Standing on the 16th tee at Meadow Lake Golf Course, there aren’t many prettier holes in Montana. This par 3 plays at 161-yards from the tips and is all carry over a beautiful pond that looks like glass early in the morning. Behind the green, the 16th is protected by a pair of bunkers that will penalize any shots that are too long on this short hole.
Overall, Meadow Lake is one of the most beautiful courses in the Flathead Valley. With half of the holes playing in the open meadow and the other half of the holes playing into the forest. The 1st hole at Meadow Lake is a 418-yard par 4 that turns slightly right-to-left with a pond running the length of the right side of the fairway.
The par 5 3rd hole is the first on the course to make its way into the forest of pine trees. Playing 579-yards this tight fairway is lined with skyscraping pine trees and bends to the right before a slightly elevated green is protected by a bunker in the front right.
My playing partner for the round at Meadow Lake was my cousin Pat. Earlier in the week before I had s set schedule for Kalispell, Pat texted me and explained he was in Columbia Falls for a swim meet but would like to sneak away to get some golf in during the long days of watching heats in the pool. Well, it was more of a “I don’t want to sit in the hot sun watching swimming all day, let’s play some golf.”
One of the best holes on the course at Meadow Lake Golf Course is the uphill 613-yard par 5. A true three shot hole, this uphill monster plays slightly left towards the hole and if played correctly can give golfers a wedge in from a relatively flat landing area on the fairway. This long sloping green is protected by a pair of bunkers in the front left.
Of all the beautiful courses I’ve played, Meadow Lake Golf Course might just be the most gorgeous. In a beautiful setting, this course contours both the meadow and the forest on every hole and leaves you immersed in the round without distractions.
Just take a moment when you get to the 16th hole and watch the reflection of the flagstick in the water. That’ll beat the hell out of a swim meet any day.
Thanks to Meadow Lake Golf Course for a wonderful day of golf in such a beautiful area.
Montana's Longest Drive 