Rising from the Flood
Tropical Storm Irene hammered Quechee in 2011, leaving 27 of 36 holes severely damaged. The club’s meticulous, year-long Brian Silva-led restoration became a local legend, returning Highland to top form.
The verdict
Vermont’s Premier Mountain Challenge
The Quechee Highland Course stands as one of Vermont’s most respected golf experiences, blending striking mountain views, robust bunkering, and a shot-making identity that rewards smart play. While not a national ‘bucket-list’ destination, it’s an absolute must-play for any New England golf trip, thanks to its variety, history, and memorable stretches.
Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery89
Conditioning78
Shot Variety85
Walkability70
Green Complexity74
Wow Factor77
Design Quality77
At a glance
Quick facts
36-Hole Property
Two full 18s: Highland & Lakeland
Major Restoration
Brian Silva-led restoration after Irene, 2012–13
Highest-Ranked Layout
Highland consistently Vermont top 5
Host of Regional Events
New England PGA & Vermont Amateur events
Stone Wall Features
Classic New England aesthetics throughout
Notable Par 3s
Long par-3s, especially 9 and 17
Unique 36-Hole Facility
Vermont’s only 36-hole club
The design
The architecture
Blending classic mountain golf with New England quirks, Quechee Highland rolls up and down the wooded Vermont hillside. Geoffrey Cornish and William Robinson’s 1970s routing maximizes natural elevation for both drama and risk-reward, while Brian Silva’s detailed 2012–13 restoration after catastrophic flooding brought new tactical sophistication and revived the original spirit. From blind tee shots and dramatic fairway angles to subtly demanding green complexes and stone wall-lined corridors, Highland is an architectural study in strategic mountain golf that demands both careful navigation and creative shotmaking.
Geoffrey Cornish and William G. Robinson laid out the original Highland course in 1970, but Brian Silva’s subtle, post-flood restoration in 2012–13 sharpened its strategic, mountain spirit.
Defining features
- Dramatic elevation changes on several holes
- Strategic use of doglegs with draw/fade balance
- Stone wall and wooded corridor aesthetics
- Robust, restored bunkering defending key greens
- Long, scenic par 3s with varied tee shots
- Blind/semi-blind tee balls demanding trust
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Hole 2
PAR
5
YARDAGE
547 yds
A demanding early par 5 that bends around the hillside, it’s a true test of shot placement and distance control, with a fairway that rewards bold but calculated play. Distance is only part of the challenge—club selection and careful trajectory are everything here.
Play it smart
Shape your drive to favor the best angle; lay up thoughtfully to avoid awkward lies and ensure a manageable third into a subtle green.
Where it bites
Miss the landing zones or overcook a draw and you’ll face a brutal recovery—brush, trees, and sidehill lies abound.
Course management
Shots to think about
Blind or semi-blind tee shots over a rise
Pick a confident line and club—trust yardage and don’t overthink your visual intuition.
Approaches to elevated or sloped greens
Club up and control your trajectory—holding the green is more important than attacking tight flags.
Long par 3s into prevailing wind
Swing smooth, prioritize solid contact, and favor the big portion of the green over tucked pins.
Doglegs requiring a draw or fade
Play to your natural shape when possible—don’t force the ball if it risks a bigger miss.
Second shot on par 5s with layup risk
Lay up to your best number if danger encroaches—don’t let greed put you in the deep stuff.
Chipping from tight surrounds
Use the contours to your advantage and keep the ball low for maximum control on unpredictable lies.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Consistently well-maintained fairways and greens; recent restoration has the bunkering and surfaces in strong shape, even after Vermont storms.
Pace
Plan for a 4.5-hour round, especially on a first visit—blind tee shots and elevation shifts slow things for unfamiliar players.
Vibe
Relaxed Northeast private club spirit, family-friendly but serious about its golf, with classic country club hospitality and a distinct Vermont feel.
Dress code
Golf attire required—collared shirts and proper golf wear expected in keeping with private club standards.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Master the Mountain Yardages
Practice reading elevation changes—downhill and uphill holes can fool your club selection. Range-session visualizations and slope adjustments will serve you well.
02
Draw and Fade on Command
Warm up both shot shapes off the tee—you’ll need to shape the ball both ways to maximize position on Highland’s balanced routing.
03
Be Ready for Length
Stretch out your long irons and hybrids in advance—Highland’s par 3s and key par 4 approaches will test your confidence from distance.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1970
Quechee Club and both 18-hole courses established
- 2011
Tropical Storm Irene devastates Upper Valley and the course
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Draw or Fade? You’ll Need Both
Quechee Highland is famous for its balance of holes requiring both draw and fade off the tee, testing players' full shot-shaping arsenal and rewarding those who trust club and line over just power.
New England Stone Walls, Elevated Vistas
Winding stone walls and classic Vermont panoramas are more than just eye candy—they frame the course's most dramatic moments, creating a uniquely regional flavor that sets Highland apart.
Vermont’s 36-Hole Giant
As the state’s only 36-hole facility, Quechee Club stands out not just for Highland, but for the contrast and companion round offered by Lakeland—making it a full-scale golf retreat in the Green Mountains.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Vermont’s only true 36-hole golf property
2
Course features numerous iconic New England stone walls
3
Underwent a heroic restoration after catastrophic flood damage in 2011
4
Varied tee sets offer play from under 5,000 to nearly 7,000 yards
5
Hosts the major annual Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) Classic charity tournament
Build the trip
If you’re building a classic Vermont trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Quechee Club – Lakeland
Private
Flatter, river-hugging 18 offering variety and contrast to Highland; praised for playability and views.
Quechee or White River Junction; stay-and-play in Quechee cottages if available for the full club experience
Course DNA
If You Like The Quechee Club – Highland Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.4
StoneCrest Golf Course
Prestonsburg, KentuckyScenery
Why it matches: If The Quechee Club – Highland Course is your kind of course, StoneCrest Golf Course is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Strong DNA Match7.9
Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club
New Durham, New HampshireScenery
Why it matches: If The Quechee Club – Highland Course is your kind of course, Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Strong DNA Match8.2
The Homestead Resort - Cascades
Hot Springs, VirginiaScenery
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Homestead Resort - Cascades shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to The Quechee Club – Highland Course.
Community Sentiment
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