Golf

Hole 1

The first hole is a gentle downhill par four. A good drive that avoids the expressive right-side bunkers will set up a fine view to the large, contoured green. Approach shots should favor the right side, as the slopes will pull shots into the green. It is best not to chase left-side pins, and never go over the first green, as trees and steep grades make recovery difficult

Hole 2

The par three second is accented by a mountain tarn surrounded by age-old boulders. This is a picturesque golf hole that will yield plenty of birdies. However, success will require the proper club selection (never simple on pronounced downhill shots), an appreciation of the wind direction and force, an accurate, bold stroke followed by a well-read and well-executed putt. Making a two on the second will make for a special memory.
 

Hole 3

High, hillside tees provide a full view of the third hole. Though the fairway is generous on this long par four, it is best to aim to the left center, as balls will bounce and release to the right. Approach shots to the green must cross a rock-lined stream that cuts through the fairway past the landing area. The green rests on a high plateau and is guarded by a large, right-side bunker. Shots that reach the green will release to the right, so there is no reason to flirt with the bunker.
 

Hole 4

The path that leads golfers over to the fourth tee complex passes over the Jay Branch Brook, which roars to life in the spring and is always enchanting. This long, meandering par five will reward both power and accuracy. Shots that stay on that elusive ribbon of fairway will roll forever. The green complex is guarded by bunkers and steep grades. However, once on the green, a makeable putt awaits. Four is the long hitter’s dream hole, but staying inside the ropes (in play) is the principal priority

Hole 5

This charming par 3 has a dark side. A lot of trouble will capture errant shots, especially those that go for pins cut over the water and front-right bunker. The safer route is to the left side of the green, and then trust your putter to get you down in two putts. All the greens at Jay Peak have interesting gentle contouring that reward good putts. The challenge is reading the land outside the greens. Illusions abound on mountain courses, which make putting an adventure.

Hole 6

This par four takes advantage of the natural land that dominates this gentle, uphill golf hole. The left-side bunkers frame the landing area and the green is benched in the raised plateau that follows the left side of six. A good drive will set up a short approach to a well-contoured, tricky green. Avoid going long, as the grassy bank behind the green is a difficult place to recover from. The green complex is bordered on the left side by a hidden stream.

Hole 7

The par five seventh draws you into a very scenic landscape. The fairway gently turns to the right and good shots with your metal wood are needed to keep you out of the deep forest borders. The high green is partially hidden, but the steep slope and long bunker reside. A par or better is a good score. However, steel yourself as the remaining two holes on the front nine are truly demanding.

Hole 8

The par four eighth plays far longer than the yardage describes. If you have power this is a good time to use it. A well-struck drive will carry the boulder stream that crosses the fairway and reach well up the rising fairway. The green is framed by left side bunkers and rests in an amphitheater-like setting. Take at least one more club on all approach shots as the rise on the green is deceiving.

Hole 9

The finishing hole of this nine will reluctantly give up good scores. It is essential that the drive avoid the fairway bunkers, as the green is isolated by a deep, rocky stream. A good layup, if necessary, may be a prudent play. The high, grassy bank that shadows the left side of the green is not the place to be. Take dead aim at the pin, as there is simply no good side to miss an approach shot.

Hole 10

Concentrate on the tee shot over the Jay Branch Brook as the high, plateaued fairway is the only safe haven. The approach to the green requires at least one extra club. Guarded by left-side bunkering and framed by a well of grass, the large tenth green makes an inviting target.

Hole 11

The forests at Jay Peak are a mixture of fir and mature deciduous trees. These attractive trees frame the golf holes to the green. The par five eleventh is characterized by a generous fairway and a subtle continuous rise. Try to stay in the sunshine as the forest still contains brush and old fallen tree trunks that support diverse creature habitats. Eleven provides a scenic climb until you reach the protected wetland forward of the green

Hole 12

Twelve climbs straight north and is aligned against a scenic mountain backdrop. The deep right-side bunker will be one of the most popular on this course. Don’t join the crowd, rather strike a pin-seeking shot to the large, expressive raised green. You are now at the highest part of the course and in a broad valley bowl surrounded by high peaks. Enjoy the scenery of Vermont’s wild North country.

Hole 13 

At 580 yards from the back tee, this is the longest and proudest golf hole on the course. A classic three-shot par five. Even John Daly would need two towering shots to reach this green. A good drive that splits the fairway leaves the golfer with a long uphill layup shot. The green is found on the far side of the rocky outfall creek that cuts across the fairway on its way down from the mountain. The approach shot will appear closer than it is. Trust the yardage and once you reach the green, don’t let up as the green has some interesting contours.

Hole 14

Every course has a diabolical hole, and fourteen gets the nod. This is where being may not be so bad, as the alternative is far worse. The green, shallow in the back right, sits on a high narrow ridge. Deep forested slopes plunge away on the left and right sides, from which recovery is impossible. The only safe area is left and forward of the green. Swing with confidence or maybe guarded optimism. A score on fourteen is a steal.

Hole 15

From diabolical to friendly. Fifteen is a shortish par four that accepts a not-so-perfect drive. Likewise, the green is approachable by air or ground. The cautions are that you need to get over the wide, off-limits wetland, avoid the rock outcrops and don’t miss the green to the right. On occasion, with a west wind at your back, the long hitters may want to spit in their glove and go for the green.

Hole 16

This mid-length par five provides spectacular views of one of the most popular mountain ski resorts in Vermont. Sixteen runs along a narrow shelf of land, well above the Jay Branch Brook. The fairway is generous in width. However, balls will tend to run or bounce left-to-right, so aim down the left center on drives and when striking metal woods. The high green presents an attractive target. Again, approach the green by favoring the left side, as guard bunkers and deep forest will capture shots to the right.

Hole 17

The last par three at Jay Peak is a strong par three. The elevated tees, benched into a high ridge, provide a fine view of the lower green. The safe play is to start your shot left of the flag and make sure you have enough club to carry the water and sand. Check the tree tops for clues on wind force and direction, as club selection is critical.

Hole 18

This sensational finishing hole is a sweeping par four, dogleg left. High tees provide a change for a long, “best of the day” drive. A well-struck tee shot to the valley fairway far below is not a bad idea, as the Jay Branch Brook rushes past below the tees. From the landing area, the golf hole climbs to the green, which is nestled against the high, right-sided grassy bank. Deep bunkers below and left of the green keep errant shots from tumbling into the valley. Last chance to make a long putt.