Montana and Wyoming offer golf on a grand scale: wide valleys, snow-capped peaks, rivers and forests, and tee sheets that are rarely crowded. The season is short, but summer days are long and warm, and golf combines beautifully with national parks, fishing and hiking.
Montana
- Bozeman and Big Sky: mountain golf near Yellowstone.
- Whitefish and the Flathead Valley: lakes and forests near Glacier National Park.
- Missoula and Billings: good-value public golf.
Wyoming
- Jackson: mountain golf beneath the Teton Range, near Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.
- Cheyenne and Casper: high-plains golf with open views and wind.
When to go
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May to June | Courses opening; cool mornings |
| July to August | Warm days, long evenings; best season |
| September | Crisp, quieter and colourful |
| October to April | Most courses closed |
Playing tips
- Altitude: read golf at altitude.
- Wind on the plains. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Cool mornings mean shorter carries early. Read winter golf.
- Mountain storms: read golf course safety.
- Wildlife: read golf courses and wildlife.
Practical tips
- Distances are large; rent a car. Read golf road trips.
- Book summer weekends and resort courses early.
- Pack layers for big temperature swings.
Combining golf with the national parks
Golf here is rarely the only reason for the trip. The region is home to some of the most famous national parks and wilderness areas in North America, and most golf trips mix rounds with sightseeing.
- Western Montana: golf around Missoula, Whitefish and the Flathead Valley combines well with mountain lakes, glacier scenery and fly fishing.
- Southwest Montana: Bozeman and Big Sky are gateways to mountain country, with golf in the valleys and hiking above them.
- Northwest Wyoming: Jackson and the surrounding valley pair golf with dramatic mountain views, wildlife watching and river trips.
- Eastern Wyoming and Montana: Billings, Casper, Sheridan and Cheyenne have quieter, good-value public golf on the plains.
A good pattern is golf in the morning, when the air is calm and cool, and sightseeing or hiking in the afternoon, when thunderstorms are most likely.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Montana lakes and mountains | 6–7 days | Fly into western Montana, base in the Flathead Valley, play three or four rounds and add a day in the mountains |
| Big Sky road trip | 8–10 days | Drive a loop between Bozeman, Big Sky, Missoula and Whitefish, playing every other day |
| Wyoming valleys | 5 days | Base near Jackson, play two or three rounds and spend the rest on wildlife and scenery |
| Plains value trip | 4–5 days | Drive between Billings, Sheridan and Casper for quiet, inexpensive municipal and daily-fee golf |
Read golf road trips for help planning a driving route.
Wildlife on the course
Deer, elk, moose, geese and, in some areas, bears may wander onto courses. Enjoy them from a distance:
- Never approach large animals, especially mothers with young.
- Follow course guidance about wildlife, and report anything that seems aggressive.
- Keep food in the cart or bag, not on the ground.
- Carry bear spray if the course or local guidance recommends it for nearby trails.
Read golf courses and wildlife.
Costs and booking
Green fees are generally reasonable by national standards, with municipal courses offering excellent value and resort courses near the national parks charging more in the peak summer weeks. The season is short, so book popular summer dates ahead, particularly around July and August. Twilight rates are common and the long evenings make them excellent value. Read twilight golf.
Frequently asked questions
When is golf season in Montana?
Roughly May to September.
Is there good golf near Yellowstone?
Yes, near Bozeman, Big Sky and Jackson.
Does the ball fly further in Wyoming?
Yes, at higher elevations.
Is golf in Montana expensive?
Public courses are usually good value; resort courses cost more.
Do I need a car for a golf trip to Montana or Wyoming?
Yes. Distances are large and public transport is limited, so a hire car is essential.
Are there golf courses near the national parks?
Yes. Several towns near the parks have public and resort courses, making it easy to combine golf with sightseeing.
The bottom line
Montana and Wyoming offer uncrowded summer golf in some of America's grandest landscapes. Go in July or August, adjust for altitude, respect wildlife and leave time for the parks. For more mountain golf, read golf in Colorado and Utah.