I attended a golf outing at Dorset Field Club yesterday. Located in the charming little town of Dorset, VT, Dorset Field Club claims to be the oldest continuing operated golf course in the U.S. The story is that a group of men who summered in Dorset laid out nine holes in 1886. When a clubhouse was built in 1896, it was named Woodruff Hall for one of the founders. In any case, I’ve seen lists that indicate other clubs of longer duration (e.g. San Francisco’s Olympic Club), but let’s just say Dorset Field Club is old (although its second nine were not added until 1954 but seem quite harmonious with the other nine).
The course was in superb condition as befits an exclusive private club, and despite a 10-minute torrential downpour in the middle of our final nine holes, it was a joy to play. I hope the accompanying photos give a sense of the setting, terrain and layout of the wonderful Dorset Field Club.
