A Guide to the Public Golf Courses in Missoula

Montana's golf season, just like everywhere, follows the weather. The problem is the weather for golf in Montana isn't always the best. I played last year on a course on the day it was supposed to rain and snow. My friend and I had the only two cars in the parking lot, by the time we finished the round it was snowing. It continued to snow the rest of the day and the course closed for the season the next day. That was in October. The courses then stayed closed until the end of March.

Missoula and East Missoula Have 5 Golf Courses Total

There are two private courses, the Missoula Country Club and the The Ranch Club. Missoula has four public courses and one in East Missoula. I have been golfing since I was 11 years old, and I am still not very good. The only lessons I ever received were from my father and he was frustrated that I was left handed because it made his teaching that much more difficult.

Larchmont- Larchmont Golf Course 3200 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, is the only public 18 hole golf course and driving range in Missoula. It has a full pro shop, and food available. It is a wide open course, with fairways that aren't too narrow. For me playing along South Reserve Street is always a stress with the road being close to the fairways. I play it conservatively. Larchmont is a very busy course in the summer. If you play with less than a foursome, you can expect to be paired with other golfers.

Highlands Golf Club- Highlands Golf Club at 102 Ben Hogan Drive, located in the South Hills of Missoula. Highlands may have the best views of any golf course in Missoula. It is a 9 hole course that curves through the neighborhood and it has a small pro-shop, there is no driving range. There are some narrow fairways on the course. For me playing in neighborhoods with houses is difficult. The houses get into my head, so I find that I try to play much more conservative from the tee box. One tip that I was given when playing this course is the greens used to have a tendency to play downhill towards the city. Now that depends on the placement of the pin. After a round of golf, some of the best food anywhere in Missoula is at The Keep. After a round of golf, getting some great food and being able to sit on the deck in the summer in Missoula is something very special indeed with the views of the city. It almost makes me forget about how bad of a round of golf I played.

University Of Montana Golf Course- The University of Montana Golf Course at 515 South Avenue East in Missoula is a 9 hole course with driving range. There is a small pro shop available. This course is an open course with wide fairways. Over the years I have probably played this course more than any other course in town. There are two elevated tees, hole 3 offers some pretty amazing views of the mountains and the city. This course has players that are learning the game and during the week older players are on the course. Please be patient with them. The Iron Griz restaurant is located there too. I have heard nothing but good things about the food, but haven't had the opportunity to eat there yet.

Linda Vista Golf Course- Linda Vista Golf Course 4915 Lower Miller Creek Road is a 9 hole mostly par 3 golf course with a driving range and a pro shop. There are two par 4 holes, the rest are par 3s. If you want to work on your short game, this course has a lot to offer. I have been playing this course a lot lately. It is a fun course. It is also a learning course too, so don't be surprised to see kids and families playing the course. Most rounds I don't use my driver at all. Playing 9 holes on this course goes by pretty quick  The Miller Creek Cafe is also located here and they have some very good food after a quick round of golf.

Canyon River Golf Club- Canyon River Golf Club 1268 Bandmann Trail located in East Missoula and is one of the newer golf courses in the area. It is an 18 hole course with a driving range. This is more of a "Links" style course where trees aren't usually an issue. They offer memberships and they have discounts for people that live along the golf course. This is another example of a course that has some houses that line a few of the fairways that can be difficult to navigate for amateur golfers like myself. They have the highest "green fees" out of any public course and collared shirts are required to play. They offer food on the premises at the "Fox Den".

Tee Times at all Courses are Recommended

I recommend calling ahead for tee times on every course in Missoula. Our golf season isn't very long. Get out and enjoy what golfing has to offer in Missoula, regardless of your handicap.