Canyon River Golf Club
Canyon River Golf Club is a well-kept, public 18-hole course in Missoula, Montana, blending parkland and riverfront elements in an approachable yet strategically rewarding layout. With quality greens, accessible elevation, and solid practice facilities near the clubhouse, it suits players of all skill levels seeking a comprehensive golf experience.
Course Overview
Canyon River Golf Club stands as one of Missoula’s prime public golfing destinations, offering a well-crafted 18-hole layout that balances accessibility with subtle challenges. Located at 1268 Bandmann Trail, the course unfolds across gently rolling terrain that captures elements of both parkland and riverfront styles, engaging players with a variety of strategic shots. The fairways often sweep alongside water hazards that come into play on select holes, demanding a measured approach without feeling overwhelmingly punitive for higher handicaps.
Players will find the course notably open, with well-maintained fairways and greens that reflect the care invested by the grounds crew. Elevation changes are present but modest, making walking an enjoyable option for most golfers who appreciate a scenic stroll. The greens, embraced with intricate contours and guarded by fairway bunkers, require consistent touch and read well to reward well-struck approach shots.
Canyon River’s setting offers wide vistas with some residential views in the distance, though these rarely influence play directly. These touches of nature blend with the clubhouse amenities—a sizeable, welcoming central facility where golfers can relax before or after rounds. Adjacent to the clubhouse, the practice facilities include a driving range across the street and a nearby chipping area, with a putting green placed thoughtfully just past the 10th tee to warm up the short game.
The course caters predominantly to public golfers seeking a comprehensive experience in Montana’s climate and landscape. Its design encourages a blend of shot-making and mental focus, making it suitable for a broad audience—from weekend players to low handicaps aiming to test their skills without excessive punishment. Use paved cart paths to navigate easily or take advantage of the course’s walkable sections, but be prepared for some flagged pace-of-play management during busy periods.
Overall, Canyon River offers an inviting challenge with quality surfaces and engaging holes that reward strategy as much as power. It stands as a go-to destination in the region, balancing approachable conditions with moments that invite tactical thinking and steady execution.
Course Highlights
Open, parkland-inspired layout with well-placed water hazards influencing select holes. The 11th hole, a par-5, offers risk-reward options with water guarding the approach to the green. The course features paved cart paths throughout and benefits from well-maintained turf and greens that are consistently praised for their smoothness and subtle breaks. Practice facilities include a driving range across the street and a chipping area near the clubhouse, supporting comprehensive preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
chad harvey
Great location and spending time with family
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tony Mauro
One of the nicest courses in the state. Very well maintained
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.
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!
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.
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.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
1268 Bandmann Trail, Missoula, MT 59802, USA
Modern clubhouse with pro shop, dining, and locker rooms
Walking encouraged with mostly gentle elevation changes; sturdy shoes recommended for some uneven footing
Tee times recommended, especially on weekends and holidays
Nearby Courses
