
The Reserve Course
The Reserve at Moonlight Basin

About this course
The Reserve at Moonlight Basin sits at elevations between 7,000 and 7,600 feet in the Madison Range near Big Sky, Montana, making it one of the highest-elevation courses in North America. Jack Nicklaus designed the layout, which opened in 2004 as part of the Moonlight Basin development. The course occupies dramatic mountain terrain with significant elevation changes and expansive views across the Spanish Peaks and surrounding wilderness. The routing takes advantage of natural ridgelines, valleys, and meadows characteristic of this high-altitude setting. The design features wide fairways that accommodate the challenges of playing at elevation, where reduced air density affects ball flight considerably. Several holes play across steep slopes and through stands of lodgepole pine and aspen. The property's topography creates forced carries and approach shots that must account for both elevation change and the thin mountain air. Water features are limited, with the natural terrain providing most of the strategic interest. The Reserve operates as part of a private club community within the larger Big Sky resort area. The course is typically accessible only during summer and early fall months due to the extreme elevation and Montana's winter climate. The setting emphasizes mountain golf in relative isolation, far removed from urban centers, with the surrounding landscape dominated by national forest and wilderness areas. The course serves members and guests staying within the Moonlight Basin residential community.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MT
Quick facts
- Location
- Big Sky, MT, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2010
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 8,000 yards
- Difficulty
- 86/155
- Course Vaults score
- 8.5
Getting there
The Reserve at Moonlight Basin is reached most directly through Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), situated roughly ninety minutes northwest of Big Sky via US Highway 191, a route that climbs steadily from the Gallatin Valley floor into the high country as the Spanish Peaks come into view. Private aviation clients benefit from the proximity of Gallatin Field's Fixed Base Operations, which accommodates jets and turboprops with minimal delay, while those seeking the ultimate discretion may arrange landings at one of several regional strips closer to the resort. The final ascent into Big Sky trades the open valley for dense lodgepole forest and alpine meadows, with the dramatic north face of Lone Peak growing larger on the horizon as you wind through the mountain community before arriving at The Reserve - a secluded sanctuary perched at elevation where the landscape itself becomes part of the arrival ritual.

FAQ
Common questions about The Reserve
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Reserve has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 22 logged golfers.
The Reserve was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. The Reserve is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Reserve is 72.
The Reserve plays 8,000 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Reserve is 155.


