8.35

Ekwanok Country Club

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
1899
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
May–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Available
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
70
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
9.5
City
Manchester

Score

8.35
Design
40%
8.8
Conditions
25%
8.1
Desirability
15%
7.9
Scenery
10%
8.4
Fun
5%
7.9
Uniqueness
5%
7.5

Difficulty

Overall
Moderate

Slope 128

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 9.5

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
$
$
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Ekwanok hosted the 1914 U.S. Amateur, where Francis Ouimet claimed victory, and, after the tournament, the club withdrew from the national scene to preserve its privacy and tradition.

About

Ekwanok Country Club is an 18-hole private course nestled in Manchester, Vermont, designed by Walter Travis in 1899. Known for its historic design, Ekwanok is revered as Vermont's finest course and features beautiful Green Mountain scenery, classic architecture, and a tradition-rich clubhouse. The course has undergone careful restoration to maintain Travis's original vision.

Caddie Tip

Club selection is everything on the uphill holes, particularly the par 5 7th, where playing short of the central hill on your layup can create a better angle for your third. Greens are subtle and often faster than they appear – always read for more break on putts below the hole.

The Main Challenge

Course strategy is essential at Ekwanok. The varied elevation changes, especially around the 7th and 16th holes, demand careful club choice. Greens are subtle and fast, and many holes require precise positioning off the tee to avoid tree trouble and uneven lies. The course’s classical bunkering and challenging approach shots will test all facets of your game.

The Good

Most golfers love the course’s rich history, classic Walter Travis design, and the uniquely serene setting in the Green Mountains. Strategic hole layouts, a walkable routing, subtle greens, and the atmosphere of the historic clubhouse make for an outstanding day of golf treasured by members and guests.

The Not So Good

Members occasionally mention the challenge of the short season and sometimes slow pace on busy weekends. A few would like minor updates to certain bunkers, and some long for more modern amenities or expanded guest access, but overall satisfaction is very high.

Signature Hole:

#

7

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The 7th hole is a remarkable par 5 stretching 595 yards, notable for its length and strategy. A natural hill bisects the fairway between the 300 and 370-yard marks, requiring precise placement for the second shot and evoking Walter Travis’s skillful use of the land to create a memorable and demanding challenge.

Clubhouse

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The historic clubhouse blends New England charm with comfort, offering multiple dining options ranging from casual to fine, locker rooms, social spaces, and a pro shop. Tennis courts, croquet, and event spaces add to the vibrant social atmosphere, while historical displays showcase Ekwanok’s golfing legacy.

Practice Facilities

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A full driving range, expansive putting green, and short game area are set in a peaceful parkland environment. Practice fairways are well maintained, and staff ensures members are accommodated during peak times. Chipping bunkers provide additional preparation for the course’s unique green complexes.

Dress Code:

Strict

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Vermont
U.S.A.