19th Hole: Max Major, Rutland CC superintendent
Max Major
Superintendent // Rutland (VT.) CC
Max, what are you having?
A Miller Lite. I’m a cheap date.
Tell me about Rutland CC.
We’re an 18-hole semi-private golf club. I always refer to the course as “old school golf.” It originated in 1901, and it’s 6,300 yards. It’s a smaller property with a lot of unique green complexes and a lot of slope. We’re known for fast greens. It’s a Stiles and Van Kleek design; it’s got a lot of great sister courses in the area that are well known. It’s a beautiful golf course.
How did you get into the business?
I got into it from the playing side. I’ve played golf my entire life. I had a great college career playing, and then I ended up coaching at the University of Connecticut for a couple years. I did grow up on the grounds crew; that was my initial break-in. I grew up rolling greens starting at the age of 15. COVID kind of got me out of coaching; I moved back home and, four years later, I’m the superintendent at my home club.
What teams do you root for?
I’m from Vermont, so obviously I’m a Boston fan — Bruins, Pats and Sox. I’m a hockey player, so I’m a big Bruins fan.
What is your all-time golf highlight?
My personal highlight was probably shooting the course record in the State Am in 2020 at Stowe (Vt.) CC. I shot 12-under 60 with my brother on the bag. It was an insanely unique day. Everything was disappearing, it didn’t matter if it was five feet or 25 feet.
Does that record still stand?
It still does, and they just demolished the course, so that record will never be broken!
If I’m back in your area, what is something I’ve got to do? Remember, I’m not a skier.
There’s plenty to do here. We’re at the base of Killington Mountain. Vermont is getting more well known for its breweries. There’s a lot of craft beer here. There are brewery tours, hiking, fishing … the summers are beautiful; there are a lot of outdoor activities in Vermont.
Tell me about your family and what do you do for fun?
I’m getting married in September. Brittany is the general manager of the clubhouse at the same facility, so our lives are pretty crazy — we had to plan the wedding around the golf course schedule. And my family is all local. Sammy is my brother, we’re super close. We all go to Key West every February as a family. That’s our family trip; that’s what I enjoy the most.
As interviewed by Seth Jones, May 16, 2025.
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