South Burlington, Vermont
Vermont National Golf Club delivers a big-stage, championship feel, pairing strategic Nicklaus design with striking views of the Green and Adirondack Mountains. While it’s not on the national bucket-list radar, it’s a must-play for serious golfers in northern New England, offering a powerful test and a refined private club atmosphere.
Vermont National brings the Jack Nicklaus blueprint to life with a crafty two-act play: a links-influenced front nine flows across open, windswept ground, while the back nine unfolds over rocky, undulating land edged by Vermont scenery. Strategic tees and fairways demand planning, while signature Nicklaus greens—boldly contoured, well-defended—elevate every approach. On a sprawling former dairy farm, the routing exploits elevation shifts and mountain views, making each nine a distinct experience and the closing stretch a true championship gauntlet.
Jack Nicklaus and his son Jack II blended classically inspired strategy with modern scale on a blank-slate Vermont landscape.
This bold par 5 fends off aggression with length and subtle hazards. A strong tee shot gains precious position for the layup, while approaching the green requires careful navigation around traps and slopes.
Prioritize center cut placement—risking the right side is only for big hitters trying to reach in two.
Miss left off the tee and thick rough or trouble awaits. Approach shots flirt with bunkers and punishing slopes near the green.
Course standards are high, with private-club turf and Nicklaus-quality greens; expect manicured fairways and true rolls for members and guests.
Unpublished, but as a private regional club and not a high-volume daily fee, you can generally expect a steady, unrushed pace.
Upscale but welcoming, with a championship atmosphere and the feel of a New England golf retreat.
Traditional golf attire required; standard private-club expectations apply.
You’ll need both driver and short-game creativity to tame the dual personality of the nines.
Nicklaus contours mean putts break more than they look—spend time reading before you roll.
The open front and rugged back demand different strategies. Flexibility is key.
Morning rounds can be cool, and breezes are common on the exposed holes.
Construction began on former Economou family dairy farm
Club officially founded and course opens
Hosts University of Vermont Catamount Golf Classic
Hosts South Burlington Rotary Charity Golf Tournament
Ranked among Vermont’s top 5 private clubs by Golfweek
Hosts Vermont Chapter NEPGA Pro-Am
Once sprawling pastureland for the Economou family, Vermont National’s site was reborn into fairways and greens—preserving roots while raising the state profile. The echoes of farm life still color its lore for every member teeing off.
The course’s unique personality leaps out as you transition from the Scottish-influenced, open front nine to the rugged, rocky drama of the back. It’s like playing two distinct styles in a single round—an identity that keeps the test fresh to the final putt.
As the region’s first Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II Signature, Vermont National stamped a gold-standard pedigree into Northern New England golf. Strategic green complexes, challenge, and modern flair: all in a single, headline-making debut.
Built on a working dairy farm, preserving Vermont agricultural history.
First Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II Signature course in New England.
Front nine plays across open, windswept land evoking links golf.
No two nines are the same—a hybrid of style and challenge.
Hosted tournaments supporting the University of Vermont and local charities.
Storied-area track with Graham Cooke design and local acclaim
Superb conditions, praised pace, and a welcoming Vermont vibe
Fast-paced executive layout, a fun warm-up or second round
Classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. architecture with mountain views, about an hour’s drive
Scenic mountain championship, memorable northern Vermont setting
South Burlington or Burlington for best access to courses and local flavor
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Vermont National Golf Club is your kind of course, Pinetree Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Sutton Bay a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Vermont National Golf Club.
Why it matches: If Vermont National Golf Club is your kind of course, Tatanka Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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