Better known for winter sports, the Green Mountain State is surprisingly fertile ground for good golf. So good, that it can be divided into more than one part when cataloguing its finest courses, which are primed for play right now.

No matter where you tee it up, expect lush, rolling landscapes, nearby peaks (the Green Mountains run like a spine down the center of the state), and laid-back locals. After a round, quaint villages and manageable cities offer fine dining, craft beers, and, of course, fresh dairy products and maple syrup.

Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester is the finest course in the state, but it’s also the most exclusive, so wangling an invite might be difficult. Designed by Walter Travis more than a century ago, Ekwanok balances short length with surprising challenge from strategically placed bunkers and small, deceptive greens. But if you don’t know a friend of a friend who’s a member, there are plenty of other great courses in the state where no invitation is needed. Click on the link below to start the tour.

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