In the fall, J. Peter Martin stepped down from his long-tenured position as the resort’s golf pro. On Jan. 27, Whiteface Companies CEO Mark Sperling announced that Perry Babcock, an assistant professional under Martin, would be his successor.

“Having been the PGA professional at the Whiteface Club and Resort over four decades, I have so many fond memories,” Martin said in a statement. “Most importantly were the many friendships I developed with homeowners, members and staff at the club. It has been a very satisfying and rewarding career. I feel blessed.”

Babcock, a class A member of the PGA of America, grew up in a home opposite the 14th green and has been part of the resort since the age of 14. After spending time in food and beverage, his passion for the game of golf led him to Martin. He worked in the Whiteface Club pro shop for the past four years while completing his golf preparation in the fall of 2021 in the Professional Golf Management Program.

“It is an honor and a privilege to take over for such a well-respected PGA Professional like Peter,” Babcock said. “I look forward to helping the community of Lake Placid grow the game of golf and maintain the Whiteface Club as a world-class golf destination.”

Opposite those recent years with Martin, Babcock spent the winter months at the Golf Learning Center at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. Babcock attended Northwood School in Lake Placid where he played hockey among other sports. Upon graduation, he received a B.S. degree in Tourism and Resort Management from the University of Maine in 2017.