Champywagon
One of the unique aspects of the SFC is that members can enjoy a huge range of experiences. Unlike many clubs that hide behind their gates, the SFC is jumping off point to the adventures of the Adirondacks, Lakes George and Champlain, and Vermont. Members can treat themselves and their guests to a different experience every visit.
To book the Champywagon, simply add it to your overnight booking. If you wish to book the Champywagon separately, e-mail the Club directly. Below the line, find a few suggested itineraries. If you have one you think we’ve missed (or want our suggestions), drop us a line.
Lake Placid
World famous as a 2-time Winter Olympic host, this bustling resort town in the Adirondack High Peaks actually began as one of America’s oldest summer retreats.
Highlighted by the Links Course at the Lake Placid Club, the area boasts well over 100 holes of golf designed by greats like Style & Van Kleek, Mackenzie, and Seymour Dunn. Main Street is lined with shops, bars, the rink that hosted the 1980 “Miracle on Ice”) and a newly-renovated Winter Olympic Museum.
Drive Time: 1:40 mins
Huletts Landing
Only a short drive away, Huletts Landing provides ready access to the eastern shore of Lake George. This tiny summer colony seems frozen in time with its sporty 9-hole golf course and “casino” (bar, sorry…no gambling). With a first tee just steps from the water, a public beach, marina, and gourmet sandwich shop, enjoying an Adirondack lake day is our easiest excursion.
Use the Champywagon as a home base for the day to store golf clubs, beach umbrellas, and chairs.
**Special rate available if only requesting pick-up/drop-off.**
Drive Time: 15 mins
Manchester
Manchester is quintessential Vermont. Home to the Walter Travis’ Ekwanok (private) and The Equinox Resort (public), the white clapboard village offers restaurants, bars, fly-fishing and the HQ of Orvis. Combine golf and fly-fishing or find a local swimming hole. Befriend one of our Dorset FC (private) members to visit America’s oldest, continuously operating golf course.
Drive Time: 50 mins (40 mins to Dorset)
Saratoga
America’s original summer town, thousands flock each year to take the waters, enjoy a world class restaurant and bar scene, and make a wager. For 6-weeks each summer (beginning in late July), Saratoga is considered to host the best thoroughbred racing in the world. Visit during “track season” for a day at the races and combine with one of the world’s top 10 9-holers, Saratoga Golf & Polo (private). Or visit one of the great “what if’s” of the Golden Age at Devereux Emmet’s sandy-but-encroached-upon masterpiece, McGregor Links (public) - once known as “The Pine Valley of the North.” Glens Falls CC and Sunnyside (also featured on this page) are directly en route.
Be sure not to miss a stop at SFC member Anders Mattson’s downtown studio.
Drive Time: 55 mins
Rutland
One of the most unheralded great courses in the Northeast, this Stiles and Van Kleek masterpiece sits squarely near the top of our hidden gem map (both literally and figuratively…). Rutland CC is an absolute MUST for a very Vermonty golf experience at a “Doak 6/7” only half an hour away.
Combine with a visit to the nearby ski town of Killington’s Green Mountain National (public) or venture farther afield to see RTJ’s work at Sugarbush.
Drive Time: 30 mins (50 mins to Killington, 1:30 mins to Sugarbush)
Glens Falls CC
Befriend one of SFC’s many Glens Falls members for a day at one of America’s top 100 golf courses. Considered one of Ross’ absolute finest works, combine it with par 3 golf/food at Sunnyside (see below).
Drive Time: 35 mins
Sunnyside Par 3
One of the coolest little, lit par 3 courses we’ve ever stumbled across. Just 5 minutes from Glens Falls, it’s a great option for an emergency 9 and dinner before heading back to the club. Beware of 6-8 pm league play on weekday nights (except Friday).
Combine with nearby Glens Falls CC (private) or Devereux Emmet’s masterful MacGregor Links (public).
Drive Time: 30 mins
Hooper
Made famous by Tom Doak’s glowing review in the Confidential Guide, Hooper is one America’s best 9-hole golf courses. Loop all day or combine with Rutland CC (directly on route) for an amazing 27-hole Stiles and Van Kleek day.
Drive Time: 1:40 mins
Ticonderoga
Combine a day of history at Fort Ticonderoga with golf at nearby Ticonderoga CC. Or for a golden age classic, try Westport CC with dinner on Lake Champlain.
Drive Time: 35 mins (1:05 to Westport)
The Sagamore
A public and unmodified Donald Ross design just above Lake George. While trees have encroached on the playing corridors a bit, the course remains largely as Ross designed it. Try lunch at the lakeside Sagamore Resort for incredible views up and down the lake or head over to 9-hole Schroon Lake GC, a course Ross assisted with.
A great option to combine with renting a boat on the lake or dinner in the Village of Lake George.
Drive Time: 55 mins
Burlington
Spend a summer day on the shores of Lake Champlain in one of America’s coolest small cities, overflowing with distilleries, breweries and hip restaurants. We would be happy to place a call for reciprocity to Burlington CC (Ross’ only VT course) or there are several nearby public options.
Drive Time: 1:40 mins
Woodstock
Anchored by the stately, 5-star Woodstock Inn, Woodstock is among Vermont’s most photographed towns. Enjoy a day of golf and fine dining. Add Rutland CC (directly on route) for a 36-hole excursion.
Drive Time: 1:15 mins