Distinctly Montana Magazine

BIG MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB LOCATION: Kalispell PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 7,115 yards TEE TO GREEN: This Andy North design is a gem of a course, defined by rolling fairways, pine trees, blind shots and waving stands of native grasses. The front nine is an ad- venturous links-style trek, while the back side introduces more water and risk/reward opportunities. HOLE STORY:No. 14 is a charming dogleg, marked by bunkers right at the bend. Do your best to hit the green, because you won’t like the unfriendly bounces into the adjacent grassland. CONTACTS: (800) 255-5641; www.golfmt.com/bigmtn BRIDGER CREEK GOLF COURSE LOCATION: Bozeman PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-71, 6,511 yards TEE TO GREEN: Bridger Creek is easy on the pocketbook and one of the most inviting layouts to play. National media ratings put it in Montana’s top 10 for its nice mix of trees, water hazards and bunkers. HOLE STORY: No. 9 is a tricky par-5 for some, depending on the flight path. Water guards the right side, but if you’re prudent you can play it safe and still get home in three. Its 500-yard reach may give up the occasional eagle putt. CONTACTS: (406) 586-2333; www.bridgercreek.com “A GEM OF A COURSE, DEFINED BY ROLLING FAIRWAYS, PINE TREES, BLIND SHOTS AND WAVING STANDS OF NATIVE GRASSES.” DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL Link up with more Montana golf courses Go to www.distinctlymontana.com/montanagolf112 BIG SKY RESORT LOCATION: Big Sky PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 6,500 yards TEE TO GREEN: An Arnold Palmer design, this course winds along the lush banks of the famous Gallatin River. It’s a high-al- titude track. That means longer drives and lots of wildlife. HOLE STORY: No. 4 is a moderately long par-4 with a slight right- ward bend, and a vicious bunker planted right beyond the curve—perfect for eating up an over-zealous drive. CONTACTS: (406) 995-5780; www.bigskyresort.com 84 BUFFALO HILL GOLF CLUB LOCATION: Kalispell PARTICULARS: 27 holes, par-72 (Championship 18), 6,605 yards TEE TO GREEN: Broad array of landscapes, including lots of side- hills, forests, water crossings and plenty of doglegs. The back nine’s greens are especially huge and undulating. HOLE STORY: Watch out for No. 10. It’s a wicked dogleg that will eat your lunch, especially if you overextend (read: under- hook) your drive. CONTACTS: (888) 342-6319; www.golfbuffalohill.com CANYON RIVER GOLF CLUB LOCATION: Missoula PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 6,900 yards TEE TO GREEN: Nestled in a sculpted terrain of pines and native grasslands, this championship track features ponds and nat- DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SPRING 2011

• Cover