Montana boasts over 40 public golf courses which mostly consist of 18-holes, however, there are some great 9-hole courses are available for the golfing tourist who does not have the time for a full 18 holes.
The tee-off rates are extremely competitive and the facilities on and off the courses are well worth a visit. But it’s the majestic backdrop with mountains, creeks, and abundant wildlife, that makes for a truly enjoyable round of golf.
The 8 Best Golf Courses in Montana
- Lake Hills Golf Club
- Northern Pines Golf Club
- Meadow Lake Golf Course
- Big Sky Golf Resort Course
- Buffalo Hills Golf Club
- The Old Works Golf Club
- Cottonwood Hills Golf Course
- Bridger Creek Golf Course
1. Lake Hills Golf Club
Lake Hills golf course is a walkable 18-holes that can be enjoyed by all skill levels. Water comes into play on 9 of the 18 hole layout, which features doglegs to challenge the more proficient golfer.
It plays 6,258- meters for a 72 par from the tips and a very manageable 4,734- meters from the front tees. Plenty of tee options are available for the beginner. The tree-lined fairways are lush and wide, so the driver can be used extensively during the round.
The fair-sized greens will test the putting skills while providing fun and enjoyment for family members. Johnny Miller rates this course as one of the best public courses he has played. Antelope and abundant birdlife abound throughout the course to add to the pleasure of the round. The clubhouse facilities offer drinks and food for after-round enjoyment.
2. Northern Pines Golf Club in Kalispell, Montana
An 18-hole facility designed by two-time US Open winner Andy North and Roger Packard, it plays 6,453-meters off the tips and a leisurely 4,987-meters from the front tee. 5-tee options are available for all skill levels to enjoy the course. Opened in 1996 this mature mixture of Links-style and rolling fairways offers a stern test for the accomplished golfer while providing an enjoyable round for the beginner or family members.
The native grasses protect the wide fairways, and the Stilwater River meanders alongside several holes on the back nine. The course offers golf carts, but is easily walkable, and gives time to take in the beautiful setting. The clubhouse facilities offer good food and drink at reasonable prices.
3. Meadow Lake Golf Course in Columbia Falls, Montana
The 18-hole layout is a fantastic test of golf for all skill levels. The tall tree-lined fairways, with doglegs, beautiful white sand bunkers, and tricky greens create a challenge few golfers can resist. Playing as a par 72 from the tips measuring 6,176-meters, it is as scenic as it is challenging. Front tees measure 5,431-meters.
Water comes into play throughout the round and shot selection and placement are well rewarded. The rolling terrain fairways are immaculate while the green complexes test putting skills. The course is walkable and will allow time to take in the surrounding beauty of the facility. Good food and drinks are readily available after the day’s golf.
4. Big Sky Golf Resort Course in Montana
Situated in the Big Sky Meadow, this original Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole course will be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. It has been modified over the years but remains a fantastic layout. Playing 6,262-meters off the tips and 4,873-meters off the lady’s tee, the scenic features make it hard to concentrate on the golf!
Wildlife abounds and even bears have been spotted during a round. The prevailing winds add to the character of the course and the rolling fairways require accuracy and shot placement to score well.
Risk and reward holes offer a challenge that is hard to ignore, but beware of the pitfalls! A course to play and enjoy top-class service with food and drinks available in the beautiful clubhouse.
5. Buffalo Hills Golf Club in Kalispell, Montana
Buffalo Hills Golf Club offers 27-holes of golf with the championship 18-hole course rated as one of the most difficult in the region. The 9-hole Camron course is the original course on the layout.
For the low handicap golfer, the 6,057-meter layout from the tips will test the skill level, while the front tee option at 4,897-meters(ladies), allows the social golfer to experience a course filled with views and challenges.
The Stilwater River flows through the course, and the views of the Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Glacier National Park are stunning. The tree-lined fairways require accuracy and a good strategy to conqueror this track.
Large greens, surrounded by white sand bunkers, add to the challenge throughout the round. The clubhouse facilities are top-rated and can be enjoyed for after-round drinks and food. Buffalo Hills Golf Club is the most popular course for visitors in Montana.
6. The Old Works Golf Club in Anaconda, Montana
The Old Works Golf Course is the only Jack Nicklaus designed signature course open to the public in Montana. Any layout designed by him is a challenge, whilst also offering an element of enjoyment. Posting a good score will be worth boasting about in the fantastic bar and food facility clubhouse, after completing the round.
The deep, strategically placed black slag bunkers, are unique and set against the green lush fairways, adding to the beauty of the course. It is a championship track stretching to 7,084-meters from the tips and 4,876-meters from the front tees.
The multiple-tee options make the course playable for all skill levels. The different sequence of hole-styles is part of the challenge, and water comes into play at strategic places throughout. Risk and reward holes will appeal to the competent golfer always prepared to take the gamble and attack the course. If in Montana, this course must be played.
7. Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Bozeman, Montana
Cottonwood Hills Golf Course boasts an 18-hole layout that will appeal to every golfer, especially the social or beginner golfer wanting to play in an open-style track. The fairways are wide, with small trees lining mostly the landing areas off the tee.
Players who enjoy hitting the driver at every opportunity will thrive here. Although it is wide, a creek meanders through and alongside many of the fairways, to penalize that wild tee shot!
Strategically placed bunkers are in play on some of the gently undulating holes, and doglegs add to the challenge. 4-tee options are available with the tips playing 6,488-meters and the front playing at 5,003-meters.
It is an easy walk and drinks and food are available at the clubhouse. Carts are available to hire.
8. Bridger Creek Golf Course in Bozeman, Montana
Located at the base of the Bridger Mountains, this 18-hole public course is growing in stature year after year. US Amateur pre-qualifying rounds and state tournaments have used the facility due to the outstanding condition and complexity of the track.
It plays just over 6,000-meters off the tips and 5,600-meters off the front tees. Water plays a significant role in the difficulty of the course and is used to entice golfers to attack the course when playing their A-game or play more conservatively when not sure of their game on the day.
Doglegs and strategically placed bunkers test accuracy off the tee. For the social or mid to high handicap golfer, the course is very playable, with a fun element ever-present. A full-scale golf academy is on-site for any player requiring a quick tip or lesson to improve their game. The clubhouse facility caters to fine food and drinks after the game.