Golf, as far as we know, originated on the eastern coast of Scotland sometime during the 15th century with players who would, evidently, hit a pebble around a natural course of sand dunes and animal tracks using a stick or a primitive club. And, with the first European settlements -around 1724 – came many of its traditions. The Dorset Field Club , established in 1886, is the oldest continuously operating golf course in the United States, and the oldest in Vermont by far. But old or new the Green Mountain State has got some great golf. So, if you are inclinded to hit the links in the Stratton Vermont area, check out these killer golf courses.
#1. Stratton Mtn Golf Course Stratton Mtn, VT
AVG. Price: $105/round
With over 600 acres, including terrain parks, convenient lodging, eateries, sports center, and spa, Stratton Mountain Resort also managed to squeeze in a 27-hole public golf course. Designed by renowned architect, Geoffrey Cornish, the course offers three set of nine holes, divided into Forest, Lake, and Mountain.
#2. Golf Club @ Equinox, Union St, Manchester, VT
AVG Price: $100/round
The Golf Club at Equinox is an 18-hole public golf course and has been ranked 10th on New England Golf Journal’s list of the “100 Best Public Golf Courses in New England.” Built by Walter Travis (US Amatuer Champion), the course was recently listed as one of the “Top 75 courses in the U.S.” by Golf Digest.
#3. Brattleboro Country Club, 348 Upper Dummerston Rd, Brattleboro, VT
AVG. Price: $45
Brattleboro Country Club offers an inviting yet challenging public 18-hole course, a full driving range, practice area, and instructional range. Established in 1914 and designed by Steve Durkee, Vermont Business Magazine recently named it 2017 Best of Business Award winner for Windham/Windsor Counties.
#4. Dorset Field Club, 132 Church St, Dorset, VT
AVG. Price: N/A
The Dorset Field Club is the oldest continuously operating golf course in the United States, established in 1886. It offers an 18-hole private golf course, and you must be a member or a guest to play.
#5. The Manchester Country Club
229 Beech Street, Manchester Center, VT
AVG. Price: $2,275 (50% Off 1st Time Membership)*
Manchester Country Club is a private 18-hole golf course that is fair but challenging, and the facilities now offer two new clay tennis courts. Established in 1970, the course was designed by Geoffrey Cornish.
#6. Mount Anthony Country Club
180 Country Club Drive, Bennington, VT
AVG. Price: $65/round
Established in 1897, Mt. Anthony Country Club is an 18-hole public public course. Under the ownership of David Griffin and Maru León-Griffin, the once haggard course has been restored and updated to include an onsite restaurant.
#7. The Hermitage Golf Club
70 Spyglass Drive, Wilmington, VT
AVG. Price: $45/round
The Hermitage Golf Club was was designed by architect Desmond Muirhead in 1972, it and features an 18-hole public course. Weekends and holidays are reserved for Hermitage Club members and guests, though.
#8. The Mount Snow Golf Course
39 Mt Snow Rd, West Dover, Vermont
AVG. Price: $70/round
The Mount Snow Golf Course has been listed as one of the Top Five in Vermont by Golf Digest. Designed by renowned course architect, Geoffrey Cornish, the 18-hole public course has also made the Top 10 in the US list by SKI Magazine.
#9. Tater Hill Golf Club
6802 Popple Dungeon Rd, Chester, VT
AVG. Price: $55
Tater Hill Golf Club offers an 18-hole public course designed by Jordon & Associates and opened in 1967. The clubhouse offers New England charm and a fully stocked Pro Shop.
#10. Stamford Valley Golf Club
194 The Lane, Stamford, Vermont
AVG. Price: $16/round
It is a bit out of the way, but this small, 9-hole public course has been around since 1964. The course was designed by Leroy Lawrence, former Speaker of the Vermont House, and it has been family owned and operated ever since.