While the snow is now just a memory and the hills are bursting with spring green, Higgerson & Co. has fully shifted gears into warm-weather mode. Late May is when the Upper Valley truly comes alive — gardens are blooming, patios are buzzing, and tee times are filling fast. It’s golf season, and with some of New England’s most scenic and storied courses right in our backyard, there’s no better time to hit the links.
Woodstock Country Club – A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1895, this Robert Trent Jones-designed par 70 course is Vermont’s oldest public golf course and consistently ranks among the country’s best for conditions. Set in the picturesque Kedron Valley, 14 of the 18 holes feature the namesake brook, creating a challenging and scenic round.
Enjoy a bite at the Fairway Grill — you might even spot local favorite and PGA Tour pro Keegan Bradley fueling up. Public tee times, lessons, a full practice range, and a pro shop round out the experience.
Don’t miss: The spring bloom along the front nine is a showstopper.
Montcalm Golf Club – Championship-Caliber in Enfield, NH
Host of the 2024 New Hampshire Open Championship, Montcalm sits high above the Upper Valley. This 6,829-yard semi-private course was designed to highlight the area’s rugged terrain while honoring Donald Ross’s classic approach.
With panoramic views and a serious commitment to course maintenance, Montcalm delivers a premium experience from driveway to green. Its natural rhythm and multiple tee boxes make it rewarding for both scratch players and weekend warriors.
Pro tip: Book a morning tee time to see fog lifting off the hills — magic.
Lake Morey Country Club – A Scenic Staple Since 1929
Set alongside Lake Morey in Fairlee, this 18-hole course is pure Vermont charm. Known for hosting the Vermont Open for more than 50 years, the par-70 layout blends accessibility with a challenge: a mellow front nine gives way to a mountain-lined back.
After your round, stay for dinner, drinks, and live music at the resort — the community vibe here is as consistent as the greens.
Highlight: Lakeside play in peak foliage season is unforgettable.
Carter Country Club – Donald Ross, Up Close
Located in the heart of Lebanon, this 9-hole gem is the only Donald Ross course of its kind in New Hampshire. Built in 1923, the layout retains Ross’s signature 1920s green complexes and subtle contouring.
With its future uncertain due to long-term land disputes, there’s never been a better time to appreciate this historic site. Bring a walking bag and soak in the tradition.
Insider note: Afternoon light on hole 7 is one of the prettiest views in the Upper Valley.
Quechee Club – Twin Courses, One Destination
The Quechee Club boasts two championship courses nestled in one of Vermont’s most vibrant resort communities. Originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish and lovingly restored by Brian Silva post-Irene, both courses cater to all levels.
This private club opens its gates to property owners, guests, and vacation renters — making it a hub for both dedicated golfers and seasonal visitors. Spring to fall, it’s an unbeatable setting.
Local love: Morning tee times with the Green Mountains in bloom are an annual rite of passage.
Why It Matters
Golf in the Upper Valley isn’t just about birdies and bogeys. It’s about landscapes that restore you, communities that welcome you, and time spent outside as nature resets around you.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the game, there’s a course — and a home — waiting for you here.
Looking to live where you play? At Higgerson & Co., we help our clients find homes and second properties in Hanover, Woodstock, and the constellation of towns that make this region so special.