Destination:
The Mt. Washington Valley
New Hampshire

Fore!
Playing Golf

Golf began in the Mt. Washington Valley about a hundred years ago on the long-gone Waumbek Hotel links. These, of course, were all very formal. Knickers, together with starched and pleated linen outfits, were the rule. The first course was laid out on the Intervale, a broad field just below the center of North Conway village, now the site of the 18-hole North Conway Country Club. A turn-of-the-century brochure published by the Kearsarge Hotel bragged about "relaid" greens, "under the care of a Scotchman, one of the most expert greenkeepers in the United States."

Today, things are less formal and arguably more fun. And the spectacular scenery -- the mountains, the ledges, the Wildcat River, and the town of Jackson -- is still the setting for golfers who play these innovative and challenging valley courses. Each course takes advantage of the interesting topography of the hills and vales of the valley, all offering great variety in terrain.

In their book The Golf Courses of New Hampshire, Bob Labbance and David Cornwell describe one course in the valley in the following way: "Interesting bunkering, curvaceous swales, brightly colored flower beds, and at least one train whistle per round, add to the charm," as well as the spectacular views in all directions.

Area Golf Courses and Contacts

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