Distinctly Montana Magazine

that blasts off an elevated deck with splendid views of the property and Flathead Lake. CONTACTS: (800) 255-5641; www.golfmt.com/eaglebend MEADOW LAKE RESORT LOCATION: Columbia Falls PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 6,694 yards TEE TO GREEN: One of the more picturesque courses in Montana for its beautiful fountains, its “lake” reference is quite an understatement. There are water features on several holes. The layout itself is a roller coaster of immaculate fairways, shadowy woodlands, and pristine greens. demands a careful approach over a rushing stream. CONTACTS: (406) 563-5989; www.oldworks.org POLSON BAY GOLF COURSE LOCATION: Polson PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 6,964 yards TEE TO GREEN: Polson’s 18-hole championship course features dramatic rolling terrain just a stone’s throw from the banks of Flathead Lake. It is an all-around test for champi- onship play and often ranked as a top-10 course. HOLE STORY: No. 6 is a sweeping monster that follows the lake along the left side. If you play a fade, aim for the middle. “THE COURSE IS AN ALL-AROUND TEST FOR CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY AND OFTEN RANKED AS A TOP-10 COURSE.” HOLE STORY: The 579-yard No. 3 has walls of pines and lots of OB. Scary, but pretty. A long, undulating fairway snakes its way to a bunker-guarded green. CONTACTS: (406) 892-8700; www.meadowlake.com OLD WORKS LOCATION: Anaconda PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 7,705 yards (nope, that’s not a typo) TEE TO GREEN: Interspersed with slag traps, its undulating rib- bons of fairway are beautiful to behold. It has a “links” feel, but also dramatic elevation changes. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the greens are huge and challenging to read. HOLE STORY:No. 11 is called “Lower Works.” I would have named it “Miracle Mile.” The 597-yard par-5 has slag traps galore and also If you play a draw, allow for plenty of cross-roll. CONTACTS: (406) 883-8230; www.polsonbaygolf.com THE RANCH CLUB LOCATION: Missoula PARTICULARS: 18 holes, par-72, 7,020 yards TEE TO GREEN: The Ranch Club (formerly a real cattle ranch) is a beautiful links course that sits on a 340-acre scenic swath of undulating hills just minutes from the banks of the Clark Fork River. Yardage taps out at 7,000-plus, but there are multiple boxes to suit every caliber of player. HOLE STORY: No. 18 is one of a handful of blind tee shots, and it begs you to gamble with a driver. Drill it and you could be putting. Yank it and, well, you could be fishing. CONTACTS: (406) 532-1000; www.ranchclub.com 86 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SPRING 2011

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