Road TRip
Summer in Vermont Means Golf
V
ermont is a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option. Several of the state’s best courses are in Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf program. To take advantage of his offer, call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. You also get our digital magazine sent to you when you join. The Mount Snow Golf Course (www.MountSnow. com) in Dover is one of Green Mountain National Golf Club Vermont’s premier “mountain” courses and has been rated one of the top five layouts in Then there is the drivable par-four sixth, the state by Golf Digest magazine. The the classic risk-reward par-five seventh, and 18-hole, 6,943-yard (there are three other the long par-four 11th, where bogey doesn’t sets of tees) course has also been named one feel all the bad. of the top 10 resort courses in the country. A number of improvements to the The track meanders through the course and clubhouse have been made Vermont countryside and provides views of in recent years, including a fresh look in the Green Mountains, including the peaks the dining room, kitchen, and bar area, of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain. irrigation, tree work, cart paths, enhanced Tamaracks, oaks, birches and sugar maples gardens and more. The club also has a new line fairways, while the mountains provide fleet of golf carts. a majestic backdrop. The front nine is Green Mountain National Golf Club spread over scenic expanses and the back (www.gmngc.com) in Killington is in nine winds its way through wooded terrain. its second year under new management, Water comes into play on 11 holes and Brown Golf Management Company, which 41 sand traps are strategically located on is working tirelessly to enhance an already almost every hole. notable facility. Brattleboro Country Club Green Mountain features holes that (www.brattleborocountryclub.com) has have demanding tee and approach shots and been called “a hidden gem” and our read- places a premium on all-around ability. The ers simply must try out this classic New course was carved out of the mountains, England layout. and thus offers solitude and a “private” golf The course measures 6,533 from the experience. Gently sloping fairways that tips and is full of interesting, challenging feature generous landing areas, distinctive and fair holes. Take the par-five second for changes in elevation, and undulating greens instance. The hole heads up a hill, takes a add to the beauty. There are centuries-old right turn to a narrow strip of fairway only rock formations carved by glaciers, and the to head up another hill for the third shot. view from 16th tee is stunning. 18
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
The seventh hole is a downhill par-three that plays shorter than its 151 yards. With a ridge in the middle of the green, put your tee shot to the side of the ridge where the pin is located. There’s a bunker in the back of the green. The Killington Resort course (www.KillingtonGolf.com) features a layout that takes full advantage of unique mountain terrain. Streams, a 2,000-foot elevation, and stunning vistas create a visually sweet venue in which to enjoy the game. The routing features a pleasing mix of holes. There is water on a number of holes, and enough sand bunkers to keep your attention on tee shots and approaches to the modest-sized putting surfaces. The second hole is a 515-yard par-five that demands a long, straight drive to set up the second shot. The green is reachable in two shots by big hitters, but there is water that fronts the putting surface, so the wiser play is layup and wedge for the third shot. The 18th is a nice finishing hole, playing 321 yards. Be careful on your tee shot on the par-four, as water hugs the left side of the fairway.
