Old Works Golf Course- The Wild West of Montana

My wife’s family loves the movie “A River Run’s Through It.” I don’t know if I’ve seen it all but recall how it tells the story of Brad Pitt playing golf courses near Missoula, Montana. I should watch it in its entirety. Had Old Works been around back when the movie was made Brad would definitely have played it. Old works Golf Course is a bucket list course that weaves through the wild west of the old copper mines of Anaconda, MT.

Old Works- A Jack Nicklaus Design

I’m a sucker for any Jack Nicklaus Design golf course. I played my first one in Hawaii 11 years ago, Manele Golf Course. I can think of 4 other Jack Nicklaus’ courses I’ve played. Hokuala on the island of Kauai, The Bull at Pinehurst Farms in Wisconsin, Snoqualmie Ridge in Washington State. All of these courses are incredible and must plays. Old Works is no different.

I’ve played lots of great courses by lots of great architects. My favorite designers to date have to be Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, David McLay Kidd, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. I have played many of their courses (although I don’t have any of Arnold Palmer’s highlighted on my blog…yet).

It seems that many of the top ranked courses in the country are made by a similar group of architects. I sure hope Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and other contemporary golfers will make their mark on the golf course world.

Old Works- Black Sand or Slag?

The most jaw dropping feature of Old Works Golf Course is the black slag traps that they have all over the course. Slag is a glass by-product of mineral mining and is used in lieu of sand in all of the traps at Old Works. It is softer than any sand you can imagine. I managed to stay out if it all day, but did hit a shot out of it just for fun. It is not messy like you would think.

The Round

Old works is unlike any course you will ever play. You feel that it is taking you back in time.

The course plays like most Jack Nicklaus tracks. The tee shots are demanding, the fairways are narrow in parts and wide in others. There are plenty of hazards and slag traps to keep you mentally occupied on each shot. I was fortunate that my game was “on” that day and I carded a great round. 71! I always love playing under par, especially on a new course.

Old Work Golf Course- Worth the Trip

Old Works is a blast to play and very unique. It is out of the way for most golfers, but almost all great golf courses are destination trips. Make the way up to Anaconda, MT to play Old Works. You won’t be disappointed.

The Food

After your round you will have at least a two hour drive back to Missoula. Stop at the Classic Cafe in Anaconda. There aren’t many other places in town to stop. Anytime you get to sit in an old Herby car you should do it. (As an important side note the best Herby movie was “Herby Goes Bananas”). My knew motto was hanging on their wall. Measure Twice, Putt Once.

GolferMD Pro Shop

Before your trip to Old Works don’t forget to make a trip to the GolferMD Pro Shop for a t-shirt and mask. How many times in life have you been able to buy the most comfortable t-shirt in the world with a mask for only $25?

About the Author

I am a husband, father, ER doctor, and an avid golfer.  With a handicap of 1.7 I have a fairly legitimate claim to be among the Top 100 Physician Golfers in the United States.  You can read more about my story on my about page. Feel free to contact me or follow my sites on social media.