Wilderness Club & Old Works: Montana dreaming

• Old Works: Big changes are in store at the Old Works in Anaconda, Montana.  A complete clubhouse remodel will begin soon, adding additional seating, new bar and two golf simulators for winter-time activities.  The Golf course will continue with improvements as well.  A regressing of the rough and tees will take place next spring. Along with irrigation improvements.  The golfers will notice new carts, range balls and upgraded pro shop inventory.  General Manager and Course superintendent Todd Lupkes says “the turnaround of one of Montana’s premier facilities has begun, but it will take time.  These are big projects planned over the next several years.”  

The Old Works Golf Course, Montana’s only public Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, is unlike any other course you’ve ever played. The grounds that Old Works now call home were the site of Anaconda’s first copper smelting operation. After lying idle for nearly a century, in 1983 the grounds became a Super Fund clean-up site. By the late 80’s the idea of reviving the Old Works with a world class golf course became a dream of the community of Anaconda and ARCO. After countless hours and efforts to make the site safe, that dream became a reality. 

 The Old Works features five sets of tees ranging from the bricks at 5,300 yards to the slags at 7,700 yards. The Old Works is situated between Warm Springs Creek and the remnants of the lower and upper works smelting operation against the hill sides. 

Prior to your round, enjoy Montana’s premier practice facility. There is massive putting green, chipping and pitching area, two expansive bent grass practice tees and three practice holes. For rate information or to book your tee time, please visit www.playoldworks.com or call the golf shop at (406) 563-5989.

• The Wilderness Club in Eureka, Mont. has something for everyone. With the resort sitting on 550 acres of land, The Wilderness Club has golf, lodging, water sports and more. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the course has been ranked as the top golf course in the state of Montana and one of the top public courses in the country.  The Wilderness Club plays from 5,431 yards to 7,200 yards and features Ponderosa-lined fairways, waste bunkers, deep greenside bunkers and terrific views of nearby mountain ranges. But that’s not all.

There are plenty of places for a stay and play deal at The Wilderness Club with cabins, cottages and suites. The cottages feature studio accommodations to two-bedroom units and other units that can host up to 24 people. And don’t forget about the hot tubs, expanded kitchens and mountain views.

The Wilderness Club is the kind of place for a family vacation with its Family Sports Park that includes activities like beach volleyball, basketball, pier and an 18-hole disc golf course. The nearby Wilderness Lake is a non-motorized lake and has kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available for use. A waterpark features a 250-foot water slide and two saltwater pools. A fitness studio and spa and wellness center help complete the experience. The Wilderness Grille offers polished casual dining with flavors for every palate.