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.".

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
Altitude Advantage: Ball travels 8-10% further in mountain air
Wildlife Encounters: Regular deer, eagle, and occasional moose sightings
Smaller Crowds: Average wait time 15 minutes vs. 45+ at resort destinations
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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