Vermont golf courses are nationally acclaimed. The rolling terrain of Vermont’s valleys are ideal for course designers and the state’s natural beauty provides a perfect setting for Vermont golf courses.

There are more Vermont golf courses per capita than in any other state in the nation except Florida and another one seems to appear every year. Every region of the small state now has interesting, challenging, well-groomed courses and the best Vermont golf courses are as good as any in the world.

Manchester Vermont has several well renowned golf courses. Ekwanok Country Club, Gleneages Course at Equinox Resort, and Manchester Country Club are all rated among the best Vermont golf courses.

Opened in 1900, Ekwanok marked an architectural departure for American golf courses. Its lung fairways, sculpted greens, and innovative bunker placement — designed to challenge an accomplished golfer while still accommodating a weaker player — drew favorable comparison with some of the famous courses in Scotland. The 595-yard 7^th hole at Ekwanok is probably the most famous of any Vermont golf course. The unique design included a 60-foot hill that bisects the fairway from the 300 to the 370 yard mark. Ekwanok remains one of Vermont’s best golf courses; green fees begin at around $85.

In Burlington Vermont golf courses seem to springing up all over town. The Vermont National Country Club in South Burlington, Burlington Country Club, and the Links at Long Farm are the best-rated places for Burlington Vermont golf. Burlington Vermont golf has a long history. Waubanakee Country Club of Burlington was one of just seven charter members of the Vermont Golf Association when it formed in 1902.

Master golfer Jack Nicklaus designed the Vermont National course. Opened in 1998, the championship course has five sets of tees, giving the 18 holes a varied distance between 5,156 and 7,035 yards. The front nine is gentle and rolling, reminiscent of a Scottish links course, the back nine is more rugged, with dramatic rock outcroppings and ledges offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and water.

Despite the popularity of Vermont golf courses, the sport remains the state’s second favorite behind skiing. For many years, ski resort towns faced a dilemma: how to attract people to all the hotels and restaurants in the summer? They seem to have found the answer to their problem in golf. Today, almost every major ski area has a Vermont golf course active in the summer. Many of these Vermont golf courses are as good as the ski resorts that look down on them. Stowe, Stratton, Mt Snow, Jay Peak all have at least one top-class course; Killington has several.

A day on a Vermont golf course is a great thing to do on a Vermont vacation. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your gear or don’t feel confident in your game, many Vermont golf courses, especially those at ski resorts or hotels, offer rentals and lessons.