When it comes to Montana golf, enjoying the scenery as much as enjoying the golf itself is usually part of the plan. This is especially true when you play one of the mountain golf courses in Montana. As Montana vacations continue to grow in popularity, so does Montana golf. There are more than 70 golf courses spread out about the state, and they vary quite a bit. Some of the Montana golf courses belong to upscale resorts, and there are country club courses here as well. Should you want to save some money on greens fees during your Montana golf getaway, lesser-priced courses can be found here as well. One of the great things about a Montana golf vacation is that it can include so many other great outdoor activities as well.

While playing golf in Montana, you might just spot a bald eagle on the course. You're also bound to see some deer and elk, so you can enjoy some wildlife viewing on the side, provided that the animals decide to pay you a visit. Should you head to the mountains to golf in Montana, you can add things like fishing and hiking to your itinerary, as the options for both abound in the highlands. For fishing and golfing enthusiasts, scheduling a round or more at the Eagle Bend Golf Club is recommended. This is because the course here is located on Flathead Lake's north shore. Due to the quality of the Eagle Bend Golf Course, you might not find much time for fishing, however. There are no less than 27 holes to enjoy here, and Jack Nicklaus designed 9 of them, which helps to distinguish the golfing experience here. You'll spot Glacier National Park in the distance while playing golf at this stunning course in Bigfork, and you can surely expect a challenge when it comes to getting the ball in the hole.

The Flathead Valley, which is where the Eagle Bend Golf Course can be found, is hailed by most as the premier place to enjoy some Montana golf. There are 9 championship golf courses in the Flathead Valley, and these courses have helped to put Montana golf on the map. One of the other courses here that you'll want to play is the 18-hole Big Mountain Golf Club Golf Course, which can be found in Kalispell. Pine trees and mountain vistas are everywhere to be seen on this beautiful course, which was designed by Andy North and Roger Packard, both of whom were among the most distinguished golfers of their time. When you're not enjoying time out on the fairways at the Big Mountain Golf Club, you can work on your game at the complete practice facility. You can also hit the golf shop to grab some new equipment, or relax at the deli and grab a bite to eat.

Montana Map

Heading further south in the Montana Rockies, the Old Works Golf Course is another dandy that deserves mention when it comes to the top Montana golf courses. Jack Nicklaus is again behind things at this stunning layout, which can be found in Anaconda. It's a relatively short drive to Anaconda from both Bozeman and Missoula, and if you're visiting Butte, you'll be even closer. One of the more interesting things about the Old Works Golf Course is the fact that its bunkers aren't filled with sand. Instead, they are filled with black slag. A by-product of the smelting process, this slag, which can be seen in dramatic-looking piles all over the grounds, gives testament to the Butte area's mining history. Like the other Montana golf courses listed above, the Old Works Golf Club features a golf shop, a practice facility, and an onsite restaurant. As for the rates, or greens fees if you prefer, they are pleasantly-affordable, which helps to make Old Works a premier Montana golf destination.

The Montana golf courses listed above certainly aren't the only good courses in the state. Just north of Great Falls, for instance, the 18-hole Anaconda Hills Public Course is a joy to play for beginners and scratch golfers alike. The shorter holes on the older front nine require some keen iron shots, while the longer back nine holes will encourage you to pull the driver out with more frequency. The overall layout of the course is akin to a Scottish links course, as it gently rolls and features roughs that are full of fescue. Low greens fees and a challenging set of holes help to make the Anaconda Hills Public Course a must-play for Great Falls visitors. Over towards Billings, the Lake Hills Golf Course with its mature layout beckons golfers looking for an authentic golfing experience. You are bound to enjoy the Eagle Rock Golf Course as well when visiting Billings, not to mention a few others that can be found in the area. Golf in Montana is big when the summer months arrive, and you will have no problem finding good courses to play wherever you find yourself in the state.