Less than a year after reopening, Brian Silva’s dramatic restoration of the classic 18-hole championship course at Mount Washington Resort has earned the #1 spot in Golfweek’s state-by-state golf course ratings list. Voted on by a dedicated panel of experts and avid golfers, the Golfweek ratings are among the most prestigious in the golf industry.

Brian Klein, architecture editor stated, “Brian Silva’s restoration has made the Mount Washington Course more interesting and more compelling than I ever thought it could be. He sharpened the bunker delineation, brought out the green contours and enabled the long views of the Presidential Mountains to stand in dramatic contrast with the recurring look backs at the magnificent Hotel building itself. He also created a few bold holes to resolve some routing limitations; these holes are far stronger than the originals– all while making them fit in as part of the whole Donald Ross composition.”

The Mount Washington Course, which opened in 1915, was designed by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, originally from Scotland. Brian Silva of Brian Siva Design, an award-winning golf course architect based in Dover, NH led the restoration project, rebuilding the golf course based on Donald Ross’ original design plans which had been preserved over the years at the Resort.

With the original Ross plans for the Mount Washington Course in hand, Silva discovered the 18-hole Course was not simply the “flat thing” that he recalled during earlier visits to the Resort in the early 1970s and late 1980s. By comparing the original Ross plans to those of the Course in 2007, Silva skillfully unveiled the original intent of Ross, which had been lost or buried over the years. In particular, fairway bunkers, crafted with classic Ross flair, perpendicular to the line of play, were unearthed, including the discovery of Ross’ signature “Principal’s Nose” bunker on the 4th hole. In keeping with Ross’ “meadowland” design, which features expansive views, Silva significantly enhanced the Course’s wide open vistas by strategically removing trees. Silva also made use of the natural rolls and swells of the ancient river bed upon which the Course was built when placing tees, fairways, bunkers and greens, as did Ross in his original plans.

Silva also restored the Resort’s testy nine-hole Mount Pleasant Course, originally opened in 1895.

Matt Massei, the Resort’s General Manager, came to Mount Washington Resort after a fifteen year career at storied Pinehurst in North Carolina, where he oversaw the PGA National Club Professional Championships in 1997 and 1998 and the US Open in 2005. Massei noted, “The early recognition of the significance of the Course’s potential will go a long way in assisting us in achieving our goal of becoming New England’s #1 golf resort and hosting one of the thirteen  USGA championship events here at Mount Washington Resort within the next five years.

The courses are scheduled to open the first weekend in May (weather permitting) for the 2009 season. For tee times, packages and more information visit the Mount Washington Resort or call 1-877-873-0626.

From Mount Washington Resort Press Release.

Situated on the top of a mountain, it’s hard not too look at the view while you are trying to tee off. Wrap your head around a 360 degree view of the New Hampshire White Mountains to the east and Vermont’s Green Mountain range to the west. If you are planning a vacation here in the golf course mecca of New Hampshire and want a lazy, laid back type of day then you really need to make the trip to Sunset Hill. I can’t wait to go back.

Most importantly and a golf pirate’s need to know information, the all important 19th hole is located across the road at the Sunset Hill House, a magnificent old hotel. While you’re hoisting your beverage of choice, look out at the view of Cannon Mountain, (home to US Ski Team Member, Bode Miller) tally that golf score and plan your winter ski vacation! We have it all here in beautiful New Hampshire.

Visit the Sunset Hill Golf Course

and the Sunset Hill House