Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Burlington Country Club

Burlington, Vermont

VT #8

Established

1924

Architect

Donald J. Ross (1924), restoration by Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry (late 1990s)

Access

Private

Par

Par 71

Length

4,799 – 6,471 yds

The verdict

A Vermont Ross Classic for Members

Burlington Country Club is Vermont’s only Donald Ross course: strategic, scenic, and steeped in local history. Its classic Golden Age routing and subtly challenging greens make this a treat for members and their lucky guests, but you won’t find it on national bucket lists.

Course DNA

Difficulty

Scenery

Conditioning

Shot Variety

Walkability

Green Complexity

Wow Factor

Design Quality

At a glance

Quick facts

Only Donald Ross course in Vermont

True Golden Age pedigree

Comprehensively restored

Hurdzan & Fry in the late 1990s

Counter-clockwise concentric nines

Rare Ross routing

Course record

62 by Ernie Tetrault (1956)

Signature stretch

Lakeside holes 4, 11, 15

Located on Henry Holt's Fairholt estate

Historic acreage above Lake Champlain

Greens known for speed and subtlety

Key to defense

The design

The architecture

Burlington Country Club embodies Ross’s Golden Age philosophy, blending natural Vermont contours with subtle strategic challenge. The course’s rare counter-clockwise concentric nines wind through mature trees and subtle elevation shifts, finishing with a standout lakeside stretch. Hurdzan & Fry’s late-1990s restoration peeled back decades of change, restoring the signature Ross greens, strategic bunkering, and classic visual lines. It’s a course that rewards precise angles, deft short game, and respect for the ever-present hazards and slopes.

Donald Ross’s Golden Age strategy is enhanced by Hurdzan & Fry’s careful restoration, letting the architecture shine against Burlington’s Vermont setting.

Defining features

Counter-clockwise concentric routing, unique in Ross’s portfolio
Subtle yet demanding Ross-style greens — below the hole is key
Strategic fairway bunkering dictating tee-shot shape
Lakes and water hazards most pronounced on holes 4, 11, and 15
Classic New England tree-lined corridors, but always a strategic line to attack
Sensitively restored by Hurdzan & Fry to original Ross intent

Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 4

Lake Approach

PAR

YARDAGE

382 yds

A precise par 4 that requires a committed drive, with water ominously lining the entire right side. The green sits subtly, demanding accuracy and nerve, especially with trouble lurking on the approach.

Play it smart

Favor position over power; best angle is from the left side. Play for a full look at the flag, avoiding the tempting drive near the water.

Where it bites

Any slice brings water into play off the tee; approach from the wrong angle risks a slick up-and-down.

Course management

Shots to think about

Approaching any Ross green

Stay below the hole — everything is trickier from above.

Driving on holes adjacent to water (4, 11, 15)

Lay back or aim for the safe side; never force a hero line just for yardage.

Second shot from the rough short-side of the green

Don’t attack the flag — play for the largest section and rely on your short game.

Late-round wind on elevated holes

Club up and favor solid contact; elevation amplifies wind effects.

Fast greens with hidden slopes

Read the subtleties from below the hole; speed is as vital as line.

Long par 4s on the back nine

Accept bogey as a safe score; avoid big numbers by playing conservatively.

On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Meticulously maintained with quick, subtle greens and firm fairways.

Pace

Consistently fast pace of play; members value smooth rounds.

Vibe

Traditional private club with a New England flare; understated but proud.

Dress code

Collared shirts, no denim; classic private club attire required.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

Sharpen your short game

Precision chipping and putting will save strokes on subtly contoured greens.

Dial in your tee shot accuracy

Position matters more than length; rough and water punish misses.

Study the course map

Know which holes the lakes defend and plan approaches accordingly.

The lore

How it came to be

1924
Burlington Country Club founded atop Holt's Fairholt Estate
1924
Course designed by Donald Ross, only Ross layout in Vermont
2024
Centennial celebration of club’s founding

Stories & legends

What makes it special

Design

Ross’s Only Vermont Masterpiece

Burlington Country Club stands alone as the sole Donald Ross original in Vermont. Its concentric nines and commanding hilltop views deliver an unmistakable stamp of pedigree unmatched elsewhere in the state.

History

Henry Holt’s Hilltop Vision

The club sits on the historic Fairholt estate, selected by Ross himself and praised by lead designer Walter Hatch as the finest country club site he’d ever seen. Every round is played in the shadow of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.

Restoration

Restored for a Second Century

With a sensitive and comprehensive restoration by Hurdzan & Fry in the late 1990s, Burlington CC’s classic lines, strategic bunkering, and signature Ross greens were polished for future generations to enjoy.

People

Famous Visitors, Local Pride

Over the decades, legends like Byron Nelson, Betsy Rawls, and Bobby Locke teed it up at Burlington CC, cementing its reputation as the premier local stage for championship-caliber golf in Vermont.

For the group chat

Fun facts

Only Donald Ross course ever built in Vermont

Course occupies the historic Fairholt estate above Lake Champlain

The routing features rare counter-clockwise concentric nines

Walter Hatch, Ross’s lead designer, called it the best club site he’d seen

The club celebrated its centennial in 2024

Build the trip

If you’re making a Burlington golf getaway

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip

Vermont National Country Club

Private

Neighboring top-tier private, strong modern championship design

The Links at Lang Farm

Public

Best fully public-access round near Burlington

Stowe Country Club

Resort/Public

Mountain views and Vermont destination experience

Champlain Country Club

Public

Unpretentious, classic parkland north of town

Downtown Burlington or South Burlington for access, dining, and amenities.

Course DNA

If You Like Burlington Country Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Point Judith Country Club

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Why it matches: Point Judith Country Club is a natural next stop after Burlington Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match9.3

Sand Hills Golf Club

Mullen, Nebraska

Why it matches: Sand Hills Golf Club is a natural next stop after Burlington Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

Strong DNA Match8.2

Country Club of Buffalo

Williamsville, New York

Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Country Club of Buffalo a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Burlington Country Club.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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