Cedar Knoll Country Club

Once the Bissonette Family Farm, Cedar Knoll Country Club In Hinesburg, Vermont comes from humble beginnings. The story begins one summer evening as Tim Ayer, one of the sons of the founders, was hitting golf balls down onto the empty pasture that is now their 12th hole. Watching from the back porch were Ruth and Raymond Ayer, his parents. Seeing golf balls flying down the pasture started the gears turning in their minds about how they could change their simple dairy farm into a vastly different business, a golf course.


The cow pastures were the framework that Raymond used to layout the first 18 holes, 2 nines, West & North. In the first year of construction, the dairy operation continued as it had for decades with the Ayer family splitting time between milking their 110 Holsteins and constructing the golf course. Finally, the herd was sold to other local dairies in order to raise more funds for equipment and finishing the course. The build-out was coming along well in 1993, the range was already open, the majority of the land-forming had been completed and the turf was growing in. It wouldn't be long before the course would be ready, and in the spring of 1994, they opened. Since then they have added an additional nine holes, the South, to give them multiple configurations for 18 hole play, and a way to close 9 holes for maintenance and still have a playable round available for golfers, given the shortened season in northwestern Vermont. In addition, golf charity outings can be scheduled without closing the whole facility for the day, increasing revenue.


Located in the Vermont Champlain Valley just 12 miles from Burlington, the state capital, in Chittendon County, Cedar Knoll Country Club is a welcoming golf experience for folks from all walks of life. The Ayer family is committed to providing the best golf experience and they take great pride in the highest quality conditions possible. "There are always improvements coming to Cedar Knoll. We aren't satisfied with just being good enough," says Raymond Ayer. "We want to deliver the best possible experience every time you set foot on our property." With almost 10,000 yards of golf with four sets of tees, golfers of all ages and backgrounds come from miles around to play the 'Knoll'.


This year when the course opens players will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the Green Mountain State. Mike Slayton, a "Class A" PGA Professional and fifth-generation Vermonter is the new Director of Instruction at Cedar Knoll, and brings with him his knowledge of the game and a passion to help golfers enjoy it more. Mike has previously worked at Stowe Mountain Club, Newport Country Club, and most recently the Country Club of Vermont. With a full-length driving range with natural grass and synthetic driving stations, a practice putting green, and chipping green complete with sand bunkers, golfers can work on every part of their game.


Memberships at Cedar Knoll are affordable and meet anyone's circumstances. The friendliness of the staff and family rolls right over to the members and regulars who call Cedar Knoll their home course. There are always folks outdoors in season enjoying a cold one and a nosh or inside tasting the delicious food from Red's Bar & Grill.


When the snow melts and the trees start leafing out, clean off those clubs and take the opportunity to try Cedar Knoll Country Club in 2021. Go to CedarKnollgolf.com to learn more.