NO. 44 Wilderness Club in northern Montana is the most remote course on our ranking. Photograph by Patrick Koeing
Overview
Sitting far closer (just eight miles) from the Canadian border than from any major city in Montana, Wilderness Club was an ill-timed residential development venture a decade ago, and thus the once-private club now accepts outside play, much of it from day-trip Canadians. The stunning design benefits from quick-draining sandy soil native to the site, some of which is used in free-form waste bunkers on several holes. There are many lakes in play, including long Grob Lake that dominates the left side of the par-3 17th and par-5 18th. Three mountain ranges surround the site: the Whitefish, Purcell and Rockies Mountains. Pine trees are prevalent but not imposing. In an age of destination golf, Wilderness is still undiscovered by most American tourist golfers. Perhaps its appearance on America’s 100 Greatest Public will change that.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked 42nd, 2019-'20. 2023-'24 ranking: 44th.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top five, 2013-'20, 2023-'24. Ranked sixth, 2021-'22.
2023-'24 ranking: 4th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Wilderness Club is a fitting name for this resort as it's one of the most remote courses you'll ever play. Just 8 miles south of the Canadian border in Montana. Wilderness club is an exceptional golf course that will test your game. Wide fairways cut from the pines make this very playable for golfers of any ability (if you pick the right tee box) Water comes into play on a few holes and there are enough ups and downs to make it interesting and fun. This course will eventually be totally private, but since they are in the early stages of their growth with a new owner, you can still play this course without being a member. The drive to Eureka is one of the most picturesque you'll experience in the US. Almost an Alaska vibe driving through the undisturbed pine forests and along the Kootenai river and Koocanusa lake. They even have lodging on-site if you'd like to stay a play."
Read More2024
Review
“A resort course with good routing and conditioning."
Read More2023
Review
“Beautiful golf setting. Course was in immaculate condition and provided a fair but challenging round of golf. Staff was welcoming. I did not rate when I played but will be going back to evaluate the course. Great layout and some really good design that follows the natural terrain beautifully. Worth a trip."
Read More2022
Review
“Beautiful course, beautiful scenery and lots of fun to play! Out in the middle of nowhere, but worth the trip! Very nice, friendly, and welcoming staff. An enjoyable golf experience!"
Read More2022
Review
“A fantastic property for a golf course and the layout traverses overland a considerable distance. Great variety of holes and scenic mountain views. One really gets the essence of what the northern mountain part of Montana is. And, great conditioning."
Read More2018
Review
“Resort Course designed by Nick Faldo. Great opening holes that lead you to believe it is a top 100 course. Unfortunately, that doesn't hold up for the entire course. However, it is still a great experience. Wonderful location with private lodging onsite for a "guys weekend" get away. Very good practice facility."
Read More2018
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