The Whiteface Club and Resort on Lake Placid was founded in 1898. Established in 1888 as the Whiteface Club and Resort, its first hotel was one of the oldest and most celebrated in the Adirondacks. Its setting is unequaled, with many guests comparing the extraordinary scenery to panoramas in Switzerland.

The golf course was originally nine holes located two miles from the hotel. At that time, guests wishing to play were transported by horse and carriage to the first tee. In 1915 another nine-hole course was built closer to the hotel and, in 1930, the course was expanded to 18 holes. The architect, John Van Kleek and his design consultant, Walter Hagen, created a finished product that had all the classical principles of design. Van Kleek, an innovative student of landscape architecture, incorporated some very imaginative and unusual touches, such as the shaping of the bunkers and greens in clover leaf design.

The Whiteface Club and Resort has hosted many state and regional tournaments over the years and is considered by many to be a true test of golf. After the 1980 Olympics, the last of the three hotels standing on the lakefront was leveled to make way for condominiums, and in 1995 the Whiteface Property was purchased by the Vermont Friesland Corporation headed by Peter S. Coffrin. Their plans include the development of an Adirondack Residential Resort reminiscent of the Great Adirondack Camps, as well as upgrading the golf course, tennis center and other amenities.

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written by: Peter Martin