Nestled in the spectacular White Mountains of New Hampshire in the town of Campton, Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club offers guests year-round recreational opportunities in a picturesque setting. With world-class hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobiling trails located in and around the resort, it is easy to forget that Owl’s Nest is also home to an award-winning 18-hole golf course considered by many to be one of the best in the Granite State.
With accolades too numerous to mention, including recently being listed as one of Golf Digest’s Top Ten New Hampshire golf courses and a Top 5 state ranking by Golf Week, Owl’s Nest soars ahead of the competition with its scenic views, meticulous landscape and exceptional staff.
Owl’s Nest is a challenging track for skilled players, featuring a course rating of 73.3 and a slope rating of 136 from the back tees. However, the course boasts five sets of tees, making it an ideal place for female golfers and those just beginning to play the game.
Although the course is filled with some of the most picturesque and challenging holes you will find anywhere in the state, two holes—14 and 17¬—stand out from the pack and were named as two of New Hampshire’s Great 18 by WMUR-TV 9.
Ranked as the sixth best hole in New Hampshire, the 14th is considered by many to be the most beautiful hole the course has to offer. Although playing as the third easiest hole on the course, the Par-3 offers a big challenge to expert players hitting from the back tees. It plays 220 yards from the tips and tee shots seem to drift right so players are advised to aim left. Landing short and left will kick your ball up onto the green, which runs sharply left-to-right. But while on the tee box, make sure to take in your surroundings as this hole could possible provide the most beautiful panoramic view of the White Mountains you have ever seen.
No. 17 actually placed just ahead of the 14th on WMUR-TV 9’s list, rating as the fifth best hole in the state. Playing over 525 yards from the back tees, the challenging Par-5 ranks as the course’s sixth toughest hole. Golfers are advised to keep the ball down the left side of the fairway on both their tee shot and second shot. Do so and a chance at birdie awaits. However, the green is quite small and surrounded by out-of-bounds on the back side so coming up short on the approach is not a bad play.
In addition to world-class golf, Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club offers eateries that one would normally find only at resorts for the rich and famous. One such establishment is The Sunset Room and Tavern, located on the resort’s property.
An upscale bistro with a casual and comfortable atmosphere, The Sunset Room was awarded a three-star rating from the “Our Gourmet” section of The Union Leader and voted “Best Place to See a Sunset While Dining” by New Hampshire Magazine. The restaurant is run by famed chef John Richard, who officially serves as The Sunset Room’s director of food & beverage.
In the winter months, the fine-dining establishment becomes the optimal place to relax after a long day on the slopes or snowshoeing through the surrounding forest. Come summertime the restaurant serves as an ideal 19th hole as well as an exceptional setting for a variety of functions, including weddings and corporate outings. The Sunset Room can accommodate between 50 and 75 people depending on the time of year and the seasonal Tented Pavilion (summer and fall) can accommodate up to 150 guests.
Visitors trekking to the region in the winter who are looking to get off the resort and explore everything New Hampshire has to offer will not be disappointed. White Mountain National Forest and the Pemigewasset River Valley abut the resort and provide endless trails for hiking, biking and snowmobiling—to name just a few activities. In fact, adventurous snowmobilers can actually ride all the way to the Canadian border. Of course, the terrain is challenging and the distance is long so only the most experienced riders would attempt such a feat at their own risk.
For summer adventurers who may think New Hampshire is just a winter playground, think again. The region provides a plethora of attractions and exciting activities, including zip lines through the forest, boating on Squam Lake (of On Golden Pond movie fame) and gondola rides up nearby Loon Mountain.
With all this region and resort has to offer, it should come as no surprise that many people have decided to make Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club their second (and in some cases, first) home. Providing four-season living, the resort’s unique village-style makeup has an abode suitable for every family, regardless of size. From condos and townhomes to free-standing single family residences, the resort has structures with as many as three and four bedrooms.
There are several amenities only available to residents and their guests, including an activities center, lap pool and weight room, and access to the local swimming holes and beaches. The resort’s real estate office is open seven days a week and there is a model home available for tours. Interested buyers should call Tom Mullen at 603-726-3076 ext. 219 to set up a tour or for more information.
So what are you waiting for? With world-class golf in the summer and snow and ice sports in the winter, there is something for everyone in this outdoorsman’s paradise. To begin planning your trip to Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club, visit owlsnestgolf.com