Clubhouse Rises from the Ashes
After a devastating fire in the 1960s razed the original clubhouse, Laconia’s members rallied to rebuild on the same historic footprint. The new structure preserves club tradition while anchoring the course’s heart.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Laconia Country Club
Laconia, New Hampshire
Established
1922
Architect
Wayne E. Stiles (original); Phil Wogan & George F. Sargent (2002 renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
4,875 – 6,813 yds
The verdict
New England Tradition, Modern Playability
Laconia Country Club offers a seamless blend of vintage New England charm and a challenging, modern layout. The 2002 full renovation sharpened its shot values and playability, making it a standout local private club while honoring its historic Stiles roots.
Course DNA
Difficulty
73
Scenery76
Conditioning80
Shot Variety74
Walkability70
Green Complexity70
Wow Factor67
Design Quality73
Don't miss
After your round, check the original clubhouse site—it was rebuilt after a 1960s fire, and longtime members will happily share stories from both eras.
At a glance
Quick facts
Five par 5s
Extra scoring and challenge opportunities
Four par 3s
Varied short iron shot tests
2002 course-wide renovation
Phil Wogan & George Sargent reimagined classic layout
Clubhouse rebuilt after 1960s fire
Rebuilt on original footprint
Hosts NH Amateur & USGA qualifiers
Frequent site for important state events
Played by celebrities
Counting film, TV, and golf legends among guests
Lake region setting
Short drive from Lake Winnipesaukee
Private member ownership
Became member-owned in 1997
The design
The architecture
Laconia Country Club showcases New England’s private-club tradition with a routing that rolls through tree-framed corridors and blends subtle elevation change, risk-reward par 5s, and playable but demanding par 3s. Wayne Stiles’ foundational vision from 1922 remains visible in the routing, green complexes, and blend of attack angles, but the 2002 Wogan & Sargent renovation sharpened strategic lines, improved overall playability, and updated the challenge for the modern game. The par 72 layout balances five par 5s with a set of both reachable and dangerous par 4s, making sure every club in your bag gets a test. Thick rough, mature trees, and clever fairway shaping ensure that position and planning win out over brute strength.
The 2002 total renovation by Wogan & Sargent rebuilt the course for modern play while respecting Stiles’ original vision.
Defining features
- Classic tree-lined corridors blend with rolling terrain
- Balanced par distribution—five par 5s, four par 3s
- Accessible but nuanced green complexes
- Strategic variety in fairway widths and doglegs
- Playable for all skill levels with ample tee options
- Hilltop and lowland holes create rhythm and contrast
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Hawk’s Landing Par Five
PAR
5
YARDAGE
555
A sweeping, three-shot par five that defines the early momentum of the round with a wide but narrowing landing area and a receptive green framed by protected sides. Length tempts the aggressive, but discipline wins the score here.
Play it smart
Think position on every shot—getting out of place early means scrambling for par rather than chasing eagle.
Where it bites
Left-side rough and lurking trees punish overly bold tee shots, and bunkers guard the lay-up and approach zones.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching the par-5 2nd green in two
Check your angle and avoid back-left—missing there is a card-wrecker.
Driving the narrow 8th fairway
Play for placement and angle, not max yardage; trees pinch doglegs more than you think.
Attacking pin positions on 16
Mid/long iron for safety; trust the middle and don’t chase tucked flags.
Second shot on 13th par five
Resist the urge to go for it unless your drive was perfect—laying back gives a much easier wedge approach.
Uphill approach on 10
Club up for elevation, and check the wind, which can swirl here.
Tough up-and-down near the 14th green
Use the safe side; this green punishes short-siding dreams.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Expect classic, well-groomed bentgrass fairways, consistent greens, and rough that adds bite to stray shots.
Pace
Structured private-club speed with well-managed tee sheets and a steady member rhythm.
Vibe
Laid-back New England tradition—relaxed but proud, with a close-knit member community.
Dress code
Standard private club—collared shirts and golf attire required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in long irons
Several par 3s and long par 4 approaches demand solid contact and accurate distance control.
02
Bring your best wedge game
Many par 5s and approach zones reward precise pitching and chipping, especially around subtle greens.
03
Scout wind direction
Tree-lined but exposed in places—wind can shift shot selection, especially on holes 8, 10, and 16.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1922
Club founded and original Wayne Stiles design opens
- 1930
First hosting of New Hampshire Amateur Championship
- 1997
Club becomes private and member-owned
- 2002
Phil Wogan & George Sargent complete a total renovation
- 2020
Host site for USGA Women’s Mid-Am qualifier
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Big Moments on Small Greens
Despite not hosting national events, Laconia’s greens have witnessed state championships and the pressure of USGA qualifiers, including the New Hampshire Amateur dating back to 1930. Many careers and club legends have been shaped here.
Hollywood on the Lake
Through the decades, golfers report rubbing elbows with visiting sports legends and film stars drawn to the Lakes Region’s relaxed luxury. Laconia’s guestbook is richer than most private clubs its size.
A Champion’s Comeback
Following the 2002 renovation, Laconia hosted more NHGA and USGA qualifiers than ever before, proving the new layout’s mettle. When tested by top amateurs, the classic-flavored championship design holds up every time.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Laconia’s course has hosted New Hampshire’s best since the 1930s—true state championship pedigree.
2
A 1960s fire led to the complete rebuilding of the club’s historic clubhouse.
3
The Lakes Region has long drawn celebrities to its fairways, adding sparkle to post-round stories.
4
The club transitioned to full private, member ownership in the 1990s.
Build the trip
If you're making a New Hampshire Lakes golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Mount Washington Resort Golf Club
Resort
Breathtaking White Mountain views and a Donald Ross classic—easily the state’s best public/resort play.
Portsmouth Country Club
Private
Strong private club reputation and a great add-on if you’re touring the Seacoast region.
Manchester Country Club
Private
Traditional challenge and pristine conditioning just under an hour south.
The Golf Club of New England
Private
Jack Nicklaus design and one of NH’s most respected tournament tracks.
Pheasant Ridge Golf Club
Public
Solid local value and scenery—just 10 minutes from Laconia for an easy public-access day.
Laconia or Meredith for lakeside convenience and easy access to other central NH golf.
Course DNA
If You Like Laconia Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Willowbend Country Club
Mashpee, MassachusettsWhy it matches: Willowbend Country Club is a natural next stop after Laconia Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match7.9
Silverado Resort North Course
Napa, CaliforniaWhy it matches: If Laconia Country Club is your kind of course, Silverado Resort North Course is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match6.8
Frankfort Country Club
Frankfort, KentuckyWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Frankfort Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Laconia Country Club.
The architect's other work
More from Wayne E. Stiles
Thorny Lea Golf Club
Brockton, MassachusettsClassic New England strategy, Stiles tradition, private club pedigree
Wyndhurst Golf & Club
Lenox, MassachusettsGolden Age design meets Berkshires resort charm
Marlborough Country Club
Marlborough, MassachusettsClassic New England golf, rooted in tradition
The Shore Club
Cape May Court House, New JerseyA South Jersey classic with storied tradition
Marshfield Country Club
Marshfield, MassachusettsClassic Wayne Stiles architecture on Boston's South Shore
Community Sentiment
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