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 grounded in hometown pride, shared history, and a vision for the future.
A longtime fixture in the St. Johnsbury community, the club has deep regional roots. Originally owned and operated by local residents, it served for decades as more than just a golf course, it was a gathering place, a social hub, and the backdrop for generations of memories. In recent years, ownership shifted to an out-of-state company based in Florida, a change that, for some, distanced the club from its community-centered identity.
Now, that story is coming full circle. The new ownership group is composed of individuals whose lives intersect through the St. Johnsbury community and, for many, St. Johnsbury Academy.
Leading the group are Emily Rainville Grass ’11 and her husband, Rudy ’12, who met as students at the Academy. Rudy, originally an international student from Germany, credits his experience there as life-changing. “Coming to St. Johnsbury Academy changed the course of my life in ways I never could have imagined,” said Rudy. “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 way of giving something meaningful back. Now, as parents, it’s even more special knowing our children will grow up connected to this same community.”
For Emily, the connection to the club runs even deeper. She and her brother, Alex ’00, 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, he continues to contribute locally, maintaining the St. Johnsbury Academy fields. “To see the club return to people who truly care about it means everything,” said Todd. “This place has always been about more than golf. It’s about pride in the work, pride in the community, and creating something lasting for future generations.”
“This is more than a business investment, it’s personal,” Emily added. “We all have connections to this place that go far beyond golf. What excites me most is restoring that sense of belonging and making sure this is a place where people feel it truly belongs to them.”
That sentiment is shared across the ownership group. Kattie Sanborn Cahoon ’93 and her husband, Pat ’97, both alumni and past and current Academy parents, see the purchase as both preservation and promise. “This isn’t just any country club,” said Kattie. “It’s where many of us learned the game, spent time with family, and built friendships. We see this as something we’re helping to protect for generations to come.”
Other partners include longtime business owner Dan Lussier; Larry Kelly, a former club golf professional; and alumnus Brian Harbaugh ’93. Now living in Florida and working in the golf industry, Brian welcomed the opportunity to stay connected to his hometown. “No matter where life takes you, St. Johnsbury always feels like home,” he said. “This club is part of that identity. Being part of bringing it back to local ownership is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
An important piece of the club’s landscape reflects that same spirit of local partnership. Weidmann Electrical Technology owns the land on which holes 10, 11, and 12 are situated, making the company a longstanding stakeholder in the property. “Weidmann has deep roots in this community, and this property has always been part of that connection,” said Rob Begin ’87, Director of Sales – Power and Distribution. “Seeing the country club return to local ownership with people who understand its history, its value, and its role in the community is incredibly meaningful to us. We’re excited to see it thrive in a way that reflects the spirit of St. Johnsbury.”
That shared commitment is shaping a vision for the club’s future and one that is centered on accessibility, community engagement, and renewed partnerships.
A key priority is reestablishing the club as the home course for the Academy’s golf teams. “Welcoming the Academy teams back is one of the things we’re most excited about,” said Emily. “This should be a place where student-athletes grow, compete, and create lasting memories.”
Beyond athletics, the group is focused on restoring the club as a vibrant community gathering place, with plans for events such as homecoming celebrations, alumni gatherings, and local functions. “There’s a real opportunity to make this a place where everyone feels welcome,” said Pat. “We want to bring back the energy, the events, the traditions, and that sense that this is where the community comes together.”
Youth engagement will also play a central role. Expanded junior golf programs aim to introduce the next generation to the game while fostering connection and belonging. “Investing in young people is investing in the future of the club,” said Rudy. “If we can create opportunities for kids to learn, build friendships, and feel at home here, we’re setting this place up to thrive for years to come.”
At the same time, longtime traditions like tournaments, men’s and women’s leagues, and specialty golf scrambles will be revitalized, blending the club’s history with a renewed sense of energy and inclusivity.
As the new owners look ahead, their approach is rooted not only in restoring what once was, but in building something that reflects the evolving needs of the community while honoring its past. “This is about more than reopening a golf course,” said Emily. “It’s about restoring a sense of place. When a community comes together to invest in something it believes in, it creates something lasting and that’s exactly what we hope to do here.”
