Vermont has a way of hiding its best secrets in plain sight. If you’re driving through Bennington, you’ll probably see the Battle Monument piercing the skyline first. It’s huge. It’s hard to miss. But tucked right into the shadow of that massive stone obelisk is something that tells a much older, more social story about the Green Mountain State. I’m talking about Mt. Anthony Country Club.
Most people hear "country club" and think of gated communities, strict dress codes, and a general vibe of "you can’t sit with us." That isn't the case here. Honestly, Mt. Anthony is basically the living room of Bennington. It’s been around since the late 1800s—1897 to be exact—and it has survived everything from the Great Depression to the shifting whims of modern golf culture. It feels permanent.
The first thing you’ll notice when you pull up to the clubhouse is the view. It’s ridiculous. You’re looking out over the Green Mountains, and in the fall, the colors are so bright they almost look fake. But the history is what actually keeps the place grounded. We're talking about a course that was originally designed by Jan van Kleek and has evolved through the decades into a 6,000-plus yard challenge that isn't just about how hard you can hit a ball. It’s about whether you can read the terrain.
The Layout: Why Golfers Love (and Hate) These Greens
Let's get into the technical stuff for a second. The course at Mt. Anthony Country Club isn't one of those flat, boring suburban tracks where you can see the pin from every tee box. It’s hilly. Really hilly.
If you aren't used to elevation changes, your calves are going to feel it by the 9th hole. The greens are notoriously fast and tricky. You’ve got these subtle breaks that look like they're going left, but because of the mountain's pull, the ball decides to go right. It's frustrating. It's also addictive.
A lot of golfers talk about the par-3s here. They’re short enough to feel manageable but protected enough to ruin your scorecard if you get cocky. You’re playing through mature trees—maples, oaks, the whole New England aesthetic—and the wind coming off the mountains can change your club selection in a heartbeat.
- The fairways are tight.
- Bunkers are placed exactly where you don’t want them.
- The 18th hole brings you right back toward the clubhouse with a view that makes even a double-bogey feel okay.
It’s a par-71. It doesn’t sound long on paper, but the terrain makes it play much longer. You'll see locals who have played here for forty years still scratching their heads over a putt on the 4th green. That’s the charm. It’s a thinking person's course.
The Food at The Grille: Not Your Average Clubhouse Fare
You'd expect a country club to serve a basic club sandwich and maybe some lukewarm fries. That’s the stereotype. But The Grille at Mt. Anthony Country Club actually puts in the work. It’s become a destination for people who don't even own a set of clubs.
The menu leans into the "farm-to-table" ethos that Vermont is famous for, but without the pretension. They do a lot of locally sourced stuff. You’ll find North Country Smokehouse meats and local cheeses. The burger is consistently cited as one of the best in the area. They don't overcomplicate it. Just good beef, a solid bun, and the right toppings.
The atmosphere helps. In the summer, the patio is the place to be. You can sit outside, watch the sunset over the mountains, and listen to the sound of golfers complaining about their short game in the distance. It’s peaceful. In the winter, the vibe shifts. The club doesn't just die off when the snow hits. They do events, indoor gatherings, and it stays a hub for the community.
Weddings and the "Big Event" Factor
If you search for Mt. Anthony Country Club online, half of what you see will be wedding photos. There’s a reason for that. The backdrop of the Bennington Battle Monument combined with the rolling greens is basically a cheat code for photographers.
They have a dedicated banquet space that can hold about 200 people. It’s called the "Flanagan Room." It feels classic. High ceilings, lots of light. But unlike some of the high-end resorts further north in Stowe or Woodstock, there’s a grit to Bennington that makes it feel more authentic. It’s elegant but not "don't touch the wallpaper" elegant.
A History That Actually Matters
We have to talk about 1897. That’s a long time ago. Think about what Vermont was like back then. Logging, farming, and the very beginning of the "summer cottage" era for wealthy New Yorkers escaping the heat.
Mt. Anthony started as a social club and it has stayed true to that. It went through a massive renovation in the mid-2000s when the Maroney family took over. They poured a lot of love (and money) into the facility to make sure it didn't just crumble into history. They modernized the irrigation, revamped the clubhouse, and made the whole place accessible.
Usually, when a private club gets bought out, people worry it’ll become exclusive and weird. The opposite happened here. They made it more welcoming. They have memberships, sure, but they also have public tee times. You can just show up and play.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mt. Anthony
People assume it’s expensive. It’s actually pretty reasonable compared to the "destination" courses in the Berkshires just across the border in Massachusetts.
Another misconception? That it’s only for old people. Honestly, the club has done a lot to bring in younger families. They have a pool. They do junior golf programs. You’ll see teenagers practicing their chips alongside retirees. It’s a mix.
Also, don't assume the weather is always perfect. This is Vermont. You might start your round in 70-degree sunshine and finish it in a drizzle with a 15-degree temperature drop. Come prepared. Bring a jacket.
Why Bennington Matters to the Experience
You can’t separate the club from the town. Bennington is a "real" town. It’s got the history, the art (Bennington College is right there), and a bit of an edge. When you stay in the area to play at Mt. Anthony, you’re close to:
- The Bennington Museum: They have the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world.
- Old First Church: Robert Frost is buried in the cemetery behind it. His headstone says, "I had a lover's quarrel with the world."
- The Monument: You can take an elevator to the top. The view is insane, and you can see the golf course from up there.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head out there, don't just wing it. Especially in the fall.
Book your tee time early. Foliage season is peak time. Everyone wants to be on that course when the leaves turn. If you wait until the week of, you’re probably going to be stuck with a 4:00 PM tee time and you won’t finish before dark.
Check the dress code. It’s relaxed, but don't show up in a tank top and gym shorts. Think "neat casual." Collared shirts are a safe bet.
Don't skip the practice range. Because the course is so undulating, you want to find your rhythm before you hit the first tee. The first hole isn't exactly a "gentle" start. It sets the tone.
Drive the extra ten minutes to North Bennington. After your round and a meal at the club, head over to North Bennington. It’s a tiny, picturesque village with a great bookstore and some cool architecture. It rounds out the "Vermont Experience."
Talk to the pro shop staff. They know the course better than anyone. Ask them where the greens are breaking that day. They’ll usually give you a tip that saves you three or four strokes.
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Mt. Anthony Country Club is one of those places that reminds you why golf is supposed to be fun. It’s not about the status. It’s about the walk, the views, and the person you’re sharing the cart with. Whether you're an 18-handicap or a scratch golfer, the mountain treats everyone the same.
To make the most of your trip, check the local event calendar before booking. The club often hosts tournaments or private events that might limit tee time availability on weekends. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday morning round, you’ll feel like you own the entire mountain. Pack extra balls—those Vermont woods are thick and they don't give back what they take.