site), so the tee shot is now far more visible than it used to be. There’s a bunker on the right to challenge anyone trying to cut the corner, but there’s plenty of room to play safely out to the left,” said Welling. “The green now sits perched just above the stream, which creates some exciting, and at times intimidating, pin positions near the front. But going long isn’t an easy up-and-down either, so players will need to think carefully about where to miss.”
As Welling wanted to incorporate a short Par-4 into the design, he did so at Par-4 15th.
“We shifted the green so the dogleg isn’t quite as sharp as before, and the biggest transformation comes from the extensive grading work we’ve done. The ground is now much more level, allowing us to create a classic short Par-4,” said Welling.
Wheeler Golfscapes
Although Welling wrestled with what to do with Hole 18, the closing hole is one of the most memorable on the golf course. Featuring a Lion’s Mouth bunker, with the green wrapping around it on both sides, it’s heavily bunkered to the right and behind as well. If the pin is on the right, players want to favor the right side of the fairway; if it’s on the left, players want to play left.
“The result is a truly compelling finishing hole; short, but visually stunning and strategically rich,” said Welling. “It creates that ‘wow’ moment you want at the end of a round. It’s a brand-new golf hole, and we’re incredibly excited about it. There’s real decision-making involved.”
Courtesy of Stowe Country Club
Complementing the redesign, Stowe Country Club offers dining at The Pub, featuring indoor and outdoor dining, including a patio and scenic deck, and serves as a welcoming place for members and their guests to gather before or after a round, and a new comfort station—the “Sugar Shack,” accessible from both the 5th and 14th holes, offering restrooms, a member honor station, and food and beverage service during peak times—was added.
Together with The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak, the completion establishes Stowe as one of New England’s premier 36-hole golf destinations.
The redevelopment reflects a broader vision for Stowe as a premier four-season mountain destination, with future plans including a new clubhouse, expanded dining, racquet sports, fitness and wellness amenities, and additional recreational offerings. Access to Stowe Country Club is available to Stowe Country Club members, members of The Club at Spruce Peak, and guests staying at The Lodge at Spruce Peak and affiliated residences, offering a rare opportunity to experience two otherwise private 18-hole courses within one destination.
“We’ve been thrilled by the response to the reimagining of Stowe Country Club and the continued evolution of club life at Spruce Peak,” said Michael Harger, General Manager of Stowe Country Club and The Club at Spruce Peak.
