Mountain golf is a distinctive experience, characterized by verdant forests, dramatic elevation changes, and magnificent vistas. This unique setting is just one of the many reasons why the best golf courses in Vermont are just that – the best. The state’s courses are more than just places to play; they’re havens where history, design, and natural beauty converge.
From historic clubs that have stood the test of time, preserving the essence of early American golf, to modern layouts crafted by world-renowned architects who understand the delicate balance between challenge and beauty, Vermont’s golf courses are destinations unto themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking new challenges or a casual player looking for a serene escape, these courses offer something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the best golf courses in Vermont and discover what makes each one a must-visit destination.
Best Golf Courses in Vermont
1. Ekwanok Country Club
Manchester
Nestled in a picturesque valley beneath Equinox Mountain in Southern Vermont, Ekwanok Country Club is celebrated for its stunning setting, immaculate condition, and timeless charm. Ekwanok, opened in 1900, holds the distinction of being the first 18-hole golf course in the United States to rival the famous courses in the United Kingdom. Designed by Walter J. Travis and John Duncan Dunn, this course features strategic bunkering, contoured greens, and a clever layout where no two holes run in the same direction. It’s the only club in Vermont to have hosted a United States Golf Association tournament, thanks to its excellent design.
2. Country Club of Vermont
Waterbury Center
Named one of golf’s hidden gems by Links Magazine, the Country Club of Vermont offers an exclusive and refined golfing experience with limited outside play. The course features quintessential Vermont views, with the front nine boasting wide, open fairways and stunning Green Mountain vistas, while the back nine offers narrow, tree-lined fairways for a more challenging play. Spanning over 200 acres with no residential construction, it feels like a private tour through the breathtaking Vermont countryside.
3. Dorset Field Club
Dorset
The Dorset Field Club, founded in 1886, proudly claims to be the oldest continuously operated golf club in the United States. While a few other courses might contest this title, Dorset’s rich history speaks for itself. In fact, it’s one of the twenty-five oldest courses in the world. Originally a nine-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1999 by Vermont designer Steve Durkee. Despite its modest yardage of 6,240 yards, Dorset offers a substantial challenge with tight landing areas, tall fescue grasses, and quick, undulating greens.
4. Rutland Country Club
Rutland
Rutland Country Club has been one of the best golf courses in Vermont for more than 115 years. It’s renowned throughout the state for its small, quick, and true greens that challenge golfers despite the course’s modest 6,185-yard length. It was originally a nine-hole course on farmland but was expanded to 18 holes in 1927 by Stiles and Van Kleek. With its many hillsides, elevated greens, and striking mountain views, it’s an especially impressive spot during the foliage season.
5. The Quechee Club: Highland Course
Quechee
Ready for one of the finest golf experiences in the Northeast? You’ll experience all that and more at the Quechee Club. The club boasts two championship 18-hole courses designed by Geoffrey Cornish and later restored in 2012 by renowned architect Brian Silva. Of the two, the Highland Course stands out. Built along a mountainside, it offers stunning panoramas of Quechee’s natural beauty. Its 6,840 yards feature significant elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and demanding par 3s, requiring strategic play and precise shots. It’s consistently top-ranked by Golf Digest and Golf Week as one of the best golf courses in Vermont, too.
6. Stowe Country Club
Stowe
Nestled in the postcard-worthy town of Stowe, Stowe Country Club offers a delightful golfing experience with a rich history. Once a turn-of-the-century dairy farm, it has evolved into a spectacular course showcasing a classic New England layout with tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and immaculate greens. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Mansfield, the course also provides 360-degree views of the mountains. As the seasons change, so does the allure of the course. From vibrant spring blooms to lush summer greens and the fiery hues of autumn leaves, each visit promises new and breathtaking scenery.
7. The Golf Club at Basin Harbor
Vergennes
The Golf Club at Basin Harbor, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, provides a truly rare and enchanting golfing experience in the heart of the Champlain Valley. As you navigate fairways that meander through forests, wetlands, and open meadows, you’ll face contoured fairways, strategic bunkers, fast greens, and, of course, incredible views.
8. Green Mountain National Golf Club
Killington
Green Mountain National Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Vermont. But, what sets it apart from the rest? Nestled in the state’s majestic Green Mountains, the course offers a unique and challenging design that caters to all skill levels. Despite its mountainous location, the gently sloping fairways with generous landing areas, elevation changes, and undulating greens provide a delightful and manageable experience. As you play, take in the natural beauty of centuries-old rock formations carved by glaciers, and don’t miss the beautiful panoramic views from the 16th tee.
9. Jay Peak Golf Club
Jay
They like to say that “down to earth” isn’t just about the friendly, casual atmosphere at Jay Peak Golf Club – it’s about the connection to the land. The course’s awe-inspiring terrain, natural waterways, and manicured greens blend seamlessly with the dense Northern Vermont woods and its wildlife. The thoughtful design by Graham Cooke ensures that every detail contributes to an exceptional golfing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Golf Courses in Vermont
How do I ship golf clubs to the best golf courses in Vermont?
Simply pack up your golf clubs, attach your provided shipping label, and Ship Sticks will collect your clubs from your home, business, resort, or golf course. Arrive at your destination to find your golf clubs waiting! Ship Sticks will ship your golf clubs back home at the end of your golf trip to Vermont, too.
When is the golf season in Vermont?
The golf season in Vermont typically runs from late April to late October, depending on weather conditions. Peak season at the best golf courses in Vermont is usually during the summer months from June to August.
