History
History of Golf in Newport, Vermont
Newport Country Club is a true gem of the Northeast Kingdom region in Vermont. It was organized as a nine-hole course on March 27, 1922, with 35 members. The original course, located approximately one-half mile east of the present golf course, was first in Derby, VT and developed “for the purpose of leasing, buying and holding such real estate and personal property as may be required in conducting a ‘COUNTRY CLUB’, designed to cultivate and promote any and all athletic sports and recreation, but more especially the game of GOLF.”The game of golf proved to be popular enough that play and membership grew and a clubhouse was built in 1923, with plans made to expand further.
In 1930, the Club purchased the existing land in Newport, off Mt. Vernon Street, trading the old-course plus $3,000 for the property. In the winter of 1930-31, the Clubhouse was moved from Derby to its present site in Newport overlooking Lake Memphremagog. This was accomplished with a team of horses, rollers, and a great deal of sweat! It took all winter to get the job done.
The first club champion was Leon Myers in 1922. He was also the last club champion on the original course in 1929 and the first club champion on the new course.
In 1968, the decision was made to expand to 18 holes. The architectural firm of Howard Watson of La Chute, Quebec, was hired as the primary designers, with Bradford Caldwell of Shelburne, VT, reviewing the plans. After a few minor changes, the project was approved and built. A new clubhouse was built in 1991. The layout maximizes the spectacular views of the South Bay, Jay Peak, and Lake Memphremagog toward Owl’s Head and Canada, and has approximately 6,500 yards of rolling fairways and user-friendly greens beautifully maintained by the course superintendent Greg Bean. The 18-hole course offers challenges and delights for golfers of all levels.
Newport Country Club has provided the area with the recreational attraction first envisioned by its founders over one hundred years ago. Throughout the process of locating, expanding, and improving the course over the years, inclusive of watered fairways and greens, it is Newport Country Club’s members who offer the true spirit of the Club by giving selflessly of their time and energies. Their efforts have provided many summers of pleasure to thousands of people and have guaranteed the same for generations to come.
A multi-year named recipient of “Best Course in the Kingdom,” among her various offerings, the Newport Country Club features a remodeled clubhouse, a relaxing country pub offering savory menu items, two golf simulators, a fully-stocked golf shop that carries such brands as Cleveland, Callaway, Taylor Made, and Ping, a variety of putters, and both men and women’s clothing. Golf lessons and clinics are given by PGA Golf Pro Matt Hibbert.
Newport Country Club is open to the public from spring through late October. For hours of operation, directions to the golf course, regular rates, and information, please explore our website or call us at (802) 334-2391.