If you’ve spent any time driving down Route 116 south of Burlington, you’ve seen the rolling greens of Cedar Knoll Country Club VT. It’s sitting right there in Hinesburg, looking all peaceful against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. But here’s the thing: people usually lump it in with every other public-access course in Chittenden County, and honestly, that’s a mistake.
It’s easy to overlook.
Cedar Knoll doesn't have the fancy, gated-community vibe of some other Vermont clubs. It doesn't pretend to be a US Open style "monster" that wants to ruin your afternoon with five-hour rounds and lost sleeves of balls. Instead, it’s this weirdly perfect mix of a working-man's club and a genuinely challenging mountain-style layout. It’s quirky. It’s hilly. And if you aren't careful with your club selection on the back nine, it will absolutely eat your lunch.
The Layout That Most Golfers Underestimate
Most people show up to Cedar Knoll Country Club VT thinking they’re in for a flat, easy walk in the park. They see the first few holes and think, "Okay, I can handle this." Then they hit the turn.
The course was originally designed as a nine-hole layout back in the 90s, eventually expanding to the full 18 we see today. That history is why the two halves feel like completely different animals. The front nine is relatively open. You can spray the ball a little bit and usually find it. It’s forgiving, kind of like a warm-up act before the main event.
Then you get to the back.
Suddenly, the elevation kicks in. You’re dealing with side-hill lies that make you feel like one leg is shorter than the other. You’ve got tight windows through the trees. The back nine at Cedar Knoll is where the "mountain" part of "Vermont mountain golf" really shows up. If you’re a high-handicapper, those hills are a nightmare. If you’re a stick, they’re a fun puzzle.
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The greens aren't usually lightning-fast like a PGA Tour stop, but they’re tricky. They have these subtle breaks that follow the natural slope of the Hinesburg landscape. You’ll swear a putt is going left, but the mountain says no. It goes right. Every time.
Why the "Country Club" Label Is Sorta Misleading
When you hear "Country Club," you probably think of white tablecloths and guys in $100 polo shirts complaining about their stocks. Cedar Knoll isn't that. It’s a public course that happens to have "Country Club" in the name.
It's accessible.
You’ll see farmers who just finished their morning chores playing alongside tech guys from Burlington. It’s one of the few places where the atmosphere is actually relaxed. Nobody is breathing down your neck about your pace of play unless you’re truly crawling, and the staff generally treats you like a neighbor rather than a customer.
The clubhouse? It’s a converted barn. That’s about as Vermont as it gets. It’s got a deck that overlooks the course, and honestly, sitting there with a local IPA after a round is the best part of the whole experience. You aren't there for the luxury; you're there for the vibes and the view of Camels Hump in the distance.
The Real Cost of a Round
Let’s talk money because that’s usually why people choose Cedar Knoll over the more "prestigious" spots in the area.
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- Mid-week rates: Usually some of the best value in the Champlain Valley.
- Weekend mornings: It gets busy, so you'll pay a premium, but it’s still significantly cheaper than the resort courses.
- Twilight rates: This is the pro move. If you can get out after 4:00 PM in June or July, you get the best light and the lowest prices.
The Legend of the Elevation Changes
You haven't really played Cedar Knoll Country Club VT until you've stood on one of those elevated tees on the back nine and wondered how much the wind is going to affect a ball that's going to be in the air for what feels like a full minute.
Take the 14th hole, for example. It’s a par 4 that isn't particularly long on paper, but it plays entirely different depending on where you land your drive. If you're short, you're hitting an approach shot straight uphill to a green you can barely see. If you're long, you've got a downhill lie that wants to rocket your ball over the back into the woods.
It requires a different kind of strategy. You can't just "bomb and gouge" here. Well, you can, but you'll probably end up in a hayfield.
The course conditioning is another thing people debate. Because it’s built on old farmland and hilly terrain, drainage can be an issue if we’ve had a wet Vermont spring. If it rained yesterday, expect some soft spots. But in the heat of August when everything else is turning brown? Cedar Knoll usually stays surprisingly green because of its natural water retention and the way the shadows hit the hills.
Getting Better: The Practice Facility Situation
Honestly, if you're looking for a world-class, 300-yard range with ProV1 practice balls, you're going to be disappointed. Cedar Knoll has a functional practice area, but it’s not the main draw. Most regulars use the small putting green near the first tee to get a feel for the speed and then just head out.
It’s a "players" course in the sense that you learn by playing it, not by hitting buckets of balls.
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There's a sense of community here that you don't find at the bigger clubs. They run leagues—Wednesday nights are usually the big ones—and the competition is friendly but surprisingly fierce. These guys know every bump and hollow on these fairways. They know exactly which tree to aim at on the 6th hole to catch the slope and gain an extra twenty yards.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Book
Don't just show up and expect a cart to be waiting if it's a busy Saturday. Call ahead.
- Bring a Rangefinder: The elevation changes make "eyeballing" the distance almost impossible. A shot that says 150 yards might play like 175 if it's uphill, or 130 if it's a massive drop.
- Hydrate: Walking the back nine at Cedar Knoll is basically a CrossFit workout. If you aren't in great shape, just take the cart. Your knees will thank you.
- Check the Weather: Being tucked into the hills means the weather can be five degrees cooler (or windier) than it is in downtown Burlington. Bring a windbreaker.
How it Compares to Other VT Courses
Look, it’s not The Alchemist’s backyard or Spruce Peak. It doesn't have the perfectly manicured bunkers of Vermont National. But Cedar Knoll has character. It feels like Vermont. It feels like a place where the game of golf hasn't been over-sanitized and priced out of reach for the average person.
The fairways are a bit wider in spots than at Rocky Ridge, and it’s arguably more scenic than Williston. It occupies this middle ground where it’s "nice enough" to feel like a treat, but "rugged enough" to feel authentic.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Round
If you’re planning a trip to Cedar Knoll Country Club VT, keep these three specific tips in mind to actually enjoy your round instead of fighting the course:
- Club Up on the Back Nine: Almost every elevated green requires more club than you think. The air might be thin, but the gravity is real. If the pin is in the back, take two extra clubs.
- Play the "Vermont Bounce": In the dry summer months, the fairways get firm. Use the slopes. Aim for the high side of the doglegs and let the ball roll down into the center.
- The 19th Hole Strategy: Don't rush off. The food at the clubhouse—specifically the burgers and the local draft list—is actually better than most dedicated restaurants in the area. It’s the best place to tally up your score and realize you actually played better than you thought.
The next time you’re looking for a round that challenges your legs and your brain without emptying your wallet, head out to Hinesburg. It’s not just a golf course; it’s a slice of what Vermont golf used to be before everything got so expensive and serious. Pack your bag, grab a cart, and try not to lose too many balls on the back nine. You’ve been warned.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the local tee time aggregators or the Cedar Knoll official site 48 hours in advance, as local leagues often book out the late afternoon slots. If you are a walker, ensure you have a lightweight bag; the climb between the 11th and 12th holes is the most taxing stretch on the property. For those traveling from out of state, the course is roughly a 25-minute drive from Burlington International Airport (BTV), making it an easy first or last stop on a Vermont golf trip.