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Missoula's Best Golf Courses: Where Scenery Meets Championship Play

  • Travel Missoula
  • Jul 31
  • 3 min read

If you are visiting Missoula, checkout our Sponsors Missoula Adventure Rentals, for the best Car Rental business in the state.


Missoula's golf scene offers championship-caliber courses with breathtaking Rocky Mountain backdrops at prices 30-40% lower than resort destinations. From Canyon River's marshland challenges to Missoula Country Club's riverside beauty, discover why Golf Digest calls Missoula "Montana's best-kept golf secret.".


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Canyon River Golf Club's signature 7th hole winds through native grasslands with the Clark Fork River as a stunning backdrop


🏆 Missoula's Top 5 Golf Experiences


1. Canyon River Golf Club - The Crown Jewel

  • Why Play Here: 7 holes incorporate riparian marshland with panoramic mountain views

  • Signature Challenge: Par-4 12th hole demands precision over water with the Bitterroot Range as your backdrop

  • 2025 Rates: About $90 (18 holes) | $48 (9 holes) with a cart

  • Pro Tip: Visit the "Fox Den" restaurant for post-round huckleberry margaritas

  • Unique Perk: Free GPS-equipped carts with live course updates


2. The Ranch Country Club - Links-Style Luxury

  • Designer: Les Furber (of Banff Springs fame)

  • Can't-Miss Hole: 562-yard 15th hole - ranked among Montana's "Greatest Golf Holes"

  • 2025 Status: Private

  • Local Secret: Twilight rates after 4pm include complimentary range balls


3. Larchmont Golf Course - The People's Champion

  • Best For: Value-conscious golfers wanting championship conditions

  • Signature Moment: 17th hole's elevated tee shot over the Clark Fork River

  • Price: About $68 for 18 holes

  • Why Locals Love It: Central location with the friendliest starter in Montana


4. University of Montana GC - The Scenic Academic

  • Hidden Gem: Front nine winds through campus with mountain vistas

  • Best Value: $26 for 9 holes | $40 for 18

  • Student Hack: Show college ID for 15% discount


5. Linda Vista Golf Course - The Quick Fix

  • Perfect For: Beginners or speedy 9-hole rounds

  • Local Favorite: $14 twilight special with club rentals included

  • Unique Feature: Full-size replica of Augusta National's 12th hole


Bonus : Missoula Country Club - The True Country Club Experience

  • If you can get on, Perfect For: Golfer's looking for fast greens and great bunkers.

  • Local Favorite: $85/per round with a Club Member

  • Unique Feature: Hole 17 Par 3, Water Tower hole overlooking the Clark Fork River


The Ranch Club's expansive links-style layout showcases Montana's golden hillsides and big sky views


🗓️ Seasonal Guide & Tournament Calendar


Best Times to Play:

  • Prime Season: May-October (60-80°F daytime temps)

  • Secret Season: September - cooler weather and discounted rates

  • Winter Alternative: Topgolf-style simulators at local breweries


Can't-Miss 2025 Events:


Date

Event

Course

Why Attend

May 18-19

Veterans Tournament

Canyon River

Supports local vans programs

Jun 1

Two Person Scramble

Larchmont

Fun team format with great prizes

Jul 13

Fire in the Hole

Multiple Courses

Unique night golf experience

Aug 26

MOR4Kids Fundraiser

The Ranch Club

Golf + gourmet dinner for charity


💰 Golf Package Deals (2024)


Stay & Play Specials:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Package: 2 nights + 2 rounds at Canyon River - $349

  • Fairbridge Inn Deal: Free round at Linda Vista with 3-night stay


Equipment Tips:

  • Rent premium clubs from Canyon River Pro Shop ($35/day)

  • Local secret: Golf & Gear downtown offers demo days with free club trials


🏌️‍♂️ Why Missoula Golf Stands Out

  1. Altitude Advantage: Ball travels 8-10% further in mountain air

  2. Wildlife Encounters: Regular deer, eagle, and occasional moose sightings

  3. Smaller Crowds: Average wait time 15 minutes vs. 45+ at resort destinations

  4. Après-Golf Scene: 14 craft breweries within 15 minutes of courses

"I've played Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes, but Missoula's combination of challenging golf, stunning scenery, and small-town hospitality keeps me coming back." - James P., Golf Digest Reader

🚗 Planning Your Golf Getaway


Pro Travel Tips:

  • Fly direct to Missoula International (MSO) - clubs fly free on Alaska Airlines

  • Rent from Missoula Adventure Rentals - they'll outfit your SUV with club protectors

  • Book tee times 2-3 weeks ahead for prime summer weekends


Local Knowledge:

  • Best post-round burger: Mo Club (try the "Eagle" with huckleberry sauce)

  • Secret practice spot: UM Golf Course's short game area (open to public)

  • Pro instruction: Canyon River's PGA staff offers $50 45-minute lessons


Book Early: Missoula Adventure Rentals' premium equipment sells out fast on summer weekends!


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