Missoula Golf Course Opens in January Thanks to Unusual Montana Warmth

Montana’s weather has been a hot topic of conversation these days, pun intended. When I was driving around my neighborhood the other day, I noticed how good the lawns looked and how green they already are. That is rare for mid-January. One of my neighbors has his lawn mower out in the yard already. 

How Montana’s Weather Is Breaking Winter Norms 

We have had such a mild January that at least one golf course has opened, for the time being, in Missoula. Linda Vista Golf Course posted on its social media last week that they would be open over the weekend for those who want to golf. So, we went golfing, and it was amazing. 

READ MORE: A Guide to the Public Golf Courses in Missoula

I have golfed in rain, snow, and triple-digit heat in Montana. This was the first time I have ever golfed on a Montana course in mid-January.  

A Missoula Golf Course Opens in Mid-January

When we set out golfing, it was 31°F and we dressed like we were going skiing, lots of layers. By the time we finished the round, we were sweating and had dropped a few layers.  

READ MORE: Montana’s Top 10 Warmest Januarys & What It Means Now

Linda Vista isn’t taking tee times; you will need to check in at the pro shop if you want to play. They also aren’t renting electric carts, but you can rent push carts. When we played, you couldn’t use a tee, because the ground was too frozen. I would suggest you don't take the golfing too seriously. The greens may have water, ice, and frozen sticks on them. 

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The weather this week looks like it’s going to be even warmer than last week, so I am sure there will be more people wanting to swing a club this weekend. If you get a chance, you should try to skip one of your balls across one of the frozen ponds; it makes an amazing sound. 

What It’s Like to Golf in Montana in January

There is still a lot of winter left, and the weather could change closing the course again until it fully opens in spring. But for the time being, enjoy golfing in mid-January in Montana while you can. Who knows when it will happen again?