I played here in 2016 as part of the wedding celebrations for the daughter of a friend and colleague, Tim T. I played again at the wedding of one of his other daughters in July 2025. The following is a gallery of some shots taken one 2016. I was fitter and moving much better back then, as I am staring down a second hip replacement
And this is my updated note: The trip from Mamaroneck up to Stowe, Vermont, was more than just a getaway—it was a chance to blend golf with friendship and celebration. The occasion was special: the wedding of the daughter of a good friend and longtime business partner.
We stayed at the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, which feels like stepping into another world. The views stretched endlessly over the Green Mountains, and the history of the place gave it character beyond just being a comfortable stay. Waking up to a gorgeous view of the mountains with the mist clinging to the valley below set the tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable weekend.
Our first stop was Stowe Country Club, a course originally built in the 1950s on what used to be a dairy farm. Recently, the club began a significant refurbishment project aimed at restoring its classic feel while modernizing for today’s game—reshaping bunkers, widening fairways, and refining greens. It’s a place where you sense the history of New England golf: understated, charming, and quietly testing. Even mid-renovation, it’s clear this course is on its way back to being a true gem of Vermont golf.
The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak is a completely different experience. Designed by Bob Cupp and opened in 2007, the course climbs into the hillside above Stowe and is considered one of the most scenic in all of New England. With only members and guests of Spruce Peak allowed access, it feels exclusive and pristine, with holes carved dramatically into the mountain landscape. Fairways rise and fall with natural contours, and several holes demand carries over deep ravines or play from elevated tees with jaw-dropping vistas.
The par-3s are especially memorable—some perched high on ridges, others cut across valleys—each asking for precision and nerve. The par-5 16th, with its sweeping fairway that tumbles downhill toward a green tucked at the base of a ridge, is a hole that stays with you long after the round. It’s as rugged as it is beautiful, and you leave feeling like you’ve played golf in a setting that rivals any mountain course in the country.
Course Verdict – Mountain Course at Spruce Peak
Welcome: Exclusive but gracious—playing here feels like a privilege.
Facilities: First-class, with excellent practice grounds and a clubhouse matching the resort’s luxury.
Design: Bob Cupp’s mountain routing is bold, dramatic, and demanding—every hole a memory.
History: A modern addition (2007) that has quickly built a reputation as one of New England’s finest.
Vistas: Breathtaking—sweeping mountain and valley views that compete with your concentration.
Off the course, Stowe offered plenty of color. The town looks well—clearly there’s considerable wealth in the area, and as a destination for great winter as well as summer sports, no surprise. Dinner at Cork was underwhelming—perhaps expectations were too high—but the party at the Cider House more than made up for it.
Then came the main event: the wedding on Saturday afternoon. The setting was beautiful, the atmosphere full of warmth, and it was a privilege to celebrate such an important milestone for people I’ve known and worked with for so many years. The backdrop to the ceremony at von Trapp was among the most spectacular we have ever enjoyed. Plus, the short walk through the fields to the marquees with dining and a great band made for a sensational day and evening.
On the drive back to Mamaroneck, I kept thinking how seamlessly the weekend had come together: golf, mountains, food, friends, and a wedding that carried so much personal meaning. The drive from Mamaroneck is a good 300 miles, so plan on 6 hours or more, depending on stops and traffic.