Golf course in Manchester, Vermon
Ekwanok Country Club is a golf course in Manchester, Vermont. It was built by Walter Travis.
Early history
Ekwanok is among Walter Travis' best-known works.[1] The Ekwanok Country Club is very "old school,"[2] and it was Travis's first involvement in golf course architecture.[1] Today, it is recognized as the finest course in the Green Mountain State by Golf Digest.[3]
Ekwanok was one of the longest courses in the country when it opened in 1899, at a mere 6,082 yards.[1]
In 1914, Francis Ouimet won the U.S. Amateur, defeating Jerry Travers, 6 and 5, in the 36-hole final.[4] After that U.S. Amateur, Ekwanok Country Club, of its own volition, quietly withdrew from the national golf scene.[citation needed]
Restoration
Since 2011, the Ekwanok Club has begun a restoration of the course's original bunkers and greens, some that had been lost or modified over the years. Bruce Hepner of Renaissance Designs was hired to complete these changes.[5][1]
Ekwanok's restoration followed many of the original principles of Walter Travis. Ekwanok preserved the unique Travis features and history of the course for the enjoyment of future generations.[citation needed]
Seventh hole
The most famous hole is the seventh hole, which is a par 5 playing 595 yards. It is an extremely long hole considering the time that it was built and "Travis worked with the land and the result is a uniquely memorable hole with a hill that bisects the fairway from the 300 to 370 yard mark."[6]
