Vermont recs

[kpm0915]

Any recommendations for public tracks in vermont? 

[SLUGCC2002]

Equinox in Manchester is a Walter Travis and worth a visit. It's not to be confused with the nearby Ekwanok Country Club, which is FANTASTIC but private.

[TBD203]

Stratton is pretty fun, they have 27 holes. Mountain, Lake, Forest courses which all play a bit differently. Vermont National in South Burlington is fun as well, but may need a pro to call to get you a round... not entirely sure. If you're driving up from Connecticut you can stop at Crumpin Fox in Bernardston MA as well, last exit before Vermont. I really like it, but I have heard this year and last year the conditions are not superb as they've been in the past. I imagine that is a ton of public play. They also have golf boards if that's your thing.

[Togatown22]

Above are good recommendations - depends on what part of the state you are going to be in.  Check out Green Mountain National in Killington is an outstanding public track option if you're near that area. 

[kfree1966]

The other course that is fun and usually in good condition (have not been there this year yet) is Okemo golf in Ludlow. Worth a look. 

[Imp]

On 6/23/2022 at 8:53 AM, TBD203 said:

Stratton is pretty fun, they have 27 holes. Mountain, Lake, Forest courses which all play a bit differently. Vermont National in South Burlington is fun as well, but may need a pro to call to get you a round... not entirely sure. If you're driving up from Connecticut you can stop at Crumpin Fox in Bernardston MA as well, last exit before Vermont. I really like it, but I have heard this year and last year the conditions are not superb as they've been in the past. I imagine that is a ton of public play. They also have golf boards if that's your thing.

Played Crumpin last Friday. It's in much better condition than last year. 🙂

[Imp]

Any recommendations for North Vt near the Canukistan border? 

[TBD203]

14 minutes ago, Imp said:

Played Crumpin last Friday. It's in much better condition than last year. 🙂

That's great to hear, we usually go up once a summer. I guess we'll have to give it another shot. Is it still owned by Sandri?

[alain3288]

You may want to cross the caukistan border ( you made me laugh ) and play Olw’s Head in Mansonville but take care , who knows what can happen in that weird country 

[bostonbrahmin]

Rutland. Private but you can book public a day in advance. One of the best spots in Vermont IMO

[Judge Smails]

I'm in Burlington.

 

Here are my two cents from North to South on public golf in VT.  Lucky to be a member at a private club because the options are good, but not great.  For what it is worth, when my club closes for the winter and there is still fall golf to be played, I drive to CC of Barre or down to Neshobe.  

 

Jay Peak - never played it, but it is routinely rated highly.

 

In Burlington "metro" area - In my opinion nothing in the area is great.  If would pick Rocky Ridge over any of the other courses.  Good vibe there and well conditioned.  Not the best layout, but they keep it in really nice shape.  Williston has some very very nice holes and is good shape.  It also as some horrible holes.  If you only have time for 9, the front 9 is enjoyable.  The back 9 might be my least favorite 9 holes in golf, no joke.  Kwini isn't too bad in Shelburne.

 

Country Club of Barre - You wouldn't think a hidden gem would exist in this run-down old town.  However, this is a great track.  In classic Vermont style you have to drive up a hill on a gravel road to get there! Classic front 9, great layout.  Could be in better condition.  This 9 has a true old school, Raynor style feel.  New back 9 is great and usually better conditioned.  I think the old front 9 at Barre would be one of the best 9s in Northern New England with unlimited resources and up-keep.

 

Green Mountain National - Very nice public track in nice condition.  A bit "resorty" and narrow.  Kind of a classic mountain course.

 

Okemo - Has a new name, which I forget as I am writing this.  Similar comments to above but I prefer it to Green Mountain National.

 

Neshobe - In Brandon, Vermont.  This is the track everyone who lives in Vermont plays.  It's off the beaten path, has a very modest clubhouse, and some of the original holes you see when you pull into the parking lot look very ho-hum.  Then you go up to the 3rd hole and you discover what is maybe the best public track in VT.  3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are all "new" holes up the hill from the clubhouse and are wonderful.  

 

When you get down to Manchester and south I don't have much to offer.  Equinox isn't worth it in my opinion.  If in Manchester do yourself a favor and drive to Neshobe.   Rutland should also be considered if you can figure out the public/private thing.

[Chanceman]

I know nothing about Vermont at all but I have heard about a place called St Johnsbury which supposedly has a nice golf course. It might be too far away though.

[Arsilon2]

On 7/1/2022 at 8:47 AM, TBD203 said:

That's great to hear, we usually go up once a summer. I guess we'll have to give it another shot. Is it still owned by Sandri?

 

Yes it is.