While the temperatures have been trying to stay below freezing we all know that Spring is well on its way. The best part of winters end? As it gets closer so does the opening day of Golf Season! Locals and visitors alike await opening day at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course.
THE HISTORY
Since the Grand Opening Tournament in 1936the Whitefish Lake Golf Course has been a top destination for golfers of every level. It started as a 9-hole emergency airplane landing strip and developed into Montana's only 36-hole complex and most requested course in the state. When the course was almost closed in the 1940's locals developed the Whitefish Lake Golf Association which still operates the course today on a non-profit basis with all board members being volunteers.
THE COURSES The North Course sits right above the shores of Whitefish Lake providing outstanding views of the lake and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Given the views it is requested slightly more than the South Course.
Blue Tee: 6530 yards / 132 Slope / 70.7 Rating
The South Course is located across Hwy 93 N. from the North Course and snakes its way along Lost Coon Lake. While it doesn't offer views of Whitefish Lake it does boast amazing and open views of Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Blue Tee: 6551 yards / 131 Slope / 71.6 Rating
CONTINUING EFFORTS
Whitefish Lake Golf Course prides itself on being one of the finest facilities in Montana and is always working to improve their game. 2014 brings many exciting new features including a new, wider green on the North Courses 6th hole. The most exciting renovation is the new Gold Tees that were added in response to members requests for a shorter, more user friendly, option for those who don't hit the ball as far off the tee. You will also be elated by the cleared rough areas, making your game that much better.
COURSE ARCHITECT JOHN STIEDEL
Golf Course Architect John Stiedel has been a part of the development of 14 courses throughout the Northwest United States. With a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California Berkley, John Stiedel has been bringing beauty and grace, as well as challenges, to courses for over 30 years. John remodeled the North Course in 1983 and did such an amazing job he was asked to design the South Course which was completed in 1994. For a look at more courses designed by John visit his profile on the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
SAFETY FIRST
The Whitefish Lake Golf Course does its best to ensure the safety of its players. On the North Course you'll find mirrors at the 9th, 13th, and 14th holes so you are able to make sure the golfers ahead of you have cleared the way. After playing the 18th hole ring the big brass bell (just once please) to let the next group know you are finished.
DINING
There are multiple dining options at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course to suit any palate. The Whitefish Lake Restaurant is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Whitefish and offers fine steaks and seafood. Don't let the fancy menu scare you, the dress code follows most fine dining restaurants in the area and is 'Montana Casual'. If you are looking for a more laid back approach make your way to the Clubhouse for a menu full of favorites complimented by a full bar. In the summer you can always eat alfresco on the Deck and watch your burger cooked to perfection on the outdoor grill. Note that the Clubhouse is unavailable on Tuesdays and Thursdays as the WLGC Men's and Women's Leagues meet there post play.
RESERVING TEE TIMES
If you are booking tee times within two days you may do so directly with the course by calling 406-862-4000. In summer the reservation line opens at 6:45am and in the Spring and Fall it opens for reservations at 7:45am. Stay on the line--calls are answered in the order they are received! To reserve advance tee times phone the Northwest Montana Golf Associations' Central Reservations at 1-800-392-9795. All golfers are required to check in with the starter at least 15 minutes prior to tee time.
A special thank you to Green Kat Photography for the amazing images of the Whitefish Lake Golf Course! To see more images of the courses and other areas of the Flathead Valley visit www.greenkatphotography.com.
For more information on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course visit their website at www.golfwhitefish.com.
Get the best of both worlds—stay at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake and golf Whitefish with our Stay & Play Golf Packages!