Though small in size and among the least populous of all the states, the northeastern state of Vermont remains to be a charming vacation destination, especially among history buffs, bookworms, maple syrup lovers, outdoor adventurers, and of course, golfers. Best known for its hiking trails, skiing slopes, and snowboarding resorts, this part of New England is aptly dubbed the “Green Mountain State” for its densely wooded forests and acres of mountainous terrain, with much of its population living in small villages scattered throughout the area with only a handful of major industrial cities. The state is divided into five regions: the Northeast Highlands, with its clear blue streams that cut across towering granite mountains; the Western New England Upland, which mainly comprises of fertile lowlands dotted by a number of sparkling lakes; the central region of the Green Mountains, where the highest peaks in the entire state are found among its mountain ranges; the Valley of Vermont to the west, which is characterized by several river-side valleys; the low-lying hills and rugged terrain of the Taconic Mountains; and lastly, the farmlands of Champlain Valley, home to the eponymous local lake. With such a beautiful, naturally rich landscape of well-preserved forested terrain accented by scenic water features and mountain splendor, it’s no wonder that Vermont has inspired a number of talented and widely-acclaimed architects from far and wide to build some of the nation’s finest championship courses and most challenging tracks. Examples that come to mind are Graham Cooke’s Jay Peak Golf Course, The Golf Club at Equinox by Walter Travis, the Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Jr. collaboration in Vermont National Country Club, talented but little-known architect Steve Durkee’s obra maestra at Okemo Valley, and the only Gene Bates showpiece in the state, the Green Mountain National.Though it only boasts a humble 74 golf courses to its name, there are over 11,000 resident golfers in the state, making golf among its most popular sports, along with skiing and snowboarding. Part of the reason why the last two sports are so beloved in the area, however, is due to the extreme continental climate of Vermont, which means long bouts of freezing winter weather and sub-zero temperatures that make it nearly impossible to spend even just a few hours playing on the course. Luckily, though the golf season here may only equate to a brief sunny summertime spell, Vermont has plenty of world-class indoor golf studios and virtual golf centers to allow golfers to play and practice their favorite sport all year round in the cozy indoors regardless of the weather outside.Listed below are the most popular virtual/indoor golf facilities in the state of Vermont.
Best Golf Courses in (Province/State)
Location: 172 South Main St, Rutland, VT 05701Stonehedge Indoor Golf has been providing low-cost fees with exceptional customer service to Rutland County golfers and FootGolfers for more than 20 years now. This facility does not only offer a virtual golf experience to their patrons but they also have an indoor miniature golf and a virtual shooting range for good measure. Their golf simulators offer 38 of the most famous golf courses in the world for you to choose from.They have six virtual golf indoor simulators which are all powered by AboutGolf Simulators, the only virtual golf technology that is recognized by the PGA Tour. It is an innovative technology that has been in the industry for about two decades. AboutGolf simulators offer you nothing but the best virtual experience in the industry today with the help of its unmatched accuracy and ultra-realistic 3D graphics.The courses that are available at Stonehedge Golf are as follows: Ashley Farms Golf and Country Club, Atlantis, Bay Harbor’s Links, Quarry and Preserve course, Donal Ross Memorial, Huzhou Hot Springs Golf Club, Kynzvart Golf Club, Nine Dragons’ A, B and C courses, Old Palm Golf Club, Oriental City University Golf Course, Parkland Golf and Country Club, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pine Rivers Championship Golf Course, Red Rock Valley, Scottish Brae, Shady Dunes, SheShan International Golf Club, Spyglass Hill, St. Andrews’ Jubilee, New and Old Course, Sun Ridge, Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, The Far East Tour, The Heather, The Hollow Grounds, The Links at Casa de Campo and Spanish Bay, The Myrtle Beach Tour, The Par 3 Showcase, The Texas Tour, TPC’s Louisiana, Sawgrass, and Scottsdale, Tuscany Reserve Golf Club, Venetian Golf and River Club, and finally, the Waterlefe Golf and River Club.Simulator Discount Packages are also available for all the avid golfers out there. The facility offers four great ways to save money. First is the Bronze package which includes a 10% discount and a redeemable 5 to 8 hours. Second is the Silver package which has a 15% discount and a redeemable 10 to 16 hours. Third is the Gold package which consists of a 20% discount and a redeemable 25 to 40 hours. Fourth is the Platinum package which offers a 25% discount and a redeemable 50 to 80 hours. Stonehedge Golf does not only offer top-of-the-line virtual technology but they also provide premium amenities and services such as: eleven wide-screen HDTVs so that you don’t have to miss any of your favorite sporting events, a fully stocked bar that offers a wonderful variety of choices from craft beer to wines, a free access to a selection of games such as darts, shuffleboard, and football that are readily available for all customers, a pub-style grill. They also offer golf equipment free-of-charge to guests who prefer not to bring their own gear. This 8,000 square-foot facility is available for private events such as birthday parties, corporate outings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, class reunions, bridal showers, graduation parties, sports viewing parties and family reunions. They also have an exquisite menu featuring a wide array of beer and wine along with delectable dishes. Some of the popular choices are seasonal platters, chicken wings, potato skins, quesadillas, Panini sandwiches, pizza, pulled pork, and various desserts.The facility also administers various tournaments such as: Golf Leagues – where golf enthusiasts with different skill levels enjoy a weekly playtime among family and friends; Seasonal Golf Tournaments – a themed competition that is held on New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, Fourth of July, or just about any possible date that can be a cause for celebration; and Seasonal Events such as the Golf Majors’ Viewing Parties, Vendor Days, Vermont Craft Beer and Wine Tastings, as well as Junior Summer Camps. This indoor golf facility is also considered as the first to have a virtual shooting range in the state. They have four virtual shooting simulators that use replica firearms, 18-inch simulator screens, and an advanced laser technology. It is a cost-effective means of training for gun enthusiasts. The following are the different virtual shooting range settings offered by the facility: Amusement-Based Shooting Galleries, Game Hunting, Practical Shooting Drills, Skills Drills, and Steel Challenge Competitions. Hours:(Late April to October)Closed from Sunday to Thursday (Available for private events and rain-outs)4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Friday and Saturday)(November to late April)10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Sunday)12:00 noon – 9:00 pm (Monday to Tuesday)12:00 noon – 10:00 pm (Wednesday to Thursday)10:00 am – 12:00 Midnight (Friday to Saturday)Contact:(802) 779 – 9595info@stonehedgeindoorgolf.com
2. Okemo Valley Golf Club’s Indoor Golf Training Center
Location: 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT 05149This facility features a 6,000 square-foot practice area with a wide putting green, three swing stations with full-swing golf simulators, and private lockers. Their virtual golf simulators feature some of the world’s best golf courses such as Pinehurst No. 2, Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Troon, Harbour Town, Bay Hill, and many more. At Okemo Valley Golf Club’s Indoor Golf Training Center, PGA professionals provide golf instructions in a comfortable, friendly and professional manner. Golf lessons include video analysis and access to the driving range, practice bunkers, practice & target greens, and the putting greens. Lessons are provided either through Summer Junior Clinics, Junior Camp, Ladies’ Clinic, and Private Golf Instruction.Summer Junior Clinics are conducted for a total of six sessions. The Junior Camp package is inclusive of gift bags and a luncheon every Friday. Ladies’ Clinics are conducted during Sundays for a total of nine sessions. Private Golf Instruction offers an advanced method of learning the sport by using the latest technology for the lessons and fittings. Willie Dunn’s Grille offers fine patio dining at the training center. They offer fresh salads, sandwiches, tender half-pound burgers, and chef’s daily specials while you unwind with the exquisite views by the terrace. The diner is also open to hosting group functions for dinner parties, rehearsal weddings, business gatherings, holiday parties, and the like.Hours:7:30 am – 9:00 pm (Monday to Friday) 8:00 am – 9:00 pm (Saturday)8:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sunday)Contact:(803) 228 – 1390golf@okemo.com
Location: Williston Road, South Burlington, VT, 05403Since 2007, Gonzo’s HD Sports has been acknowledged as Vermont’s only high-definition indoor sports facility. It showcases Hi-Def Golf and Sports simulators that help provide true-to-life golf experience for all indoor golf enthusiasts. They have 8 HD Simulators, 5 Visual Sports Simulators, as well as pool tables, ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, and a full bar with various local beer on tap.This facility is the perfect venue to host your different private or social events. For bachelor’s parties, for instance, the package includes the use of facilities such as the 8 HD Golf or Sports simulators, pool table, ping pong table, foosball table, club rentals, and shuffleboard. Guests are also allowed to use their high definition 10 x 12-inch screens. Clients will have the option to either bring in their own caterer or to avail of the catering options provided by Gonzo’s house kitchen. The children’s party package includes the use of facilities such as the 8 Sports simulators, Simulator games like soccer, baseball, football, hockey, basketball, zombie dodgeball, carnival games, play golf courses, break windows, kick field goals, pool table, ping pong table, foosball table, club rentals, and shuffleboard. Fees will vary according to the type of Caddy room. The most affordable option comes with 2 hours’ worth of playtime for a group of fewer than 10 kids with 2 simulators. The second option can accommodate more than 10 kids with an additional simulator also provided. The rental fees include 2 pitchers of soda or lemonade, paper products (plates, silverware cups, and napkins) along with a staff member to help out with the simulated games. The corporate events package is inclusive of facilities such as the HD Golf or Sports simulators (kick a soccer, rugby, hit at the home run derby, zombie dodgeball, Golf at Pebble Beach, basketball, hockey and many more), pool table, foosball table, club rentals, and shuffleboard. Guests are also allowed to use their high definition 12 x 10-inch screens for PowerPoint presentations. HoursOff-season Hours:Closed (Monday and Sunday) 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)Contact: (802) 881 – 0660
Wrap up
The charmingly rustic and rural neighbor of big cities such as New York and Massachusetts, the state of Vermont is an excellent choice for any golf enthusiast yearning for a scenic layout immersed in natural beauty, away from all the usual high-profile picks. A beauty to behold in full bloom, this ideal summer getaway is sure to satisfy a wide spectrum of players as it offers several links-style courses, highland courses, coastal courses, and many more. With that said, it can be tricky to time your trip here as the state is infamous for its lengthy, chilly winter which leaves only a limited window for residents to enjoy the golf season. Thanks to the numerous indoor golf facilities available throughout the state, however, residents and out-of-town golfers are still afforded the chance to play a few rounds all year round, no matter the weather. The entries listed here feature some of the finest in virtual golf technology, as well as first-rate service and world-class amenities that golfers can enjoy. Due to time and space constraints, however, some establishments may have been inadvertently left off this list, while new properties are also expected to continuously crop up all over the area. In that regard, we’ll leave it to you to discover for your own pleasure all that Vermont has to offer in terms of virtual and indoor golf.
