Long before the first tee time of the morning, Quechee Club’s Agronomy Team is already hard at work prepping Highland and Lakeland — two of Vermont’s top-ranked courses — for the day ahead. No two days look the same, but one thing never changes: the crew’s commitment to excellent course conditions. From daily maintenance to whatever New England’s weather throws their way, they work from sunup to sundown, shaping the Quechee Club golf experience from the ground up.

Brett Bailey, Quechee Club’s Golf Course Superintendent

A Team That Grows, Together

For Brett Bailey, Quechee Club’s Golf Course Superintendent, great course conditions start with a great crew. With decades at the Club and ten years leading both Highland and Lakeland, Brett is all-in on developing the team behind the on-course experience.

It’s a hands-on culture where people learn the craft, take on responsibility and grow their careers. He calls his crew “SITs,” decoded as “Superstars in Training,” and many go on to build careers across the golf industry. “Our staff has two assistant superintendents on each course, many of whom have degrees in golf course-related majors or business,” explained Bailey, who earned his Plant and and Soil Science degree from the University of Massachusetts. “Our goal is to help move the assistants on to their own golf courses in superintendent roles. I am proud to say that between interns and assistants, we have sent many people out into the industry over the years.”

And when it comes to who keeps everything functioning in Brett’s world of moving parts, he points to the Equipment Maintenance Team. “They are our unsung heroes,” he said. “Due to the size of our operation and the multiple seasons we support, our equipment staff work behind the scenes on everything we do, as well as supporting equipment needs club-wide.”

June 2026 microburst course cleanup

Rain, Shine, or Microburst!

No matter the season, adaptability comes with the job. Spring and fall bring the heaviest demands, while summer shifts toward more daily care and conditioning across both courses. But the natural elements always have the final word.

“Our biggest challenge is Mother Nature,” Bailey said. “You can have the best plan in place, then get to work in the morning and have to audible just to keep up with the weather.”

That reality shows up in moments like this summer’s microburst, which brought down more than 30 trees across the property in mid-June. In Bailey’s words, “it’s a herculean effort,” as his crew quickly pulled together a plan and worked to bring Quechee Club’s courses back to playable conditions. Reflecting on the many storms he’s weathered alongside Property Manager Ken Lallier, Bailey joked, “Ken and I have been through so many natural disasters together, I would say we are the ‘Kings of Chaos.’”

Quechee Club’s Highland Course, ranked Best in the State by Golf Digest

Keeping Quechee Growing

When asked what he’s most proud of, Brett doesn’t hesitate to brag about his crew. “I cannot tell you how fortunate I have been to work with a multitude of superstars over the years,” he said. “I’m proud of them all.” The Quechee Club Agronomy Team is about so much more than course maintenance. It’s mentorship, career development, and teamwork at its finest. And while pristine course conditions may be what stands out first, it’s the people behind them that truly define the Quechee Club experience, on and off the golf course.