Big Sky Resort Golf Course

Big Sky Resort Golf Course sits in the Gallatin Canyon of southwestern Montana, approximately 45 miles south of Bozeman at the base of Lone Mountain. Arnold Palmer designed the course in the mid-1970s as part of the broader Big Sky Resort development, one of several mountain resort layouts he created during that era. The course occupies a high-elevation valley setting at roughly 7,500 feet, where the thin air affects ball flight and the short growing season shapes maintenance practices and playing conditions. The routing works through meadowland and stands of lodgepole pine and spruce, with the Gallatin River running along portions of the property. The terrain features moderate elevation changes, and several holes play across or alongside natural creek drainages. Mountain views, particularly of Lone Mountain and the surrounding Spanish Peaks, frame many holes. The design reflects Palmer's characteristic approach from that period, with strategic bunkering and greens that reward accurate approach play, though the course is generally accessible to resort guests of varying skill levels. The course operates as part of the Big Sky Resort amenities, serving both resort visitors and local members during Montana's relatively brief golf season, typically from late spring through early fall. The high-altitude environment and mountain setting create playing conditions distinct from lower-elevation courses, with cooler temperatures and the occasional afternoon weather pattern common to the northern Rockies.