Bring out the clubs
Josh Gold pulls out a driver on the driving range at Village Greens on Wednesday evening. Multiple golf courses throughout the Flathead are opening this weekend. Nate Chute photo/Daily Inter Lake
The Daily Inter Lake
There's no denying it, the grass is always greener on the golf course. And in Flathead Valley, golfers have more than enough green to choose from, with over a dozen courses within roughly an hour drive.
Recent weather hasn't been ideal, but it hasn't been enough to dampen golfing spirits. Several courses are opening this weekend in and around Kalispell while others have been taking tee times for almost a week now.
Eagle Bend in Bigfork, one of Montana's premier courses, opened on Wednesday and over 90 golfers turned out, according to head golf professional Mike Wynne.
"It's spring golf in Montana, that's for sure," he said.
Buffalo Hill
Golf Club
Kalispell, 27 holes, 751-1950 (www.golfbuffalohill.com)
The name gives a hint of what to expect, and it isn't a stampede of buffaloes. This up-and-down course is uniquely memorable for what it has to offer, which will be the Cameron front 9 starting Saturday. A full opening is anticipated for next Thursday, April 16.
Village Greens
Golf Club
Kalispell, 18 holes, 752-4666 (www.montanagolf.com)
This open-landscape course is near the city but feels miles away. The full offering of fairways and greens will be available on Saturday, with walking only for the time being.
Big Mountain
Golf Club
Kalispell, 18 holes, 751-1950 (www.golfmt.com)
This Scottish Links-style course was ranked 12th in the country for courses $50 or less by Golf Magazine in 2004. This year, the front 9 and practice facilities are scheduled to open on Friday.
Whitefish Lake
Golf Club
Whitefish, 36 holes, 862-5960 (www.golfwhitefish.com)
Winter weather has a history of not wanting to leave this highly sought-after course just off Whitefish Lake. The expected opening of the course and facilities is around the end of April. Last year, the course opened on April 20.
Eagle Bend
Golf Club
Bigfork, 27 holes, 1-800-255-5641, or 837-7310 (www.golfmt.com)
For years, Bigfork's crown jewel has been recognized as one of the top 50 golf courses in the country by Golf Digest. Yesterday, the course opened all holes and facilities despite a little sluff of remaining snow. Needless to say, golfers showed up.
Meadow Lake Resort
Columbia Falls, 18 holes, 892-2111 (www.meadowlakegolf.com)
Under the Rocky Mountain shadows, this par-72 course has been given 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest in the past. Weather permitting, the 18 holes are looking to be opened around April 23.
Mission Mountain Golf Course
Ronan, 18 holes, 673-4653 (www.golfmissionmountain.com)
The Mission Valley is complemented well by this par-72 course, which has already been open for roughly a week.
Polson Bay
Golf Course
Polson, 27 holes, 883-8230 (www.golfmontana.net)
Golfers can't miss this Polson mainstay, they only hope to miss the giant Flathead Lake at its side. Eighteen of the 27 holes are currently open along with facilities, with the final 9 being available this Saturday.
Cabinet View
Country Club
Libby, 18 holes, 293-7332 (www.cabinetviewcountryclub.com)
Pines trees a-plentiful, this par-72 course "weathered well," according to the clubhouse, and looks ready for another good season. The front 9 is opening on Saturday to walking traffic with the back 9 opening when possible.
Silver Fox
Golf Course
Pablo, 9 holes, 675-7888 (www.silverfoxgolf.com)
This par-31 course is short but sweet for golfers who need a little extra short game play. The course and facilities look to open next Thursday, April 16.
Buckwood
Country Club
Eureka, 9 holes, 297-7777
This par-3 course has been open since late March and the word has already got out to the early birds.
Meadow Creek
Golf Course
Fortin (S. of Eureka), 9 holes, 882-4474
This par-3 course still has snow here and there but it's playable and will be on Saturday when the course opens.
Glacier View
Golf Club
West Glacier, 18 holes, 888-5471 (www.golfmontana.net/glacierview)
Still closed due to snow cover, opening hopeful for April
Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course
East Glacier, 9 holes, 892-2525 (www.glacierparkinc.com)
Still closed due to snow cover, opening hopeful for April
Iron Horse Golf Club (private)
Whitefish, 18 holes, 863-3100 (www.ironhorsegolfclub.com)