Lake Sunapee Country Club is a beautifully restored Donald Ross design that consistently ranks among New Hampshire’s top five courses. It rewards strategic golf with well-contoured greens and walkable routing, making it a standout private club getaway in the region.
Lake Sunapee CC is a classic Ross parkland course, expertly routed through New England forest and subtle rolling hills. The restoration by Ron Forse didn’t just polish its surfaces—he revived Ross’s devilish green complexes, rebuilt contouring, and restored strategic bunker placements. The course is famed for generous landing areas, but the real battle begins around firm, beautifully undulating greens where position means everything. False fronts, angled approaches, and a balanced scorecard deliver a timeless blend of accessibility and challenge, making every round a fresh strategic puzzle.
Donald Ross’s fingerprints remain clear at Lake Sunapee: favoring fun over brute difficulty, always making the green the final—sometimes fiercest—test.
The first par 5, No. 6 stretches to 524 yards and tempts the longer player with a realistic birdie if position is won off the tee. Layups and approaches are shaped by subtle fairway movement and classic bunkering, rewarding angled play and restraint.
Favour the right side with the tee shot for the best angle, but beware running into fairway bunkers; second-guessing your layup pays off here.
A misjudged approach brings restored bunkers and a challenging false front into play; getting above the hole brings three-putt potential.
Excellent firm surfaces, well-maintained greens, traditional presentation without the flash of a modern resort—expect the best classic conditioning in the region.
Quiet, refined, old-school—members value dignity and classic club comfort over raucousness. You’ll feel the history from the moment you step on property.
With two par 3s over 190 yards (one at 240), precision from distance is a must—hit the range with your hybrid or longest iron.
Know your host and confirm arrangements; as a private club, tee times and access codes are handled via the pro shop or by invitation only.
The club maintains traditional dress expectations and requires standard golf shoes. Collared shirts and tailored shorts or slacks will help you blend in.
New England’s hills can roll in fog, sun, and wind within a round—layer accordingly and have light rain gear ready.
Lake Sunapee Country Club founded; Donald Ross design opens
Hosts 40th annual McDonough Scholarship Foundation tournament
For years, the major champion Gene Sarazen called Lake Sunapee his summer club—a testament to the course’s appeal and understated pedigree. Members still share stories of Sarazen’s friendly matches and effortless rounds on these rolling fairways.
In the 2000s, architect Ron Forse led a restorative revival—recapturing the original green shapes, wider playing corridors, and the crisp, strategic bunkering Ross intended. Today’s course is both history lesson and pure shotmaker’s stage.
Lake Sunapee hosts the New Hampshire Hickory Open, drawing enthusiasts playing with period clubs from across the country. For one weekend, the club becomes a living showcase of early-20th-century golf culture.
Despite its private atmosphere, Lake Sunapee’s charity outings and scholarship tournaments have raised thousands for local causes. The club’s culture is as much about community as it is about top-tier golf.
Gene Sarazen played here every summer, treating Sunapee as his private oasis.
The course hosts New England’s most celebrated hickory golf event, attracting vintage-club purists.
Original green shapes and bunkers were revived in a meticulous Ron Forse restoration.
Lake Sunapee’s tree removal opened up classic Ross sightlines and improved vistas.
Members describe the 12th as one of the most demanding par 3s in the region.
Accessible, fun public loop for all skill levels
Picturesque resort round with lakeside backdrops
Dramatic New Hampshire scenery, player-friendly feel
Strong regional reputation, excellent conditions
Classic members’ club ambiance if you can gain access
New London or Sunapee for club proximity and lakeside relaxation; Hanover/Lebanon for more dining and hotel options.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Bald Peak Colony Club is a natural next stop after Lake Sunapee Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Country Club of Buffalo is a natural next stop after Lake Sunapee Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Valley Club of Montecito's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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