Experience mountain golf at its finest across Big Sky Country's 80+ spectacular courses
Montana offers exceptional mountain golf with spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, high-elevation play, and courses designed by golf legends including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Weiskopf. From championship resort courses at Big Sky and Whitefish to the unique slag-bunker experience at Old Works, Montana's 80+ golf courses provide unforgettable rounds against backdrops of snow-capped peaks, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife.
The golf season typically runs May through September, with peak conditions from June through early September. Montana courses range from 5,000 to 7,500 feet elevation, offering thinner air that adds 10-15% distance to shots. Affordable green fees ($25-$95 for most public courses), uncrowded fairways, and the chance to spot deer, elk, and eagles make Montana a premier golf destination.
Montana's premier resort golf courses offer championship play at high elevation with spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. These designer courses feature dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditions, and world-class amenities.
📍 Big Sky
Tom Weiskopf-designed course at 7,000 feet elevation offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains and forest on nearly every hole. Private club featuring one of Montana's most spectacular golf experiences just over an hour from Yellowstone National Park.
Elevation: 7,000 feet | Designer: Tom Weiskopf
📍 Big Sky
Jack Nicklaus Signature Course draped across dramatic landscape at 7,500 feet above sea level. Montana's highest-elevation championship course offers breathtaking vistas and challenging mountain golf with thinner air adding distance to every shot.
Elevation: 7,500 feet | Designer: Jack Nicklaus
📍 Eureka, near Lake Koocanusa
Nick Faldo-designed championship course surrounded by three mountain ranges: Whitefish, Purcell and the Rockies. Ranked #1 golf course in Montana by Golfweek and Golf Magazine, #2 Best New Private Course in U.S. (2022), and #57 in America by Golf Digest.
Designer: Nick Faldo | Awards: #1 MT, #57 USA
📍 Whitefish
Tom Fazio-designed private course located between Big Mountain and Whitefish Lake shores. Meanders through thick forests with constant elevation changes, tight driving windows, and tricky bentgrass greens. Minutes from Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Designer: Tom Fazio | Location: Glacier Country
📍 Hamilton
Tom Fazio design in the Bitterroot Valley featuring terrific views of the Sapphire Mountains. Golf Digest Top 200 ranked course offers championship golf in one of Montana's most scenic valleys with dramatic mountain backdrops on every hole.
Designer: Tom Fazio | Location: Bitterroot Valley
📍 Deer Lodge
Tom Doak-designed course competing with 10,000-foot snow-capped Flint Creek Mountain Range backdrop. Ranked #65 nationally in Golf Digest's Top 200. Combines championship golf with Montana's ranching heritage and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.
Designer: Tom Doak | Ranking: #65 USA
Northwest Montana's Glacier Country offers exceptional golf near one of America's most spectacular national parks. The Flathead Valley has been named a "Top 50 Golf Course Destination" by Golf Digest, featuring courses with views of Glacier peaks, Flathead Lake, and pristine mountain wilderness.
Southwest Montana's Yellowstone Country combines world-class golf with proximity to Yellowstone National Park, offering high-elevation play, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. This region features championship resort courses and excellent public options.
Montana's six tourism regions each offer distinct golf experiences, from Glacier Country's mountain courses to Eastern Montana's prairie links.
25+ Courses | Flathead Valley, Missoula, Bitterroot Valley
20+ Courses | Big Sky, Bozeman, Butte, Anaconda
15+ Courses | Great Falls, Lewistown, Fort Benton
12+ Courses | Billings, Laurel, Livingston
8+ Courses | Helena, Townsend, Boulder
10+ Courses | Miles City, Glendive, Havre
Montana's cities offer accessible golf with excellent municipal and public courses, many featuring mountain backdrops and affordable rates.
These unique courses define Montana golf through exceptional design, historic significance, or spectacular natural settings.
Cart rental typically $20-$35. Twilight rates 20-40% off after 2-3pm. Senior and junior discounts widely available.
Weather changes rapidly in mountains. Bring layers and rain gear. Morning temperatures can be 20-30°F cooler than afternoon.
Big Sky courses (6,500-7,500 ft) are Montana's highest. Billings/Miles City (3,000-3,500 ft) are lowest.
Many courses have limited cell service. Download course maps ahead.
Play forward tees first round at unfamiliar mountain course. Altitude and terrain make courses play longer.
Many courses close temporarily for tournaments. Check calendar when booking.
3-Day Glacier Country Tour:
2-Day Big Sky Golf Getaway:
Many Montana courses offer free golf for kids under 12 with paying adult. Junior clinics common June-August.
Montana golf courses often feature wildlife including deer, elk, moose, bears, eagles, and osprey. While encounters add to the experience, proper awareness ensures safety.
Black bears and occasionally grizzly bears inhabit areas near Montana golf courses, especially in Glacier Country and Yellowstone regions.
Courses near Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Big Sky, and Seeley Lake areas have highest bear activity. Report sightings to course staff immediately.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: For detailed wildlife safety information, visit fwp.mt.gov. Download "Be Bear Aware" brochures for comprehensive bear safety guidelines.
Montana's golf season typically runs from early May through mid-October, depending on elevation and weather. Peak season is June through early September with best conditions in July and August. Lower elevation courses in Billings, Miles City, and the valleys open in late April, while high mountain courses like Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin (6,500-7,500 feet elevation) may not open until June. Courses in the Flathead Valley (Whitefish, Kalispell) typically open mid-May. Fall golf (September-October) offers spectacular scenery with fall colors, better course conditions, and significantly fewer crowds, though weather becomes less predictable.
Montana's top-rated courses include Wilderness Club (Eureka) - ranked #1 in Montana by Golfweek and #57 nationally by Golf Digest; Rock Creek Cattle Company (Deer Lodge) - #65 in USA; Old Works Golf Course (Anaconda) - Montana's only public Jack Nicklaus Signature course with unique black slag bunkers; Spanish Peaks Mountain Club (Big Sky) - Tom Weiskopf design at 7,000 feet elevation; Iron Horse Golf Club (Whitefish) - Tom Fazio design near Glacier National Park; The Reserve at Moonlight Basin (Big Sky) - Jack Nicklaus course at 7,500 feet; Stock Farm Club (Hamilton) - Tom Fazio design in Bitterroot Valley; and Big Sky Resort Golf Course - Arnold Palmer-designed public course along the Gallatin River. These courses combine championship golf with spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery.
Montana golf green fees range from $25-$185 depending on course type and season. Budget municipal courses charge $25-$40 for 18 holes ($15-$25 for 9 holes). Mid-range public courses cost $45-$75. Premium public courses run $80-$95. Resort and championship courses charge $95-$185, with top destinations like Big Sky and Moonlight Basin at the higher end. Cart rental adds $20-$35. Montana offers exceptional value compared to Colorado or California mountain resorts where comparable courses cost $150-$300. Twilight rates (after 2-3pm) provide 20-40% savings. Many courses offer senior and junior discounts, multi-round punch cards, and seasonal passes. Visit during shoulder season (May, late September-October) for 30-50% lower rates.
Bear encounters on Montana golf courses are rare but possible, especially in Glacier Country (Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Seeley Lake) and Yellowstone regions (Big Sky, West Yellowstone). Both black bears and occasionally grizzly bears inhabit these areas. Carry bear spray in an accessible location (golf bag or cart) and know how to use it. Make noise when retrieving balls from wooded areas or tall grass. Never approach bears - maintain 100+ yards distance. Bears are most active at dawn and dusk, so exercise extra caution during early morning or evening rounds. If you encounter a bear, do not run (you cannot outrun them and running triggers chase response). Stand your ground, speak calmly, and back away slowly. Never come between a mother bear and cubs. Report sightings to course staff immediately. Most Montana golfers play entire careers without bear encounters, but preparedness is essential.
Montana golf courses range from 3,000 feet (Billings, Miles City) to 7,500 feet (Moonlight Basin, Big Sky) elevation. At higher elevations, thinner air provides less resistance, causing golf balls to travel 10-15% farther than at sea level. At Big Sky's 6,500-7,000 feet elevation, a typical 150-yard shot will play like 165-175 yards. Club down 1-2 clubs from your normal distance. A 7-iron shot becomes an 8 or 9-iron. High elevation also affects putting - balls roll faster and break more due to harder surfaces. Additional considerations: increased UV exposure (use SPF 50+ sunscreen), greater dehydration (drink 50% more water than normal), potential altitude sickness first day (fatigue, headache, shortness of breath), and longer recovery between shots. Plan easier rounds your first day at high elevation. Ball flight is also affected by temperature - cool mountain mornings reduce distance, while warm afternoons increase it.
Yes, the Glacier National Park region offers excellent golf. The Flathead Valley has been named a "Top 50 Golf Course Destination" by Golf Digest. Top courses near Glacier include: Glacier View Golf Club (West Glacier) - par-69 course with direct Glacier Park views, opened 1969; Meadow Lake Golf Course (Columbia Falls) - 15 minutes from Whitefish, 4.5-star Golf Digest rating, gateway to Glacier; Whitefish Lake Golf Club - Montana's most popular public course with North and South 18s; Iron Horse Golf Club (Whitefish) - Tom Fazio private course between Big Mountain and Whitefish Lake; Buffalo Hill Golf Club (Kalispell) - Championship 18 and Cameron 9; Village Greens (Kalispell) - friendly public course; Northern Pines (Kalispell) - 7,015-yard championship course; and Eagle Bend (Bigfork) - 27 holes overlooking Flathead Lake. Most courses are 20-45 minutes from Glacier's west entrance, allowing morning golf and afternoon park visits.
Montana's mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring proper preparation. Essential items: layered clothing (fleece, windbreaker, light jacket for cool mornings that can be 20-30°F cooler than afternoon temperatures); sun protection including hat, polarized sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and lip balm (UV exposure 60% higher at altitude); rain gear including waterproof jacket for afternoon thunderstorms common July-August; extra golf balls (mountain courses have challenging hazards, dense forests, and steep terrain where ball retrieval is difficult); GPS or rangefinder to account for elevation effects on distance; water bottle minimum 32oz, more for high elevation courses due to increased dehydration; snacks sealed in containers to avoid attracting wildlife; bear spray if playing courses in Glacier Country or Yellowstone regions; and first aid kit including altitude sickness medication if coming from low elevation. Download course maps before rounds as many courses have limited cell service in mountain areas.
Yes, Montana offers numerous affordable public and municipal golf courses. Budget-friendly options ($25-$45 for 18 holes) include: University of Montana Golf Course (Missoula) - 9 holes, $15-$25; Bill Roberts Golf Course (Helena) - municipal course; Yegen Golf Club (Billings) - championship 18-hole; Anaconda Hills and Eagle Falls (Great Falls) - quality municipal courses; Larchmont Golf Course (Missoula) - only public 18-hole in Missoula; Linda Vista, Canyon River (Missoula area); and numerous small-town courses throughout Montana offering excellent value. Mid-range public courses ($45-$75) providing great quality include Bridger Creek (Bozeman), Cottonwood Hills (Bozeman), Buffalo Hill (Kalispell), Village Greens (Kalispell), and Whitefish Lake Golf Club. Many municipal courses offer season passes ($800-$1,500), multi-round punch cards, and significant twilight discounts. Montana provides exceptional golf value - comparable mountain courses in Colorado cost 2-3 times more.
Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda is Montana's only public Jack Nicklaus Signature design and the first course ever built on a Federal EPA Superfund site. From 1884-1902, the site housed Anaconda's original copper-smelting facilities processing ores from Butte mines. After lying dormant nearly a century, it became a Superfund cleanup site in 1983. Nicklaus incorporated historic relics throughout his 1997 design: all bunkers are filled with black slag sand (by-product of copper smelting) giving the course its signature look unique in golf; granite slabs from the old mill line Warm Springs Creek banks protecting the 10th green; massive stone furnaces border the third fairway; and a 150-foot smelter flue provides dramatic backdrop to the fourth green. The course measures 5,300-7,700 yards along Warm Springs Creek. Old Works is ranked #2 in Montana by Golfweek and appears on Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list. Green fees $80-$95, exceptional value for a Nicklaus Signature course.
The best time for Montana golf depends on priorities. Peak season (July-August) offers warmest weather, longest days, and best course conditions, but also highest rates, most crowds, and afternoon thunderstorm risk. Early season (May-early June) provides uncrowded courses, 20-30% lower rates, and excellent conditions, though weather is less predictable with possible cool mornings and some courses not yet open (especially high elevation). Fall golf (September-early October) is considered optimal by many locals: courses in best condition after full season maintenance, spectacular fall foliage in late September, temperatures comfortable (60s-70s daytime), minimal crowds, 30-50% lower rates, and no afternoon thunderstorms. However, days are shorter and weather becomes unpredictable by mid-October. Avoid late October-April when courses are closed. For best value and experience, visit mid-late September. For guaranteed weather and full course access, choose July (but book well ahead). Spring (May-early June) offers best combination of low rates and good conditions if you don't mind cooler mornings.
Absolutely. Montana offers many beginner-friendly and family-welcoming courses. Best options for beginners include: University of Montana Golf Course (Missoula) - relaxed 9-hole course, affordable, perfect for learning; Buffalo Hill Cameron 9 (Kalispell) - shorter course designed for developing golfers; Village Greens (Kalispell) - friendly staff, accommodating to all skill levels; Glacier View Golf Club - family passes available, par-69 course less intimidating than par-72; and municipal courses in Billings, Great Falls, Helena offering relaxed atmospheres and affordable rates. Many Montana courses offer free golf for kids under 12 with paying adult. Junior golf clinics are common June-August. Most courses have forward tees (5,200-5,600 yards) making layouts manageable for beginners, seniors, and juniors. Montana's uncrowded courses (except peak July-August weekends) provide relaxed pace without pressure from groups behind. Course staff are typically welcoming and helpful to beginners. Consider booking lessons - most resort and public courses offer instruction $50-$100/hour. Start with 9 holes at easier courses before attempting championship mountain layouts.
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Last updated on November 24, 2025