The Best Golf Courses in Vermont

Vermont's rolling hills, lush valleys, and stunning mountain backdrops create the perfect canvas for exceptional golf experiences. The Green Mountain State offers diverse courses for players of all skill levels, from championship layouts to scenic hidden gems. Our comprehensive guide highlights Vermont's finest fairways, providing you with all the details you need to plan your next golfing adventure in this picturesque New England state.

Golfing in Vermont: A Scenic Experience

Vermont offers a unique golfing experience characterized by dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditions, and breathtaking scenery. With approximately 70 courses scattered throughout the state, golfers can enjoy everything from challenging mountain layouts to picturesque valley courses.

The golf season in Vermont typically runs from May through October, with late summer and early fall offering particularly spectacular playing conditions. Fall golf in Vermont provides an unparalleled visual experience as the surrounding foliage transforms into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.

Many Vermont courses were designed by renowned architects including Walter Travis, Geoffrey Cornish, and Donald Ross, ensuring quality layouts that challenge and delight players of all abilities. Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to incorporate a round into your Vermont vacation, these top courses deliver exceptional experiences.

The Country Club of Vermont

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains near Waterbury, The Country Club of Vermont offers a championship golf experience on a Geoffrey Cornish-designed course. This private club (with limited public access) features meticulously maintained fairways, challenging green complexes, and some of the most spectacular mountain views in New England.

The layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with dramatic elevation changes that provide both challenge and visual interest. Water comes into play on several holes, and strategic bunkering requires thoughtful shot placement. The course stretches to 6,800 yards from the back tees, offering an appropriate test for skilled players while remaining enjoyable for average golfers from the forward tees.

The Country Club of Vermont is known for its exceptional course conditions and attentive service. The practice facilities include a full driving range, short game area, and putting green. After your round, the clubhouse offers dining options with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Ekwanok Country Club

Founded in 1899, Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester stands as one of Vermont's most historic and prestigious golf destinations. This Walter Travis masterpiece, later updated by Rees Jones, offers a classic golf experience that has stood the test of time. The course has hosted numerous championships and counts U.S. Presidents among its past players.

Ekwanok's traditional layout features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and subtle green complexes that reward precision over power. The course plays to just over 6,500 yards from the championship tees, but the challenge lies in positioning rather than length. Natural streams and elevation changes add both strategic elements and visual appeal throughout the round.

While Ekwanok remains primarily private, limited guest access is available through member sponsorship. The classic New England clubhouse, with its understated elegance, provides the perfect setting to reflect on your round while enjoying the club's renowned hospitality and dining.

The Quechee Club

The Quechee Club offers golfers two distinct championship courses – Highland and Lakeland – both designed by Geoffrey Cornish with updates to the Lakeland Course by Brian Silva. Located along the scenic Ottauquechee River, these courses provide varied playing experiences that showcase Vermont's natural beauty.

The Highland Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views of the Quechee Gorge. This layout demands strategic thinking, with risk-reward opportunities throughout. The signature 13th hole features a breathtaking tee shot over a corner of the gorge, creating one of Vermont's most memorable golf moments.

The Lakeland Course offers a more traditional experience with gentle rolling terrain and water features on several holes. This course places a premium on accuracy, with well-placed hazards and subtly contoured greens. Both courses maintain excellent conditions throughout the season and offer comprehensive practice facilities.

While The Quechee Club is primarily a private facility, stay-and-play packages are available through the club's accommodations, making this an excellent destination for a golf getaway in Vermont's picturesque Upper Valley region.

Green Mountain National Golf Course

As Vermont's only municipal course designed by a world-class architect, Green Mountain National in Killington offers an exceptional public golf experience. Designed by Gene Bates, this mountain course features dramatic elevation changes, pristine playing conditions, and some of the most spectacular views in Vermont golf.

The layout takes full advantage of its mountain setting, with holes that wind through forests, across meadows, and along ridgelines. Significant elevation changes create both challenging shots and breathtaking vistas. The course plays to 6,589 yards from the championship tees with multiple tee options to accommodate all skill levels.

Green Mountain National is consistently ranked among Vermont's best public courses, offering country club conditions at municipal rates. The practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, and chipping area. The clubhouse features a well-stocked pro shop and a restaurant with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The course's location near Killington Resort makes it an ideal addition to a summer or fall vacation in Vermont's central mountains, where hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives complement your golf experience.

The Golf Club at Equinox

Located at the historic Equinox Resort in Manchester, The Golf Club at Equinox combines rich history with spectacular mountain scenery. Originally designed by Walter Travis in 1927 and later renovated by Rees Jones, this course offers a classic New England golf experience at the base of Mount Equinox.

The traditional parkland layout features narrow fairways lined with mature trees, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging green complexes. While not exceptionally long at 6,423 yards from the back tees, the course demands accuracy and course management. The putting surfaces are known for their subtle breaks and true roll.

As part of the luxurious Equinox Resort, the golf club offers excellent amenities including a well-appointed clubhouse, full practice facilities, and the popular Dormy Grill for post-round dining. The course is open to resort guests and through limited public tee times, making it accessible for visitors to Manchester's popular shopping and cultural attractions.

Fall golf at Equinox is particularly spectacular, with the surrounding mountains displaying Vermont's famous foliage colors, creating a memorable backdrop for your round.

Stratton Mountain Golf Course

Stratton Mountain Resort offers 27 holes of championship golf designed by Geoffrey Cornish, with each 9-hole layout providing a distinct playing experience. The Mountain, Lake, and Forest courses can be combined in various 18-hole configurations, giving golfers plenty of variety during a multi-day stay.

The Mountain Course features dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views of the surrounding Green Mountains. The Lake Course incorporates several water features and more open fairways. The Forest Course winds through mature woodlands with strategic doglegs and well-protected greens. All three nines maintain excellent conditions and offer fair challenges for various skill levels.

As part of Stratton Mountain Resort, the golf facilities include comprehensive practice areas, professional instruction, and multiple dining options. The resort setting makes this an ideal destination for golf packages, with on-site accommodations and additional recreational activities available throughout the summer and fall seasons.

The elevation at Stratton Mountain creates a cooler playing environment during summer months, and the fall foliage season offers some of the most spectacular golf scenery in New England.

The Woodstock Country Club

Founded in 1895, The Woodstock Country Club stands as one of Vermont's oldest and most distinguished golf destinations. The current 18-hole layout, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later refined by his son Rees Jones, offers a classic New England golf experience in the charming village of Woodstock.

The course winds through the Kedron Valley with Mount Peg providing a scenic backdrop. The layout features gently rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and challenging green complexes. Natural streams cross several fairways, adding both beauty and challenge to your round. At 6,000 yards from the back tees, the course emphasizes accuracy and course management over raw power.

As part of the historic Woodstock Inn & Resort, the country club offers excellent amenities including a classic clubhouse, full practice facilities, and professional instruction. The course is accessible to resort guests and through limited public tee times, making it an ideal addition to a stay in one of Vermont's most picturesque villages.

The combination of historic charm, excellent conditioning, and the walkable nature of the course creates a timeless golf experience that captures the essence of Vermont golf.

Neshobe Golf Club

Neshobe Golf Club in Brandon represents one of Vermont's best golf values, combining excellent course conditions, beautiful scenery, and affordable rates. This semi-private club consistently receives high ratings from players for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.

The 18-hole layout features a diverse mix of holes that wind through open meadows and wooded areas with several water features coming into play. The front nine offers a more open, links-style experience, while the back nine incorporates more elevation changes and tree-lined fairways. At 6,301 yards from the championship tees, the course provides an enjoyable challenge for players of all abilities.

Neshobe's excellent practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, and short game area. The clubhouse features a well-stocked pro shop and a popular restaurant with panoramic views of the course and surrounding countryside. The club maintains a welcoming atmosphere for both members and public players.

Located in central Vermont's Champlain Valley, Neshobe offers spectacular mountain views and is particularly beautiful during fall foliage season. The combination of quality, scenery, and value makes this a must-play for golfers visiting the region.

Jay Peak Resort Golf Club

Located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom near the Canadian border, Jay Peak Resort Golf Club offers one of the state's most dramatic mountain golf experiences. Designed by Graham Cooke, this championship course features stunning views of Jay Peak and the surrounding Green Mountains.

The layout takes full advantage of the mountainous terrain, with significant elevation changes creating both challenging shots and spectacular vistas. Natural streams, ponds, and wetlands come into play on several holes, adding strategic elements and visual interest. The course stretches to 6,908 yards from the championship tees, making it one of Vermont's longer layouts.

As part of Jay Peak Resort, the golf club offers excellent amenities including a full-service clubhouse, practice facilities, and professional instruction. The resort setting makes this an ideal destination for golf packages, with on-site accommodations, dining options, and additional recreational activities including the famous indoor water park.

The course's northern location provides comfortable playing temperatures during summer months when southern New England courses may experience more heat and humidity. The relatively short growing season means the course is typically in peak condition during July, August, and September.

Burlington Country Club

Founded in 1924, Burlington Country Club features a classic Donald Ross design that has stood the test of time. Located in Vermont's largest city, this private club (with limited public access through reciprocal agreements) offers a traditional New England golf experience with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

The layout showcases Ross's signature design elements including strategic bunkering, subtly contoured greens, and holes that reward thoughtful play. The course plays to 6,615 yards from the championship tees, with tree-lined fairways and natural elevation changes creating both challenge and character. The putting surfaces feature Ross's trademark undulations that demand careful reading and precise speed control.

Burlington Country Club maintains excellent conditions throughout the season and offers comprehensive practice facilities including a driving range, short game area, and putting green. The classic clubhouse provides dining options with views of the course and distant mountains.

The club's location near downtown Burlington makes it convenient to combine golf with exploring Vermont's vibrant largest city, known for its dining, shopping, and cultural attractions along the shores of Lake Champlain.

Planning Your Vermont Golf Experience

Vermont offers a diverse range of golf experiences, from historic private clubs to accessible public courses, all set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains' natural beauty. The state's relatively short golf season (typically May through October) means courses are generally in peak condition during the playing months.

For the ultimate Vermont golf experience, consider visiting during late August through early October when temperatures are comfortable and fall foliage creates spectacular scenery. Many courses offer reduced shoulder-season rates in May and October, providing excellent value for budget-conscious golfers.

Several Vermont golf destinations can be combined with other activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring charming New England villages. Resort courses like those at Equinox, Stratton, and Jay Peak offer comprehensive vacation packages that include accommodations and dining.

Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to incorporate a round or two into a broader Vermont vacation, the Green Mountain State's courses offer memorable experiences that showcase both challenging golf and breathtaking natural beauty.