Beau Welling begins renovation of Vermont’s No. 1 public golf course

Stowe Country Club, ranked the No. 1 public golf course in Vermont by Golfweek’s Best, will undergo a two-year renovation by golf architect Beau Welling.

In the town of Stowe, the track originally opened in 1950 and was expanded in 1962 by William Mitchell. The club plans to grow membership, but public access options are available through stay-and-play packages at the Lodge at Spruce Creek.

Beau Welling Design has drawn up a comprehensive renovation plan, with work on the front nine starting this month and due to be completed this year, with work on the back nine expected to be completed in 2025. This allows golf to continue with at least nine holes. open every year.

Stowe Country Club in Vermont before a renovation led by Beau Welling (courtesy of Stowe Country Club)

Welling’s plan includes:

• Renovation of all greens with an emphasis on creativity and fun.

• Design and reorganization of selected fairways.

• A total bunker renovation.

• All tees, fairways and greens are re-grazed with bent grass. The rough grass will be a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and fescue.

• While retaining approximately the same footprint, length will be added to the current 6,195 yard, par-72 layout.

• Extend the fescue areas throughout the property.

• Improve drainage and install a new irrigation system.

• The plan includes new golf facilities, a new practice area, expanded amenities and a future residential community.

“As a design team, we are collaborative at heart, and we are excited to work with Stowe Country Club to revitalize one of the region’s premier golf courses,” Welling said in a press release announcing the renovation was announced. “This project will make the golf course more accessible to the average player, while maintaining the precise challenge that members and guests have enjoyed for more than 70 years.”

The story originally appeared on GolfWeek