I spend a fair amount of time at golf courses around here, though usually under a cart rather than on the tee box. People ask me where they should play, so here is my rundown of what we have within reasonable driving distance of Kalispell.
We are genuinely spoiled. There are places in this country where you drive two hours for one mediocre course. Around here you can pick a different one every weekend all summer.
Around Kalispell
Buffalo Hill is the one everybody knows. In town, mature, and the terrain does a lot of the work. The Cameron nine is a different experience from the championship course, so know which one you booked.
Northern Pines sits north of town along the river. More open and more forgiving off the tee than Buffalo Hill, and a good one to bring somebody who is still learning without demoralizing them.
Village Greens is the friendly one. Reasonable, walkable, and a good place for a quick round after work rather than a whole day out.
Whitefish and Columbia Falls
Whitefish Lake Golf Club has two full eighteens, the North and the South. It is the only 36 hole facility in Montana. The cart barn there is also where a lot of my winter work happens, so if you keep a cart in that barn we should talk.
Meadow Lake in Columbia Falls is a resort course and plays like one. Tree lined, well kept, and the setting is hard to beat.
Down the lake
Eagle Bend in Bigfork gets called the best in the state by a lot of people and it is hard to argue. Right on Flathead Lake with the Missions behind it. Worth the drive from anywhere in the valley.
Polson Bay at the south end has both an older nine and a championship layout, with lake views most of the way around.
Mission Mountain in Ronan sits under the Missions and is quieter than the courses closer to Kalispell, which some days is exactly what you want.
Further out
Cabinet View in Libby is a genuine hidden one. If you are over that way it is worth stopping.
There are also several smaller and semi private courses tucked around the valley that are worth finding if you like a quiet nine.
About bringing your own cart
Every course sets its own policy on private carts, and they are not the same. Some allow them with a trail fee, some allow them only for members, and some do not allow them at all. Electric only is also a common rule.
Do not assume. Call the pro shop before you trailer a cart across the valley. I built a course map on the site with contact numbers so you can check quickly.
And if you are hauling a cart to a course regularly, make sure your tie downs and trailer are right. I have seen what happens when they are not.
Play well. If your cart quits on you out there, you know who to call. 406.270.9346.