Fox Run Golf Club – Played July 2021
- Rankings: None of my four lists
- Location: 89 Fox Lane, Ludlow, Vermont
- Year: 1999
- Architect: Steve Durkee
- Course Access: Public
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Black: 6,434 yards, Par 70, 70.6 Rating/126 Slope
- Blue: 6,104 yards, Par 70, 69.0 Rating/124 Slope
- White: 5,726 yards, Par 70, 66.9 Rating/119 Slope
- Gold: 4,505 yards, Par 70, 62.7 Rating/107 Slope
Up until this day, I had never played golf in Vermont. I found that surprising since I had been coming to New Hampshire for so long.
When some plans changed, I called an audible and scheduled a tee time at Fox Run Golf Club. It was formally known as Okemo Valley. A change in ownership brought about some improvements. These include new forward tees, bunker restoration, and a Salsco fairway roller. Since it’s located in a skiing area the property stays busy in the winter too with a snowmobile trail system.
I was paired with three ladies who spend some of the summer in Vermont. It was a good time meeting them and learning about the course. After exchanging pleasantries on the first tee, it was time to play. All yardages are from the Black tees.
Hole 1 – 398 yards – Par 4
I got a funky angle for this photo, but the hole is actually straightaway. A drive up the left side provides the best angle to approach the green.
Hole 2 – 535 yards – Par 5
It’s helpful to know that this hole moves to the left overall. At this length, it’s a three shot hole for me. Take note of the shape and slope of the green.
Hole 3 – 367 yards – Par 4
Avoid the bunkers and trees on this one. I found it played a bit longer than the yardage on the approach since the green is ever so slightly elevated.
Hole 4 – 184 yards – Par 3
For a longer shot, this green is a small target. The surrounds serve to funnel shots toward the green, but I hit an awful tee shot that didn’t take advantage of that design feature.
Hole 5 – 385 yards – Par 4
You must be cognizant of the creek that splits the fairway on an angle. Hugging the left side keeps clear of it, but the right side is a better angle of approach.
Hole 6 – 185 yards – Par 3
The two-tiered green is devilish on this hole. Being on the wrong level makes for a tough par.
Hole 7 – 512 yards – Par 5
The fairway bends to the right on this scoreable hole. The bunkers come into play on the layup, so you cannot let your mind wander.
Hole 8 – 186 yards – Par 3
There’s a bit of quirk here. You’ll notice that the entire green isn’t visible which can be off-putting. I didn’t mind it since distance control was much more important.
Hole 9 – 397 yards – Par 4
The claustrophobic feeling is real standing on this tee. The approach opens up, but a slope in front of the green makes for tough chipping if you miss the putting surface.
Hole 10 – 312 yards – Par 4
The back nine starts with a legitimate birdie opportunity. I went less than driver but long hitters can certainly get close to the green.
Hole 11 – 513 yards – Par 5
I found precision to be more important here with trees lurking on both sides throughout the hole. The green is tucked away with a steep drop-off to the left.
There is a bit of room to miss the green long.
Hole 12 – 397 yards – Par 4
This hole is all about what you see. There is a hazard, but it shouldn’t be in play with two solid shots. Take it from me, the rough on the right is quite thick.
Hole 13 – 325 yards – Par 4
A fairway finding drive will set up a chance to attack the elevated green on this shorter hole. The green is tucked up to the right.
Hole 14 – 230 yards – Par 3
No tricks on this tee shot. You need a great shot to hit the green. To add to the challenge, the putting surface has an ample amount of slope.
Hole 15 – 407 yards – Par 4
With this being one of the longer holes, additional challenges are absent. The fairway is generous and the green is open in front.
Hole 16 – 458 yards – Par 4
Get ready for some elevation change on this long, brawny par four. You’ll want to pipe driver up the left side of the fairway and catch as much slope as you can.
Calculations of yardage will be fun on this approach shot.
Hole 17 – 213 yards – Par 3
There is no let up on the par threes on this side. Mishit this shot and you’re heading to the drop zone.
The green features some pretty looking contours.
Hole 18 – 430 yards – Par 4
You can feel proud of the score you post at Fox Run with the difficult finishing stretch. With this wide fairway, pounding driver is encouraged.
The view of the clubhouse and scenery is a cool look.
My day at Fox Run Golf Club was a fun one. It’s not often I get paired with three ladies and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. The course only added to that feeling. It’s not long overall, but there are plenty of long holes to challenge your game. It’s clear the financial investment has yielded a good result. If you’re around Ludlow, Vermont, give Fox Run a look.