The first time you step onto the tee at Haystack, you understand why people fly across the country to play golf in Vermont. The fairways roll through a valley framed by Haystack Mountain on one side and the Green Mountain ridgeline on the other, with views that make it hard to focus on your backswing.
Haystack Golf Course sits on the grounds of the former Hermitage Club in Wilmington – about 10 minutes from Valley View Villa. It’s an 18-hole championship course designed by Desmond Muirhead, known for dramatic course layouts and creative use of natural terrain. At Haystack, that means elevation changes, water features, and holes carved through stands of birch and pine.
The Course
The layout plays 6,508 yards from the back tees with a par of 72. It’s not the longest course you’ll find, but the elevation changes and mountain winds add real challenge. Several holes have blind approaches, and the greens are smaller than what you’ll see at flatter resort courses. Bring your short game.
The front nine opens up through meadows with long views. The back nine tightens considerably – tree-lined fairways, doglegs, and a few holes where placement off the tee matters a lot more than distance. Hole 15, a downhill par 3, is the signature – the tee box sits high with the target green nestled below against a backdrop of mountains.
What to Expect
The clubhouse is low-key. This isn’t a white-tablecloth country club experience – it’s a mountain golf course with a laid-back Vermont atmosphere. That said, the course itself is well-maintained, and the staff is helpful whether you’re a local regular or visiting for the first time.
The pro shop carries rentals if you don’t want to travel with clubs. Carts are available but the course is walkable if you’re up for the hills. A beverage cart makes rounds on summer weekends.
Pricing and What to Bring
⛳ Green fees range from $50–$90 for 18 holes with a cart, depending on the day and time of season. Weekday rates tend to fall on the lower end. Weekend morning tee times during peak summer are at the top of the range.
🏌️ Club rentals are available at the pro shop for around $30–$40 per round. The sets are decent – nothing fancy, but perfectly fine for a vacation round.
👟 Golf shoes or sneakers with good grip are recommended. The elevation changes are real, and morning dew on mountain grass can be slippery.
🧴 Bring sunscreen and a light layer. You’re at 2,000 feet, and even on warm days, the mountain breeze can cool things down by the back nine.
💧 Bring water, especially if you’re walking. The beverage cart runs on weekends, but it’s not guaranteed on quieter weekdays.
Best Times to Play
The course opens in mid-May (weather permitting) and runs through mid-October. Here’s how the season breaks down:
🌿 Late May through June is arguably the best stretch. The course is green, the crowds are light, and you can often get a tee time on short notice. Mornings are cool and crisp – perfect golf weather.
☀️ July and August bring the peak summer crowds. Book tee times at least a few days ahead, especially for weekend mornings. Afternoons tend to open up, and the light lasts until 8 PM.
🍂 September and October are spectacular for scenery. Foliage season turns the surrounding mountains into a backdrop you won’t find on any other course. The tradeoff: tee times fill fast and the weather becomes less predictable. Bring a rain layer.
Practical Details
⛳ 18 holes, par 72, 6,508 yards from the tips
📍 Haystack Road, Wilmington VT – ~10 min from Valley View Villa
🕐 Season runs roughly May through October, weather dependent
💲 Green fees: $50–$90 for 18 holes with cart
📞 Call ahead for tee times, especially summer weekends and foliage season
Pair It With Dinner
A round at Haystack finishes in the late afternoon, which sets you up perfectly for dinner in Wilmington. The Hermitage Inn is right next door for upscale dining, or head into town for something more casual at Valley Craft Ales or Wahoo’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should I book a tee time?
A: During peak summer weekends and foliage season, book 3–5 days ahead. Midweek and early/late season, you can often call the morning of and get out within an hour or two.
Q: Is the course beginner-friendly?
A: It’s playable for all skill levels, but the elevation changes and smaller greens make it trickier than it looks on the scorecard. Higher handicap players should expect to lose a few balls on the tighter back nine holes.
Q: Can I walk the course instead of taking a cart?
A: Yes, the course is walkable. Just know that the elevation changes are significant – you’ll feel it in your legs by the turn. Most visitors opt for a cart, especially in summer heat.
Q: Do they have a driving range or practice area?
A: There’s a small practice area near the clubhouse for warming up. It’s not a full driving range, so plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before your tee time rather than an hour.
Q: Is Haystack a good course for a family outing?
A: If everyone in the group plays, absolutely. The pace is relaxed, the scenery is incredible, and nobody is rushing you along. For non-golfers, drop them in Wilmington for shopping and lunch while you play.
Worth the Round
Haystack won’t make anyone’s list of the top 100 courses in America. But that’s not why you play it. You play it because you’re standing on a tee box at 2,000 feet with mountains in every direction, the air smells like pine, and there’s no one pushing you from behind. For a vacation round during a week at Mount Snow, it’s hard to beat.
