BREAKING OUT
THE STICKS? TRY THIS
12-COURSE
GOLF SAMPLER BY STEVE SMEDE
There was a joke making the rounds a few years ago about an alleged press release from the Montana Department of Fish and Wildlife. The bulletin advised golfers in some areas to wear “noise-producing devices such as little bells” on their cloth- ing to alert—but not to startle—resident bears. The department also advised players to carry pepper spray, and to watch for signs of bear activity.
“Golfers should be able to recognize the difference be- tween black bear and grizzly droppings,” the statement read. “Black bear droppings are smaller and contain berries and possibly squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings have bells in them and smell like pepper spray.” It’s a knee-slapper. Why? Because it plays on a real
perception. Or in this case, it’s a misperception—that playing golf here is akin to some kind of perilous backcountry safari. Exotic scenery and wildlife aside, nothing could be further from the truth. In both cutting-edge course design and property develop- ment, Montana’s golf scene is literally ground- breaking. Consider:
www.distinctlymontana.com
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