Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. With rolling hills, lush forests, and serene lakes, the state offers a perfect backdrop for some of the finest golf courses in New England.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Vermont’s courses provide a unique blend of challenge and beauty. From the historic fairways of Dorset Field Club to the stunning vistas at Green Mountain National, each course has its own distinct character.
Golfers can enjoy meticulously maintained greens, challenging layouts, and breathtaking scenery that make for an unforgettable experience.
Dive into our list of the 10 best golf courses in Vermont and discover why this state is a must-visit destination for golf lovers.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or an autumn retreat, these top-notch courses promise unmatched views and exceptional play.
10 Best Golf Courses in Vermont
Vermont’s stunning landscapes and charming towns create a perfect setting for golf. Explore the top 10 courses, offering breathtaking views and diverse challenges for players of all skill levels.
1. Ekwanok Country Club
Ekwanok Country Club, situated in a scenic valley under Equinox Mountain in Southern Vermont, is renowned for its beautiful setting and enduring charm. Opened in 1900, it was the first U.S. 18-hole golf course to rival those in the UK.
Designed by Walter J. Travis and John Duncan Dunn, the course features strategic bunkering, contoured greens, and a unique layout with no two holes running in the same direction, offering variety and challenge.
Its immaculate condition and historical importance add to its appeal. Ekwanok is also the only club in Vermont to have hosted a United States Golf Association tournament, praised for its natural beauty and well-maintained greens.
2. Country Club of Vermont
Named one of golf’s hidden gems by Links Magazine, the Country Club of Vermont offers an exclusive, refined golfing experience with limited outside play. Spanning over 200 acres, the course feels like a private tour through breathtaking Vermont countryside.
The front nine features wide, open fairways with stunning Green Mountain vistas, while the back nine presents narrow, tree-lined fairways for a more challenging play.
This balance makes it perfect for golfers of varying skill levels. With no residential construction on the property, players can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility. The club’s commitment to excellence.
3. Dorset Field Club
Dorset Field Club, founded in 1886, proudly stands as the oldest continuously operated golf club in the United States. Its rich history positions it among the world’s 25 oldest courses.
Originally a nine-hole course, it expanded to 18 holes in 1999, thanks to Vermont designer Steve Durkee. Despite its modest yardage of 6,240 yards, Dorset challenges golfers with tight landing areas, tall fescue grasses, and quick, undulating greens.
This combination offers a substantial test of skill, attracting those who appreciate both history and a demanding game. For any golf enthusiast visiting Vermont, Dorset Field Club remains a must-play destination.
4. Rutland Country Club
Rutland Country Club stands as one of the best golf courses in Vermont, boasting a rich history of over 115 years. Known for its small, quick, and true greens, it challenges golfers despite its modest 6,185-yard length.
Originally a nine-hole course on farmland, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1927 by Stiles and Van Kleek. Golfers find the many hillsides, elevated greens, and striking mountain views especially impressive, particularly during the foliage season.
Rutland’s layout demands precise play and offers a stunning backdrop, making it a standout destination for both local and visiting golfers.
5. The Quechee Club: Highland Course
The Quechee Club offers an outstanding golf experience with two championship 18-hole courses originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish and restored by Brian Silva in 2012.
The Highland Course, built along a mountainside, features stunning views, significant elevation changes, and tree-lined fairways, earning top rankings in Vermont by Golf Digest and Golf Week.
The Lakeland Course provides a contrasting layout with wide fairways and serene water features through the Quechee Valley, demanding accuracy and thoughtful club selection.
Both courses make The Quechee Club a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and well-designed holes.
6. Stowe Country Club
Nestled in the postcard-worthy town of Stowe, Stowe Country Club offers a delightful golfing experience with a rich history.
Situated on what was once a turn-of-the-century dairy farm, this course showcases a classic New England layout featuring tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and immaculate greens.
The stunning backdrop of Mount Mansfield provides 360-degree mountain views, adding to the course’s charm. As the seasons change, the scenery transforms, offering a fresh experience each time.
Spring’s vibrant blooms, summer’s lush greens, and autumn’s fiery hues make every visit unique. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Stowe Country Club promises a picturesque and engaging golfing adventure.
7. The Golf Club at Basin Harbor
The Golf Club at Basin Harbor, located on Lake Champlain’s shores, offers a unique golfing experience. Set in the heart of the Champlain Valley, the course features contoured fairways that wind through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
Golfers will encounter strategic bunkers, fast greens, and breathtaking views throughout the course. Basin Harbor’s design challenges players of all skill levels while providing an enchanting atmosphere.
The backdrop of Lake Champlain adds to the charm, making each round memorable. Whether a seasoned golfer or a beginner, The Golf Club at Basin Harbor provides an exceptional golfing adventure in Vermont.
8. Green Mountain National Golf Club
Green Mountain National Golf Club stands out as one of Vermont’s top golf courses due to its unique design and picturesque setting in the Green Mountains.
The course features gently sloping fairways that provide generous landing areas, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Elevation changes and undulating greens add a layer of challenge and excitement.
Players can marvel at centuries-old rock formations carved by glaciers, adding to the course’s natural charm. A notable highlight is the panoramic view from the 16th tee, which offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
The combination of challenging play and scenic beauty ensures an unforgettable golfing experience.
9. Jay Peak Golf Club
Jay Peak Golf Club in Northern Vermont, designed by Graham Cooke, offers a picturesque golfing experience with natural waterways, dense woods, and well-maintained greens that blend seamlessly with the landscape.
It provides a down-to-earth atmosphere and frequent wildlife sightings, appealing to nature-loving golfers.
Burlington Country Club, established in 1924, features a challenging yet enjoyable classic course with strategic play elements and meticulously maintained fairways and greens.
Its rich history and commitment to excellence make it a favorite among seasoned golfers seeking a blend of tradition and top-notch golfing.
Another standout is Green Mountain National Golf Course, lauded for its exceptional layout and scenic mountain views.
10. Killington Golf Course
Killington Golf Course, located in Killington Resort, Vermont, offers stunning mountain views and spans 6,168 yards at an elevation of 2,000 feet. Designed by Geoffrey Cornish, it features challenging fairways, strategic water hazards, and well-maintained greens.
The course includes amenities like a pro shop, practice facilities, and on-site dining. Golfers particularly admire the scenic 12th hole with its dramatic downhill slope.
Reviews praise the course’s beauty and upkeep, with many noting the $67 green fee as a good value. Overall, Killington Golf Course is highly recommended for visitors to Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Vermont a great destination for golf enthusiasts?
Vermont combines challenging play with breathtaking scenery, featuring courses designed by renowned architects who skillfully incorporate natural elements. Golfers of all skill levels appreciate the well-maintained greens, varied layouts, and stunning views.
What is unique about Killington Golf Course?
Killington Golf Course offers stunning mountain views and a challenging layout designed by Geoffrey Cornish. Located in Killington Resort, it is known for its scenic beauty and well-kept conditions, considered a good value at a $67 green fee.
Who designed the courses mentioned in the article?
The courses highlighted, including Killington Golf Course, were designed by renowned architects like Geoffrey Cornish, who skillfully incorporate the natural landscape into their designs.
How affordable are the green fees at these Vermont golf courses?
While green fees can vary, the article mentions that the $67 fee at Killington Golf Course is considered a good value due to the course’s scenic beauty and well-maintained conditions.
Are these Vermont golf courses suitable for beginner golfers?
Yes, Vermont’s golf courses cater to both novice and seasoned golfers, offering varied layouts and well-maintained greens that accommodate all skill levels.
Conclusion
Vermont’s golf courses offer an exceptional blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery. Each course, from Green Mountain National Golf Club to Killington Golf Course, contributes to the state’s reputation as a top golf destination.
The courses are designed by renowned architects who skillfully incorporate natural elements, providing a unique golfing experience.
With well-maintained greens, varied layouts, and stunning views, Vermont’s golf courses cater to both novice and seasoned golfers, making it an ideal location for anyone passionate about the game.
Consider planning your next golfing adventure in Vermont to experience these top-rated courses firsthand. Whether you’re seeking a casual round with friends or aiming to test your skills on more demanding fairways, Vermont has something for every golfer.
For a comprehensive list of the best courses to play, don’t miss our detailed guide to Vermont’s top golfing destinations.
Colin McCarthy