While there may still be a little snow on the ground in some spots, Higgerson & Co. has hung up the skis for the season after a fantastic final weekend. April is the month when we begin to turn our attention to spring activities and the upcoming season of outings on local golf courses. Whether it’s an afternoon front nine at Lake Morey, or a day at Montcalm which has been selected to host the 2024 New Hampshire Open Championship, the Upper Valley has no shortage of excellent courses to play.
Woodstock Country Club
Founded in 1895, Woodstock Country Club is the oldest public golf course in Vermont. Rated as one of the top 25 U.S. Golf Courses for conditions by Golf Advisor, and listed as one of the top 100 golf resorts by Golf Magazine, the Robert Trent Jones designed par 70 layout offers a truly unforgettable experience. Players make their way along the Kedron Valley with its eponymous brook appearing on 14 of the course’s 18 holes. The club is open to the public and offers a pro shop, practice range, putting green, private lessons, and clinics. Be sure to stop into the Fairway Grill which provides players like hometown hero and PGA tour member Keegan Bradley the sustenance they need for top performance. More information on the club’s website.
Montcalm Golf Club
Located high in the hills of Enfield, NH, Montcalm is a semi-private golf club that offers one of the finest experiences in New England. Reached by an over one-mile-long country lane, ascending to spectacular views, is the handsomely designed clubhouse and state-of-the-art training facility. This 6,829-yard masterpiece was transformed from a dramatic piece of property by golf architects Wogan & Sargent in 2001 with an adherence to the Donald Ross philosophy of maintaining as much of the land’s natural character as possible, requiring finding creative solutions for the varied terrain. While the natural layout could easily challenge a PGA professional, enjoyable play is ensured for golfers of all levels. More information on the club’s website.
Lake Morey Country Club
Since 1929 in Fairlee, Vermont, the Lake Morey Golf Club has hosted golfers seeking fresh mountain air, scenic vistas, and the unspoiled beauty of the Green Mountains. Guaranteed fun keeps players coming back to the club’s 18-hole course all season long. Lake Morey has been the proud home of the Vermont Open for over 50 years, and with a redesign in 1989, the par 70, 6024-yard course features sand traps, water hazards and well-guarded greens that demand accuracy. A flat front nine gives way to a mountainous back offering jaw dropping views. Expect a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and consider staying after your round to take in the resort’s excellent dining options and live music series. More information on the club’s website.
Carter Country Club
Did you know there is a nine-hole track designed by the legendary Donald Ross right in the middle of the Upper Valley? Carter Country Club in Lebanon opened in 1923 and remains Ross’ only 9 Hole Course in New Hampshire. The 3000-yard, par 36 layout offers 4 sets of tees to accommodate a wide range of golfers. As the long-term future of the Carter course remains in flux (the land has been the subject of a long legal battle,) we recommend you take the opportunity to experience a round on Ross’s typical 1920’s New England style putting greens while you can. More info can be found on the club’s website.
Quechee Lakes Club
With not one but two championship 18-hole courses, the Quechee Club is arguable the golf Mecca of the Upper Valley. The private club serves the Quechee Lakes community. Originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish, the courses were restored in 2012 after Tropical Storm Irene by well-known course architect, Brian Silva. The facility is maintained to meticulous standards and is one of the finest golf experiences in the Northeast. Designed for every level of play, the courses host members, guests, and property renters from mid-April to early-November. From spring blooms and plush green summer scenes to autumn leaves and vibrant countryside vistas, the playing landscapes transform with the changing seasons. More information on the club’s website.
As always, Higgerson & Company is eager to spread the word about all the things that make living in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire so great. And if you are thinking of looking for a new home in the area or a vacation property, we are your real estate experts in Hanover, NH and Woodstock, VT, and the constellation of wonderful towns that surround us. Please be in touch and let us guide you home.