Our Golf Trip to Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, MT
Nestled in the heart of Montana, Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda offers golfers an unforgettable experience amid breathtaking natural beauty. With a rich history, world-class design, and a challenging layout, a golf trip to Old Works is an adventure worth embarking on.
Old Works Golf Course, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, is set on the site of an old copper smelter, giving it a unique historical and industrial backdrop. The course opened in 1997 and quickly gained a reputation for its striking design and incredible vistas. The dramatic juxtaposition of the rugged Montana landscape and the remnants of the industrial past creates a golf experience unlike any other.
The Layout and Challenge
Old Works is a par-72 course that measures 7,500 yards from the back tees. Despite its length, it’s a course that rewards strategic play rather than sheer power. Nicklaus’s design integrates the natural landscape beautifully, incorporating the smelter’s old buildings, tailings ponds, and remnants of the past into the layout. The front nine offers a more open and forgiving feel, but the back nine introduces more challenges with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and a tighter layout. The signature 17th hole, a par-3 over water, is often the highlight of the round, offering a visually stunning yet difficult shot.
The course’s terrain is diverse, providing golfers with elevated tees, challenging doglegs, and undulating fairways. The 18th hole, a par-5 with a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains, ends the round with a fittingly dramatic flourish.
What sets Old Works apart is its setting. The course is perched at the base of the Pintler Mountains, offering sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. The greens are well-maintained, and the fairways are dotted with beautiful Montana foliage. The pristine, rugged beauty of the area adds to the sense of isolation and tranquility, making it a true escape from the everyday.
A Golfer’s Dream
Old Works is known for being both challenging and fair. The layout is designed to test all aspects of your game, from long drives to delicate wedge shots around the greens. Its length demands distance off the tee, but players must also navigate well-placed hazards and tricky greens. It’s a course that encourages precision, rewarding those who can think ahead and plot their way around the hazards.
While the course provides a challenge, the real charm of Old Works lies in its accessibility to players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just beginning your journey, Old Works offers tees for all levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the course in their own way. Golfers can take in the stunning views while enjoying a round that’s both engaging and scenic.
Beyond the Course
After your round, the town of Anaconda offers plenty to explore. Anaconda itself is steeped in mining history, and the nearby Discovery Ski Area provides winter recreation for those interested in an all-season adventure. If you’re a history buff, a visit to the nearby World Museum of Mining in Butte is a must. For those looking to relax, the nearby Georgetown Lake offers boating, fishing, and hiking, adding to the allure of a well-rounded trip to Old Works Golf Course.
Final Thoughts
A golf trip to Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, Montana, is not just about playing a round; it’s about experiencing a piece of history in a majestic setting. With its challenging layout, stunning views, and unique history, Old Works stands as one of the premier golf destinations in the West. Whether you’re there for the golf, the history, or the natural beauty, Old Works is a destination that will leave golfers coming back for more.