The Balsams Resort and Golf Course

At 6804 yards from the back tees, handicap rating of 73.9, and slope of 136,, this Donald Ross 1911 designed course will be all you can handle. the course is called the Panorama, and for good reason. It's built on the side of Keyser Mountain, providing views to the Connecticut river valley and Mount Monadnock in Vermont, as well as the hills of the Province of Quebec. Most all shots have some sort of mountain influence, whether it's the stance from the fairway to the break in the green. The greens are "Ross" like small, somewhat elevated, and difficult to hold. Unique are the grass walled sand bunkers which guard most greens, and in a lot of cases, they're larger than the greens. The fairways are relatively broad and forgiving, it's the approach, where the game is won or lost. The course is part of the Balsam's resort, a definite step back in time set in the mountains near Dixville Notch with views of Mount Keazer. The other course here is a 9 holer, the Coashaukee Course, and is not worth playing. There's no air conditioning in the hotel, no spa, and no television in the rooms, and you have to dress with jackets for dinner, a real throwback, but enjoyable change of pace.

Published by: JayM