THE GLENEAGLES GOLF COURSE AT THE EQUINOX

In keeping with the Equinox's dedication to environmental responsibility, the Gleneagles Golf Course was one of the first courses to be registered as a Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Society of New York State.

The Gleneagles Golf Course at the Equinox, a repeat recipient of Golf Magazine's prestigious Silver Medal Award, has also recently received praise from Golf Week, where the course was named as one of America's Best. The 18-hole championship-quality golf course, built in 1927 by Walter Travis, combines a dramatic blend of the past and present in a picturesque mountain setting, and continues to play an important role in the development of the Equinox as a resort destination. A $3.5 million restoration in 1992 by renowned golf-course architect Rees Jones brought the course to modern standards within the context of Travis's original routing while following an environmentally friendly approach.

Walter Travis - a U.S. Amateur Championship winner, and the first overseas winner of the British Amateur Championship - began designing the 18-hole Equinox course in the mid 1920s based on principles of the Scottish links tradition. The Equinox Links Club, as the course was known, opened on July 1, 1927.

Rees Jones's 1992 restoration preserved Travis's original routing and the course's rustic Scottish flavor, capitalizing on the scenic mountain setting. Greens were contoured and rebuilt to at least their original size and to USGA standards. Improvements included an irrigation system, extensive drainage controls, elevation of several fairways to further improve drainage and the re-grassing of the entire course with modern grasses. In keeping with the Equinox's dedication to environmental responsibility, the Gleneagles Golf Course was one of the first courses to be registered as a Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Society of New York State. Participating courses in this society strive to increase habitats for enhanced wildlife populations. The course was also the first in Vermont to submit and receive approval for an integrated pest management plan.

COUNTRY PURSUITS AT THE
EQUINOX
Spend your morning maneuvering a 4-wheel drive on rough terrain and your afternoon in the field hunting alongside a majestic falcon. For the ultimate outdoor Vermont adventure, the Equinox offers a variety of activities that combine distinct sports programs in a picturesque setting. The Equinox's Country Pursuits programs provide opportunities to master falconry and experience the thrill of off-road driving.

The Off-Road Driving School at the Equinox features lessons in Land Rover Discoveries, Range Rovers, and Land Rovers. The school is open year-round featuring off-pavement driving instruction in the spring, summer and fall as well as a snow and ice driving school in the winter.

The British School of Falconry, started by Steve and Emma Ford of the Equinox's sister property, Gleneagles, is the nation's first school of its kind to offer hands-on lessons. Guests at the Equinox are invited to try one of the world's oldest sports in the beautiful setting of Hildene Meadows and enhance their appreciation of these magnificent birds. During a session at The British School of Falconry, guests will take their falcon to the hunting field, and work in harmony with a specially trained dog.

Guests at the Equinox are invited to try one of the world's oldest sports in the beautiful setting of Hildene Meadows and enhance their appreciation of these magnificent birds.

They will also learn about the importance of falconers in the conservation of these birds. Introductory as well as more advanced lessons, programs and hunts are offered. Team-building sessions are also available for groups.

Designed for 4-wheel drive enthusiasts, The Off-Road Driving School at the Equinox features lessons in Land Rover Discoveries, Range Rovers, and Land Rovers. The school is open year-round featuring off-pavement driving instruction in the spring, summer and fall as well as a snow and ice driving school in the winter. Participants experience numerous challenges on the 80-acre purpose-built course, with an extensive trail system for exploration. They will learn techniques on ascents, descents, side-tilts and rocky terrain. The degree of difficulty can range from introductory courses to more advanced off-road training sessions through the Taconic Mountain Range.

There is also a Junior Off-Road School where children ages 5-12 years old can get behind the wheel of miniature replica vehicles on the mini-jungle skills course.

The spring, summer and fall seasons at the Equinox provide opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, golf at the 18-hole championship quality Gleneagles Golf Course, horseback riding, sporting clays shooting, and much more. While the winter season means pristine downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding, snowmobiling, and ice-skating. Indoor and outdoor tennis courts are available for year-round use.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - FEBRUARY 2004