Montana Golf Trips

Our Memorable Golf Trip to Meadow Lake Golf Course in Montana

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Our Memorable Golf Trip to Meadow Lake Golf Course in Montana

First off – this place is very challenging.  The greens were like putting on a sheet of glass where any error was immediately compounded with a ball running off the green.  With that said, I would highly recommend a trip.  Nestled in the picturesque Flathead Valley of northwest Montana, Meadow Lake Golf Course is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts seeking a blend of breathtaking views, challenging fairways, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just a casual player, a trip to this scenic golf course is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Arrival and Setting

Meadow Lake Golf Course is located in Columbia Falls, a charming town near the famed Glacier National Park. The drive to the course itself is a treat, with winding roads that pass through lush forests, clear streams, and the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the distance. As you approach the course, the towering trees, rolling hills, and pristine landscapes set the tone for what’s to come. The course is nestled amidst Montana’s natural beauty, offering stunning views of the Flathead Valley, Big Mountain, and the Swan Range throughout the round.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the friendly staff and a welcoming clubhouse that exudes warmth and rustic charm. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a quick round, Meadow Lake offers the perfect setting to unwind before hitting the course.

The Course Layout

Designed by the late golf architect, Gary Roger Baird, Meadow Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout that spans 6,700 yards. The course is known for its variety, challenging golfers of all skill levels with tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on several holes. Each hole is unique, requiring players to think carefully about shot placement, making every round exciting and rewarding.

The first few holes are relatively open, with wide fairways that encourage players to let loose. However, as you progress, the difficulty level ramps up. The back nine is particularly scenic, with elevated tee boxes offering expansive views of the surrounding valley. The par-3 12th hole, for instance, features a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks, making it one of the most memorable holes on the course. The signature hole, the par-4 15th, challenges players with a dogleg left that demands both accuracy and power.

The fairways are lined with mature trees, adding to the difficulty of each shot. However, the course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of Meadow Lake while simultaneously battling the course’s well-placed hazards and undulating greens.

Amenities and Facilities

Meadow Lake Golf Course offers a variety of amenities to make your golfing experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The clubhouse features a fully stocked pro shop with equipment, apparel, and accessories, perfect for any last-minute purchases. After your round, you can relax on the patio with a cold drink and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.

For those looking to improve their game, the course also offers a driving range and practice greens. Golf lessons are available from PGA professionals, making it an ideal spot to refine your skills or learn new techniques.

Beyond Golf

While golf is the main attraction, the area surrounding Meadow Lake offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Just a short drive away, Glacier National Park beckons with its awe-inspiring scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife sightings. If you’re not in the mood for hiking, the nearby Whitefish Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

For a more relaxed pace, you can explore the charming town of Columbia Falls, known for its quaint shops, local restaurants, and historic buildings. The nearby city of Whitefish is also worth a visit, offering a vibrant downtown area with excellent dining and shopping options.

Conclusion

A golf trip to Meadow Lake Golf Course in Montana is an unforgettable experience. With its challenging layout, stunning natural beauty, and top-notch amenities, it’s the perfect destination for golfers looking to escape to the great outdoors. Whether you’re teeing off against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks or relaxing after a round in the cozy clubhouse, this Montana gem is sure to provide memories that last long after the final putt.

Our Golf Trip to Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, MT

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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.

Related Golf Trips

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.

Golf Trip Vacation to Montana

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Buffalo Hill Golf Club

Our golf vacation to Montana was surreal indeed.  The majestic peaks of Glacier National Park provided an unreal backdrop for a great game of golf.  I even picked up a couple of golf hats!

Glacier View Golf Club

First up was Glacier View Golf Club in West Glacier, Montana.  This golf course was incredible.  Although we got hit with some rain throughout our round, the clubhouse provided a quite hiding spot.

Glacier View Golf Club

Meadow Lake Golf Course

Next up was a trip down the mountain for a game at one of the best public golf courses in Montana.  We are talking about Meadow Lake Golf Course in Columbia Falls, Montana.  This is by far the most difficult golf course we have ever played.  The golf greens are like glass!  A challenging golf course for sure.

Meadow Lake Golf Course

Buffalo Hill Golf Club

From Meadow Lake we continued down through the Flathead Valley to Kalispell, Montana.  After the wet weather the day prior up by Glacier National Park, I needed a couple new golf shirts.  We ended up first at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.  This resort had both an 18 hole and 9 hole course to try, so we did both!  Playing through the forest on the Championship Golf Course had us wishing for some new golf balls.

Buffalo Hill Golf Club

Check out our golf course trip adventure blog here.

Old Works Golf Course

We thought it was a dream at our next golf trip location over in Anaconda, Montana.  That right, we are talking about the famed Jack Nicklaus designed Old Works Golf Course.  This was easily the most incredible golf course we played based on the unique scenery alone.  It is true, the sand traps are made out of old smelter and will turn your golf clubs a copper or rust color – even though they look black.

Old Works Golf Course

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