Golf Course Review-Neshobe Golf Course

Route 73, Brandon, Vt. Tel. # 802-247-3611
On Rt. 73 - two miles east of Rt. 7 in Brandon

For decades Neshobe was a quirky, but popular, nine hole venue with little to recommend it to anyone residing outside of the immediate area. That changed in 1996, however, when the club opened its second nine - a gorgeous new group of holes located just over the ridge from the original nine. New course architect, Steve Durkee, served notice with this expansion project. He has received widespread acclaim for this effort and has launched a successful career as a result of it. The expansion layout is marvelous golf. The new holes - those beyond the ridge - would do credit to the resumes of a Tom Fazio or a Rees Jones.

Every bit of feedback given to The Vermont Golfer concerning this expansion has been exceedingly positive. The player steps on to each new tee, looks down each flowing, bending fairway and says to himself, "Oh, boy. I really want to play this hole - I can t wait to get out there!" The individual holes were artfully blended into the existing terrain in a manner that makes one feel as though those holes have existed there for many years. Great care and attention was taken to leave appropriate old trees standing as accent marks to the graceful fairways that wend their way around them. A place has been created where people want to be - a place where people love to wander and enjoy themselves. Fortunately, these new holes provide excellent golf as well as memorable beauty.

The greens are large and pleasing to putt. The undulations are pronounced, but never contrived. Reads can be challenging, but are always understandable. Multiple landing zones for approach shots exist everywhere. The bunkering is challenging and often downright tough. It is rarely ever intrusive, however. The design of the longer holes provides a pleasing array of playing options. Strategies and course management skills become an active element in each playing round. Consequently, many repeat visits can be enjoyed at Neshobe.

Looking back down #5

There are problems at this Brandon course, however. While considerable time and money was spent on the creation of the new holes, very little attention was given to the problems that existed on the original nine. The older holes are kept in good condition, but expect noticeable contradictions at Neshobe. You will be moving back and forth between major league and minor league golf holes. The management of the club is fully aware of the contradictions and has some very decent plans for the future that will correct them. Two new replacement greens, numbers 6 and 18, were nicely added to the old holes. but other nagging problems were left untouched. The green on #1 ( eventually to be relocated) is smaller than those at some pitch and putt courses. Teeing areas on numerous holes are inadequate. Numbers 1 and 10 have front, middle and back tees separated by only a yard or two.

The least desirable aspect of Neshobe remains the infamous #2 hole. A pulled drive can blindly smash into a windshield on the adjoining Rt. 73. Even competent golfers find themselves underclubbing or pushing well right to avoid the road. New visitors will be thrown off by the visual setup from the tee. Many find out later that what they had thought to be a good drive had bounced across the road and out of play. Future plans include the conversion of this hole to a par-3. That will negate the problem completely. Let's hope it's soon.

From the Blues, #6

To counterbalance these deficiencies, Neshobe will provide the visitor with several of Central Vermont's finest holes. Number 5 is a magnificent par-5 that plays into and through a particularly lovely setting. The green is situated just in front of a classic Vermont barnyard. A permanent gallery is provided by miniature ponies and others barnyard critters. The heavily forested, ridge top Number 11, another par-5, is one of the region's most interesting playing holes. This is a hole that begs to be played again and again. Number 18 is one of the best finishing holes in the state. The teeing area is located high upon the ridge with a view to the valley clubhouse below. The approach shot is across a pond two, two wide bunkers to one of the sharpest looking greens in the area - a green nestled into a bank perfectly suited for a small, stadium gallery.

The folks at rival, Montague have some very difficult problems to solve to elevate the status of their original nine. The folks at Neshobe don't. A number of awkward situations exist on the old holes, but the ground is good and the setting is lovely. When some simple modifications are made, this layout will become a truly excellent course and an absolutely thorough delight to play. It's already a whole lot of fun.

In summary, Neshobe provides an overall enjoyable round of golf with challenge adequate for all but the very highest caliber of golfer and does so at very reasonable prices. As a playing experience, it easily beats its area rivals, White River and Montague and can compete very successfully with neighbors, Middlebury and Proctor-Pittsfield. Its hard to believe that anyone would fail to appreciate at least one visit to Neshobe. The back holes are about as nice as any in the state. The idyllic, farmland scenery adds immeasurably to the playing experience.

This is a warm and friendly club with a small town air to it. The atmosphere is warm and very casual. Course conditions have been first rate during our last several visits. The numerous traps have been very well cared for and all putting surfaces have been plush. Walking can be a bit of a chore here due to the steepness of the ridge that intersects the course. Use of a golf cart is recommended. The clubhouse and practice facilities are adequate but cramped. A driving range is immediately next to the clubhouse.

Slope and rating are easy to moderate. Length is moderate. Prices are low to moderate. Call and check out bargain price offerings - Wednesdays are "Vermont Days".