Smugglers Notch - Fox Run reviews
17
1
Everything You Think It’s Gonna Be
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 3, 2022
Played the course:once
Pros:
+ All the iconic views from the Green Mountain Championship: the boardwalk from the first tee, alternate fairways leading up to the 4th basket with the rocks around it, the wall behind the 5th tee where the camera guys set up, the boulder behind the 9th basket, the amazing downhill view from the 18th tee
+ It's a resort, so the upkeep is immaculate (mowing, weed whacking, bridges, and all the disc golf equipment). On-site fully stocked pro shop, including snacks, craft beers and a patio overlooking the first tee and the entire 18th hole
+ Permanent signage on all four tees (Gold/Blue/White/Red), and they've kept the DGN tee signage from the Green Mountain Championship on the back tees
+ Some surprisingly short holes (#2, #6, #10) to balance off the big dogs like #4, #7, #8, #18
+ The differences among the tees allow you to match the course to your game. As an 800 rated older golfer, I played from the whites and felt like I had a well-earned +6. Even from the shorter tees there's plenty of challenge offered by the constant threat of OB and other hazards - and the blues would likely have been too much to handle (especially in the wind)
+ It's a resort, so the upkeep is immaculate (mowing, weed whacking, bridges, and all the disc golf equipment). On-site fully stocked pro shop, including snacks, craft beers and a patio overlooking the first tee and the entire 18th hole
+ Permanent signage on all four tees (Gold/Blue/White/Red), and they've kept the DGN tee signage from the Green Mountain Championship on the back tees
+ Some surprisingly short holes (#2, #6, #10) to balance off the big dogs like #4, #7, #8, #18
+ The differences among the tees allow you to match the course to your game. As an 800 rated older golfer, I played from the whites and felt like I had a well-earned +6. Even from the shorter tees there's plenty of challenge offered by the constant threat of OB and other hazards - and the blues would likely have been too much to handle (especially in the wind)
Cons:
- Except for #13, the white tees are just ground level rubber mats. They're in good shape, and the white tees have their own permanent signage. This "con" isn't about how they affect play as much as they affect the experience ("We don't get the nice teepads…"). So it's only a note about appearances - even playing from rubber tees, I thought the golf was a 5.0
Other Thoughts:
~ The Fox Run layout has two distinct areas, separated by a long walk out to #4 and back in to #13. The "front" half is much more wooded and has some elevation, especially on the two closing holes. The "back" half is the meadow that gives it the name. Open to the wind, with a lot of OB shaping your shots. By the time you come back in from #12, you may be surprised at how woodsy the course becomes
~ Expect long rounds. Even with the control of tee times, my round took 3+ hours. It's a long walk, and the tall grasses will slow things down hunting for discs
~ It's possible to play a shortened 9 hole loop using only the "front" section: 1-3, and 13 - 18. Plenty of great golf in those nine holes
~ Fun fact: you wouldn't know this from coverage, but the short dogleg #10 where you're throwing into a facing hillside has a huge cliff that begins about 15' behind the basket. If you penetrate the woodline behind the green, you might never see that disc again
~ Also on property: Brewster Ridge!
~ Expect long rounds. Even with the control of tee times, my round took 3+ hours. It's a long walk, and the tall grasses will slow things down hunting for discs
~ It's possible to play a shortened 9 hole loop using only the "front" section: 1-3, and 13 - 18. Plenty of great golf in those nine holes
~ Fun fact: you wouldn't know this from coverage, but the short dogleg #10 where you're throwing into a facing hillside has a huge cliff that begins about 15' behind the basket. If you penetrate the woodline behind the green, you might never see that disc again
~ Also on property: Brewster Ridge!
14
2
Iconic Vermont Beauty - Destination Worthy 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 20, 2016
Played the course:once
Pros:
Amazing facility that was still dressed up for the Green Mountain Championships. Multiple tees on every hole, fair and fun design. Elevation, OB Challenges and Iconic Vermont Beauty.
I used bullet points if you don't want to read the entire review.
Smuggler's Notch is destination disc golf
Smuggler's Notch provides TWO top rated courses in one location. Brewster Ridge plays through the woods while Fox Run covers the meadows and lightly wooded hills. There is true balance here: Yin and Yang, Wooded and Open, Fun and Funner! Since both courses are amazing and both courses offer multiple tees, Smuggler's Notch is a destination for disc golfers of all abilities.
My Favorite?
This course is a picture postcard for why Vermont is so amazingly beautiful. Vermont beauty alone makes this course one of my all time favorites. The fact there are two courses on site, adds to the experience. I think Fox Run is my favorite course at Smuggler's. However, it is very difficult to choose. It is like having to choose between Apple Pie and Chocolate Cake. Apple pie is my favorite pie, and Chocolate is my favorite cake. I think I found the Fox Run course to be more enjoyable as a solo player as it is very easy to navigate and you can see where you are throwing. It could have been the timing as I played this on a late fall afternoon and the fall colors were just beginning to show. It really was the perfect end to a perfect day of disc golfing in Vermont.
Four Sets of Tee on Every Hole!
I love the fact there are four tees on each and every hole. The long Gold tees have been developed and have tee signs. The Gold tees are made of turf placed over a bed of crushed rock. The Blue Tees were generally rubber mats. The shorter White and Red tees are marked by stakes. The Red tees are the shortest and would be perfect for new players or young kids. I am a weenie arm and I played from the Gold Tees and was able to get pars on nearly every hole. The big arms have plenty of opportunities to be searching for birdies or getting in trouble.
Signs and Navigation
Big beautiful full color tee signs on every tee. The signs clearly show all four tees, all the OB and the directions to the Next Tee. As long as you pay attention, you will not have any trouble following the layout. They have Fox Run maps in the tee shop as well. I was going to add that map to files, but can't seem to find it.
Its a big one
While it is a beautiful walk in the country, it is a long walk. This course is over 9,000 feet from the Golf Tees. There are some big bomber holes where you discs can fly free and far. The 1150 foot Hole 7 is a wonderful wide open hole from an elevated tee to a green across a small creek. When I played Fox Run, it was still set up for the Green Mountain Championships, which created OB islands and narrowing fairways. The OB areas definitely add more challenge to these more open holes.
Adam's Rib
Apparently, this course was originally part of Brewster Ridge as an extra 9. Nine holes play up and around a gently wooded slope. While the lines are not as tight as Brewster, you still have to avoid the trees and hit the fairways. Holes 5 -13 are on an area of land that was apparently once an executive ball golf course. They are long and open with elevation changes and they are beautifully manicured. There is a small pond that provides some extra challenge on Holes 5 and 12. Hole 18 is one of the most beautiful finishing holes in disc golf. A wonderful sweeping 775 foot down hill hole with OB road on the left and rough on the right.
On Site Pro Shop
There was a great variety of discs at the Pro Shop. They also had drinks and snacks. Staff was super friendly. They were very helpful and knowledgeable about the merchandise.
All 18 in a row
Once you head out on Hole 1, you do not return to the parking area and pro shop until you play the signature Hole 18. Although, you could play Hole 4 and walk to Hole 14 instead of playing the 9 holes in the meadow. But, why would you skip the most beautiful holes on the course?
Kids Carts and Strollers
The terrain is gentle enough for strollers and carts. Since there are four sets of tees on every hole, even younger players and newer players can play a round. However, it is a very large course and spread out over a large area. You will not return to parking area until after Hole 18 so prepare accordingly.
Restrooms
There were facilities at the pro shop. I don't recall seeing any other portables or facilities on the course. This is a very open course, but there are a couple of opportunities for privacy if needed.
Stop and Smell the Roses
If you spend all your time focused on the disc golf, you might miss the beauty of the mountains around you. Be sure to take a minute, take a deep breath, look around and enjoy the scenery.
Lost Discs
Unless you get unlucky on the holes near the water and send a stray shot into the pond, there is little chance to lose discs on this course. I suppose you could lose a disc on the meadow holes if you send a disc into the bordering rough.
I used bullet points if you don't want to read the entire review.
Smuggler's Notch is destination disc golf
Smuggler's Notch provides TWO top rated courses in one location. Brewster Ridge plays through the woods while Fox Run covers the meadows and lightly wooded hills. There is true balance here: Yin and Yang, Wooded and Open, Fun and Funner! Since both courses are amazing and both courses offer multiple tees, Smuggler's Notch is a destination for disc golfers of all abilities.
My Favorite?
This course is a picture postcard for why Vermont is so amazingly beautiful. Vermont beauty alone makes this course one of my all time favorites. The fact there are two courses on site, adds to the experience. I think Fox Run is my favorite course at Smuggler's. However, it is very difficult to choose. It is like having to choose between Apple Pie and Chocolate Cake. Apple pie is my favorite pie, and Chocolate is my favorite cake. I think I found the Fox Run course to be more enjoyable as a solo player as it is very easy to navigate and you can see where you are throwing. It could have been the timing as I played this on a late fall afternoon and the fall colors were just beginning to show. It really was the perfect end to a perfect day of disc golfing in Vermont.
Four Sets of Tee on Every Hole!
I love the fact there are four tees on each and every hole. The long Gold tees have been developed and have tee signs. The Gold tees are made of turf placed over a bed of crushed rock. The Blue Tees were generally rubber mats. The shorter White and Red tees are marked by stakes. The Red tees are the shortest and would be perfect for new players or young kids. I am a weenie arm and I played from the Gold Tees and was able to get pars on nearly every hole. The big arms have plenty of opportunities to be searching for birdies or getting in trouble.
Signs and Navigation
Big beautiful full color tee signs on every tee. The signs clearly show all four tees, all the OB and the directions to the Next Tee. As long as you pay attention, you will not have any trouble following the layout. They have Fox Run maps in the tee shop as well. I was going to add that map to files, but can't seem to find it.
Its a big one
While it is a beautiful walk in the country, it is a long walk. This course is over 9,000 feet from the Golf Tees. There are some big bomber holes where you discs can fly free and far. The 1150 foot Hole 7 is a wonderful wide open hole from an elevated tee to a green across a small creek. When I played Fox Run, it was still set up for the Green Mountain Championships, which created OB islands and narrowing fairways. The OB areas definitely add more challenge to these more open holes.
Adam's Rib
Apparently, this course was originally part of Brewster Ridge as an extra 9. Nine holes play up and around a gently wooded slope. While the lines are not as tight as Brewster, you still have to avoid the trees and hit the fairways. Holes 5 -13 are on an area of land that was apparently once an executive ball golf course. They are long and open with elevation changes and they are beautifully manicured. There is a small pond that provides some extra challenge on Holes 5 and 12. Hole 18 is one of the most beautiful finishing holes in disc golf. A wonderful sweeping 775 foot down hill hole with OB road on the left and rough on the right.
On Site Pro Shop
There was a great variety of discs at the Pro Shop. They also had drinks and snacks. Staff was super friendly. They were very helpful and knowledgeable about the merchandise.
All 18 in a row
Once you head out on Hole 1, you do not return to the parking area and pro shop until you play the signature Hole 18. Although, you could play Hole 4 and walk to Hole 14 instead of playing the 9 holes in the meadow. But, why would you skip the most beautiful holes on the course?
Kids Carts and Strollers
The terrain is gentle enough for strollers and carts. Since there are four sets of tees on every hole, even younger players and newer players can play a round. However, it is a very large course and spread out over a large area. You will not return to parking area until after Hole 18 so prepare accordingly.
Restrooms
There were facilities at the pro shop. I don't recall seeing any other portables or facilities on the course. This is a very open course, but there are a couple of opportunities for privacy if needed.
Stop and Smell the Roses
If you spend all your time focused on the disc golf, you might miss the beauty of the mountains around you. Be sure to take a minute, take a deep breath, look around and enjoy the scenery.
Lost Discs
Unless you get unlucky on the holes near the water and send a stray shot into the pond, there is little chance to lose discs on this course. I suppose you could lose a disc on the meadow holes if you send a disc into the bordering rough.
Cons:
Lots of walking
This course covers a lot of ground. In addition to the sheer length of the course, there are also long walks from 4 to 5 and again from 13 to 14.
Open
If this course is too wide open or doesn't have enough variety for you, check out the heavily wooded Brewster Ridge on site.
This course covers a lot of ground. In addition to the sheer length of the course, there are also long walks from 4 to 5 and again from 13 to 14.
Open
If this course is too wide open or doesn't have enough variety for you, check out the heavily wooded Brewster Ridge on site.
Other Thoughts:
Lodging
I did not stay at the Smuggler's Notch RESORT. I stayed at a small Bed and Breakfast in Jeffersonville called Smuggler's Notch INN. I felt like I had stepped back in time and onto the set of the Bob Newhart show. It really was just like that. An hisoric inn owned by a nice couple and everyone was friendly. All of Vermont seems quaint, cute, old fashioned and proud of it.
Immaculate
Course was in exceptional condition following the 2016 Green Mountain Championships. Everything was mowed and trimmed and shiny. Although I would imagine they keep these two resort courses looking nice all season. All the extra features and grooming were a great change of pace from the rustic backyard course at nearby Black Falls. While I love rugged, wilderness disc golf, it is nice to be pampered!
Review delay
I played this course as part of my trip playing 12 States in 12 Days. I promised myself before the trip that I would review every single course I played. I wanted to save the best (Fox Run) for last. I had hoped to finish my review sooner. I could have just slapped together a few lines, but I really wanted to convey how awesome it was to play here. It was literally a disc golf dream come true for me. My round at Fox Run is forever etched in my memory. I will savor these sweet disc golf memories for many, many years to come. I hope I can return again one day.
Rating
This course is a perfect match for the wooded Brewster Ridge on site. The entire Smuggler's Notch disc golf complex gets a 5. Fox Run gets 5 for being immaculately maintained. Fox Run gets a 5 for amazing Vermont Beauty. Fox Run gets a five for having four tees on every single hole. Fox Run gets a 5 for thoughtful use of elevation and natural challenges. Fox Run gets a 5 and is absolutely, hands down, the BEST course I played in Vermont!
I did not stay at the Smuggler's Notch RESORT. I stayed at a small Bed and Breakfast in Jeffersonville called Smuggler's Notch INN. I felt like I had stepped back in time and onto the set of the Bob Newhart show. It really was just like that. An hisoric inn owned by a nice couple and everyone was friendly. All of Vermont seems quaint, cute, old fashioned and proud of it.
Immaculate
Course was in exceptional condition following the 2016 Green Mountain Championships. Everything was mowed and trimmed and shiny. Although I would imagine they keep these two resort courses looking nice all season. All the extra features and grooming were a great change of pace from the rustic backyard course at nearby Black Falls. While I love rugged, wilderness disc golf, it is nice to be pampered!
Review delay
I played this course as part of my trip playing 12 States in 12 Days. I promised myself before the trip that I would review every single course I played. I wanted to save the best (Fox Run) for last. I had hoped to finish my review sooner. I could have just slapped together a few lines, but I really wanted to convey how awesome it was to play here. It was literally a disc golf dream come true for me. My round at Fox Run is forever etched in my memory. I will savor these sweet disc golf memories for many, many years to come. I hope I can return again one day.
Rating
This course is a perfect match for the wooded Brewster Ridge on site. The entire Smuggler's Notch disc golf complex gets a 5. Fox Run gets 5 for being immaculately maintained. Fox Run gets a 5 for amazing Vermont Beauty. Fox Run gets a five for having four tees on every single hole. Fox Run gets a 5 for thoughtful use of elevation and natural challenges. Fox Run gets a 5 and is absolutely, hands down, the BEST course I played in Vermont!
3
4
TheBogeyMan
Experience:
1 played
1 reviews
Stunning 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 10, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
The Fox Run course at Smuggler's Notch is stunning and does not disappoint! The views are breathtaking and the staff are very friendly! Out of bounds comes into play on every hole which keeps you thinking and on your toes for every shot. Every single hole is well thought out and fair. The gold layout had turf tee pads, which were awesome to play from! The tee signs were incredibly accurate and made for no confusion.
Cons:
This really is not a con, but perhaps golf carts could be implemented here. The gold layout measures in at almost 2 miles of tee to basket distance, but the walk as a whole is easily 4 to 5 miles. Be prepared for a hike 
Other Thoughts:
This course is a must visit! The amenities at and around the course are top notch. I would recommend staying at Smuggler's Notch resort and playing multiple rounds at Fox Run and it's sister course Brewster Ridge.
