KILLINGTON, Vermont – Two of the best things about living in New England is the availability of outstanding golf destinations and the ability to drive to each one. You can follow the rugged coast of Maine and explore golf courses that hug the sea. One of the most challenging is Kebo Valley that rests inside Acadia National Park and first opened for play in 1888. It was a challenging course for all including President Howard Taft who scored a 27 on the par four 17th hole. Was there ever a more determined golfer?
You can travel west and come to New Hampshire. The presidential mountain range is located in the beautiful White Mountains, with Mt. Washington towering to a height of 6,288 feet. In addition to the outstanding scenery, New Hampshire offers some top golfing destinations. Atkinson Resort in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Montcalm Golf Club in Enfield, and Mt Washingtonian Bretton Woods are all great tracks in the picturesque Granite state.
But for a golfing excursion that reflects all the best of New England plan a trip to Vermont.
Start in central Vermont and take Rt 4 west to Woodstock, Vermont. Stroll the village with its unique shops, and a covered bridge that leads you to walking trails by the river. And in the center of town is the charming Woodstock Inn and Resort. This historical hotel was built in the 19th century, and the rooms reflect the colonial history of the town. And directly in back of the inn is this magnificent course that was designed by Robert Trent Jones. A mountain surrounds the course and a river winds through 14 fairways daring you to shoot for the pin. Be sure to warm-up on the range and practice green to prepare for a challenging Robert Trent Jones course.
Continue west and tee it up at the Green Mountain golf course in Killington. Killington is known for its skiing, but when the snow melts you can tee it up at my favorite Vermont course: Green Mountain National. The fairways wrap around the mountains and the golfers will enjoy the deep forests with views that would enthrall any “Leaf Peeper.”
Green Mountain National has been voted the No. 1 public course in Vermont by Golf Digest and Golf Week. The fairways are guarded by a river that winds through the mountains. A series of elevated tees give you a view of the mountains and generous fairways that help you post a good score. An extensive practice range is available along with a big practice green. The last time I saw such spectacular views of the mountains was when I was skiing the nearby mountains.
Part of the enjoyment of golfing in Vermont is the drive through the towns and villages of this beautiful state. Golf is always great here, but of course in the Fall when the fairways are surrounded by trees showing their beautiful colors, well, it never gets better than that.
Other fine golf courses can be found in Springfield, Brattleboro and Manchester. Enjoy the trip and don’t forget to pick up some maple syrup before you leave.
https://www.woodstockinn.com/do/things-to-do/golf/the-course
https://greenmountainnationalgolf.com/
