Canyon River Golf Club
Canyon River Golf Club is a public 18-hole layout in Missoula, Montana, offering a balanced test over gently rolling terrain. Known for its excellent turf conditions and approachable design, this course provides a rewarding golf experience enhanced by quality facilities and thoughtful maintenance.
Course Overview
Canyon River Golf Club in Missoula, Montana presents an engaging 18-hole public layout that balances scenic variety with a playability shaped by natural landforms. This course unfolds across terrain that features gentle elevation changes and open fairways, inviting golfers of all skill levels to enjoy a straightforward yet stimulating round. Water hazards appear selectively, adding strategic nuance without overwhelming the flow of play.
The course’s design favors accessible options off the tee while rewarding precision around the greens. Well-maintained turf conditions, particularly on the fairways and greens, support consistent ball roll and receptive putting surfaces. Many players note the exceptional quality of the greens, which often rank among the best in the region. Bunkers are present but harmonize with the landscape rather than dominate it, often placed to challenge approach shots or protect key pin positions.
Canyon River’s setting offers broad views of the surrounding hills and the occasional glimpse of nearby residences, though these structures remain outside the effective range of errant shots. Elevation plays a modest role, adding interest without posing steep demands on stamina or club selection. The course encourages a thoughtful rhythm, where golfers can test club choice decisions in a setting that feels both relaxed and rewarding.
Onsite amenities enhance the experience with a well-equipped clubhouse and practice facilities including a chipping area and putting green conveniently located near the 10th tee. The driving range stands out, praised for its quality turf and maintained hitting surfaces. Cart paths are fully paved, improving transit across holes and making the course welcoming to players who prefer to ride.
Visitors highlight the friendly, professional staff and the inviting atmosphere that welcomes players into a genuine Montana golf experience. Timing a visit in late spring through early fall offers the best playing conditions, as the course recovers quickly from winter and maintains strong turf health throughout the season. Players seeking a public course with solid conditioning, varied shot-making challenges, and a relaxed yet engaging pace will find Canyon River Golf Club a rewarding destination in the heart of Missoula’s golf scene.
Course Highlights
Canyon River Golf Club is distinguished by its well-maintained, fast-rolling greens and smooth fairways framed by Montana’s natural landscape. The course features water hazards that come into play strategically without overwhelming the layout. Elevation changes are modest but sufficient to add variety. Its driving range and short game facilities are top-tier within Missoula, supporting golfers who want to sharpen their skills before hitting the course. The paved cart paths and friendly, professional staff contribute to a polished, comfortable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Lesley Tripp
Course- Beautiful. Management: Most unprofessional experience I've ever had. They had us running 9 minute holes because they were overbooked. When I expressed frustration at the crazy pace and asked if it was standard at their location, he told me if I couldn't' keep the pace, I should golf somewhere else. The groups were all right on one another and still being spoken to by the Marshall, The guy who claimed to be manager spoke over me and was a complete jerk. Paid for 18 holes for four people, bought a box of balls and 3 clothing items, food etc. $800 to be yelled at and rushed.
Teresa Espe
Beautiful course!! Carts have music selections! We golfed, listened to our favorite music and watched the US open all at the same time! Was so much fun!
Robert Savage
The course is great. Waiting on other golfers and the club house saying we were behind is frustrating. My daughter and her boyfriend drove 9 hours to golf this course, just to have them come out and tell us we will have to skip a hole. We were waiting on the group in front of us. I live locally and will not go back to this course or recommend anyone to play at this course again. You can’t have a good time when they harass you about slow play when it isn’t even your fault.
Tony Mauro
One of the nicest courses in the state. Very well maintained
Lesley Tripp
Course- Beautiful. Management: Most unprofessional experience I've ever had. They had us running 9 minute holes because they were overbooked. When I expressed frustration at the crazy pace and asked if it was standard at their location, he told me if I couldn't' keep the pace, I should golf somewhere else. The groups were all right on one another and still being spoken to by the Marshall, The guy who claimed to be manager spoke over me and was a complete jerk. Paid for 18 holes for four people, bought a box of balls and 3 clothing items, food etc. $800 to be yelled at and rushed.
Writing Blog
This place isn't just ab eyesore. It's a blight on a beautiful world. Taking up beautiful space that could be used for something real.
Nick Stachowiak
What a great course! Played here on 4/19/23. Mostly open, with the typical amount of fairway and greenside bunkers. Water comes into play on a few holes. Some houses in view, but not nearly close enough to be in range of an errant shot. Some elevation, but not enough to be daunting. Excellent clubhouse with the range across the street, with chipping area near that. Putting green is over by the 10th tee, just past clubhouse. Entire cart path is paved. Excellent turf on the fairways, and very well maintained. The greens were absolutely perfect and some of the best I've ever played on. Friendly and helpful staff. Great views. I made my first eagle here, on the PAR5 11th hole: put it in from 168 out with a 7iron. The best course I've played in Missoula and one of the better courses anywhere, we look forward to coming back again when we are in the area.
Hank Vieten
One of the best public golf experiences in the state. Incredibly friendly staff that makes you feel welcome even though they run a very professional operation. The front and back offer great variety, and it's one of the only courses in Missoula where you don't feel like you’re playing the same hole 4 or 5 times a round. Funny to see some people complaining about early season conditions, grass is not green in Montana right after the snow melts (crazy I know). The grounds crew does a fantastic job bringing the course back to life after harsh winters, and conditions only improve as the season progresses. Also, best grass range in town. 10/10 will golf again.
chad harvey
Great location and spending time with family
Robert Savage
The course is great. Waiting on other golfers and the club house saying we were behind is frustrating. My daughter and her boyfriend drove 9 hours to golf this course, just to have them come out and tell us we will have to skip a hole. We were waiting on the group in front of us. I live locally and will not go back to this course or recommend anyone to play at this course again. You can’t have a good time when they harass you about slow play when it isn’t even your fault.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1268 Bandmann Trail, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop, restaurant, and lounge area
Walking is welcome with mainly gentle slopes; wear footwear suited to paved cart paths and occasional grass walks
Open to all golfers; tee times recommended, especially on weekends
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