Emily Rainville Grass ’11 and Rudi Grass ’12
St. Johnsbury Country Club enters a new chapter
A familiar sense of community is returning to the fairways of St. Johnsbury Country Club as a group of local alumni and friends step forward to purchase the historic course, ushering in a new era rooted in hometown pride, shared history, and a vision for the future.
Long a fixture in the St. Johnsbury community, the club was originally owned and operated by local residents and served for decades as more than just a golf course. It was a gathering place and social hub—the backdrop for generations of memories. In recent years, ownership shifted to an out-of-state company, a change that distanced the club from its community-centered identity.
Now, the story is coming full circle. The new ownership group is composed of individuals whose lives intersect through St. Johnsbury and, for many, St. Johnsbury Academy.
Leading the group are Emily Rainville Grass ’11 and her husband, Rudi ’12, who met as students at the Academy. Originally an international student from Germany, Rudi credits SJA as life-changing. “Coming to St. Johnsbury Academy changed the course of my life,” he said. “It gave me a sense of belonging that stayed with me long after I left. Being part of bringing the country club back into local hands feels like a meaningful way to give back. Now, as parents, it’s even more special knowing our children will grow up connected to this same community.”
For Emily, the connection runs even deeper. She and her brother, Alex ’14, grew up around the course while their father, Todd ’84, served as Grounds Superintendent, helping earn the club recognition as one of the best courses to play in New England. Today, Todd continues to serve the community by maintaining the Academy’s athletic fields. “This place has always been about more than golf,” he said. “It’s about pride in the work, pride in the community, and creating
something lasting.”
“This is more than a business investment, it’s personal,” Emily added. “We all have connections here that go far beyond golf. What excites me most is restoring that sense of belonging.”
That sentiment is shared across the ownership group. Kattie Sanborn Cahoon ’93 and her husband, Pat ’97, both alumni and current Academy parents, see the purchase as an act of preservation. “This isn’t just any country club,” said Kattie. “It’s where many of us learned the game, spent time with family, and built lifelong friendships.”
Other partners include longtime local business owner Dan Lussier, former club golf professional Larry Kelly, and alumnus Brian Harbaugh ’92 and wife, Rachel. Brian welcomed the chance to be involved. “No matter where life takes you, St. Johnsbury is home,” he said. “Being part of bringing this club back to local ownership is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Weidmann Electrical Technology also remains a key stakeholder, owning land on which holes 10-13 are situated. “Weidmann has deep roots in this community,” said Rob Begin ’87, Director of Sales and Product Management. “Seeing the club return to local ownership with people who understand its history and value is incredibly meaningful.”
Looking ahead, the group’s vision centers on accessibility, community engagement, and renewed partnerships. A priority is reestablishing the club as the home course for St. Johnsbury Academy’s golf teams. “This should be a place where student-athletes grow and create lasting memories,” Emily said.
Plans also include restoring the club as a vibrant gathering place through events such as homecoming celebrations, alumni outings, and local functions. Youth engagement will be central as well, with expanded junior golf programs designed to introduce the next generation to the game. “If we can help kids feel welcome and connected here,” Rudi said, “we’re setting this place up to thrive.”
As the new owners look ahead, their focus is on honoring the club’s past while building a future that reflects the needs of the community today. “This is about more than reopening a golf course,” Emily said. “It’s about restoring a sense of place and investing in something that truly belongs to the community.”