Golf probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Montana, but the Treasure State is home to a variety of amazing courses. We get to visit many courses throughout the summer, mostly with the kids during their junior golf tournaments. Below is just a little glimpse of some of our local courses that the kids played this summer!
Livingston Golf Course - Livingston, Montana (PUBLIC)
We love our home course. Nine holes wander along the banks of the Yellowstone River just on the edge of town. The Crazy Mountains near Big Timber grace the horizon to the east, and the Paradise Valley peaks garner the views to the south. In addition to the phenomenal setting, the thing we treasure most here is the community. Raymond serves on the board here as well. We have a group of dear friends and fellow golfers, whom we enjoy seeing on the course and at the clubhouse. They continually support our kids in their endeavors as they grow their golf games, and we are thankful to call LGC home.
Valley View Golf Club - Bozeman, Montana (PRIVATE)
The boys played Valley View Golf Club in June for the MSGA Junior Qualifier, and they were thrilled to both qualify for the JR State Championship Tournament. With several difficult water hazards and interesting hole layouts, this course is challenging even for the most experienced golfers. We were so proud of their qualifying rounds!
Laurel Golf Club - Laurel, Montana (PRIVATE)
This year's MSGA JR Golf Championship tournament was played at Laurel Golf Club. The boys both qualified and competed in the 13-and-under division, and at just 12 and 10, did great on this arduous course. Laurel Golf Club is beautiful and extremely well kept. Their practice facilities are impressive, and the large undulating greens run fast under everyone's putter!
Overland Golf Course - Big Timber, Montana (PUBLIC)
Big Timber is just a quick 35 minute drive east from our hometown of Livingston. During the flood recovery, we took some time to take the kids to play a practice round at the Overland Golf Course. It's in excellent shape and boasts a beautiful club house. Although it's just 9-holes, they mix up the back 9 tee boxes to keep things interesting after the turn. It is a fun course to play and highly recommended!
Riverside Country Club - Bozeman, Montana (PRIVATE)
The kids get to play this course in their tournament rounds every summer, and it's one of our favorites. The gorgeous setting just on the edge of Bozeman is always a pleasure to walk. The fairways are lined with big mature trees, adding visual pleasantry but difficulty if your ball ventures into the rough!
Bridger Creek Golf Course - Bozeman, Montana (PUBLIC)
The kids always enjoy tournament day at Bridger Creek. It's almost always in great condition, very lush and green. The greens are difficult, but a few of the wide open fairways allow for some forgiveness for wild tee shots. The course sits at the base of the Bridger Mountains, making for a stunning backdrop to your round. The practice facilities here are great also - large range and putting/chipping areas.
Big Sky Golf Course - Big Sky, Montana (PUBLIC)
The junior golf tournament each summer usually kicks off in June at the Big Sky Golf Resort. It's a really nice course with gorgeous views of surrounding Big Sky mountains. Last year the weather was amazing for us on tournament day, this year in rained, sleeted, and hailed on us during play (in mid June!) <This was also the day the Yellowstone River flooded!>
Cottonwood Hills Golf Course - Bozeman, Montana (PUBLIC)
The championship tournament for the junior golf tour is held at Cottonwood Hills every August. 11 and under groups play their rounds on a par-3 course, and older kids play on the 18 hole course. Located on the West side of Bozeman, it's a fun course to play. The nine-hole par-3 course is first come first serve, no tee times necessary. We're very fond of this course, as Raymond scored a hole-in-one during a practice round two years ago, and Stuart landed his first hole-in-one here during the 2021 championship round!
We're so proud of the kids this year! They've put in so many hours of practice that really paid off in the final tournament. Sawyer won the 12-13 boys group, Stuart won the 10-11 boys group, and Harper got 2nd in the 7-9 girls group.
Cheers to another great golf season!