Indian Springs Ranch in Eureka, Montana had got a bit of a reputation among golfers for being a graveyard for golf balls.
The fairways at the resort were always in great shape, but were lined by thick native grasses. Unless you could hit the ball straight, you were losing it.
Well, don’t be scared about losing all your balls anymore. There has been some serious yard work at Indian Springs Ranch, and that native grass has been hacked away. There is still not a great margin for error on the drives, but my golf buddy and I only lost four balls during our round last week. That’s good. Last year we lost close to 20, and I don’t believe our drives have got any straighter.
For those who haven’t made the trip across the border to play at Indian Springs Ranch, you have been missing out. It is a unique championship 18-hole Scottish links style course, which means there are only a few ponds to drown balls in, but lots of features that make the course challenging, but really fun.
My favourite hole is six, a short par 3 that requires whacking the ball over a ravine onto the green. The tee box is perched on top of a cliff, with great views of the surrounding mountains.
But other than the great golf, the best thing at Indian Springs is the warm Montanan hospitality. As soon as you drive into the parking lot, a golf cart is offered to you so you can drive up to the pro shop. The staff are always happy to get you a quick tee time, even if you haven’t booked in advance. And the tee times are always spaced 15 minutes apart, which means a more relaxed round, without worrying about letting faster groups play through. If you want to buy drinks for your round, the staff offer you a cooler full of ice to keep them cold. And you can phone in an order as you are getting towards the ninth hole, to have burgers ready for you when you reach the turn.
The course does not yet have a restaurant, but the patio pub is being built and planned opening is next month. The course has only been open since 2011, so is still very much a work in progress. This is golf pro Birch Criswell’s first season. Birch has 20 years experience in the golf industry, and offers private lessons, group lessons and lots of clinics to improve your game.
The resort also knows how to throw a party. Their recent Cinco de Mayo event saw 72 golfers, and 100 people in total coming to celebrate Mexican-style. The Fourth of July event will, no doubt, be just as popular.
For a laid back round of golf at a challenging, but fun course, head south and check out golf Montana-style. For tee times call 1-406-889-5056.