old works

I count my blessings at the courses throughout the world that I have had the privilege of visiting and continue to think of Old Works as one of my favorites. My opinion is the Golden Bear did it right when he looked over this former copper refinery and used its history as an integral part of the course design. He not only gave respect to the game of golf, but also the legacy of the hard work that forged the character of Anaconda and a great deal of Montana. While the course can be challenging and in some places unforgiving, the staff members that I had a chance to talk with will go the extra mile to make sure you have a good experience even when your game is a bit off. On the course, I would highly recommend avoiding the bunkers who are not there to make your day enjoyable. Made from refined mine tailings, the bunkers look very inviting but will scuff a nice white Pro V1 faster than you can say fore. Even though this is a former Superfund site, the views of the Anaconda Range to the south are beautiful and if you are not careful, will slow your game so please keep on pace. My favorite time to visit Old Works is late in the season, probably September with nice warm Montana days and less golfers than the middle of summer. When you really want to have a great day, go out and hit your sticks at Old Works then get out your stick with a string and hit a blue ribbon fishery close by. Close the day out with a microbrew and a story from some of the best characters in Montana. Always remember to breathe.

Thanks for the great review! Glad you had a great time. Hope to see you again next season!

Thank you for the excellent feedback- we look forward to seeing you in the Spring!

Another great Jack Nicklaus designed course. Built on what was a super-fund site, the surrounding landscape is dotted with the ruins of smelters that once spoiled the area. Green Fees are reasonable and you can book tee times on-line well in advance. Several of the holes look simple enough (such as hole number 2) but the design of the fairways and position in relation to typical wind direction can leave you with a blind or obstructed approach shot. Traps are not constructed of the usual sand, but of black slag, a by-product of smelting. Nicklaus determined it played much like regular sand and indeed it does; however at times (such as on hole number 11) you'll wonder why he had to use so much of it down the left side. Again, it's almost like his way of making a hole look straight forward while placing challenges along the way.

Old Works is a combination of beautiful landscaping and mining history. It is a well run course that was pleasant and challenging to play. We are already talking of making another trip next year.

My husband played all 18 holes on a brisk sunny day in mid-October and loved every minute of it. The course is huge, challenging, beautiful, and well-designed. The black slag sand pits are stunning. Staff were most friendly and helpful. The price can't be beat at $35 for a round of golf ($45 if you get a cart) and $35 to rent Callaway golf clubs. He can hardly wait to play again on our next trip to this area.

Very interesting design on waste area. We booked a discounted time on Ez Links. Unfortunately, we were past the cancellation window and had to play the front nine in 60 degrees and drizzle. The staff gave us the option of playing at another time but we had a hotel reservation we needed to get to later in the day. Still a good track and fun to play. Restaurant was very good.

The golf course is beautiful, the black sand traps adding wonderfully to the experience. Reasonably priced, even. The restaurant is a must as well, great food, friendly servers.

An exceptional course. The staff is friendly and very helpful. The course is challenging and I finally played a decent round! Kept my score under a 100 for the first time ever. The black sand traps make it easy to find your balls :) The gallery of rock chucks throughout the course offers a bit a humor in sometimes a frustrating day of golf. All and all, thumbs up and play it if you get the chance! Well worth the money and the course should be on every golfer's bucket list of hidden gems!

An excellent Jack Nicholas course developed on a massive, Superfund Cleanup Site. The course winds among remains of copper smelters offering close-up look at historical ruins while playing a beautiful course a mile high in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.

Everything about this course is amazing...beautifully manicured...the "black sand" is is so unique and stunning! The course it's self is challenging but all levels of golfers can play it! The food and service from pro shop to club house was excellent ! The town it's self is very quaint and cute! We will go back!

My husband and I have golfed here twice. The course sits on a Superfund site (which sounds scary, I know) but the view, the course, the incorporation of the old mine works, and did I mention the course? are FABULOUS. The greens are fast. The slag in the bunkers is a deep, shimmery black. The old slews are still there, along with some huge ore carts. Old brick is scattered all over. You cross a fast moving stream (to both the front & back 9) with the clearest water running through it. Greens fees include a cart & range balls. The staff is super friendly. "Jack's Grill" in the clubhouse serves fresh, delicious food and cold drinks (including Adult Beverages). They send out the beverage cart, too.If you go in the summer be prepared for thunderstorms. Big, Biblical style thunderstorms with bolts of lightning - and WIND. We were in the tee box on #14 when the siren went off and everyone scurried to the clubhouse. We got there with a few minutes to spare before the heavens opened up. It rained heavily for a good 40 mins before we decided to call it a day. Since we were out of town, we got a credit to use in the pro shop.The course is a short drive from Butte. Go make a day of it!

We loved this course - booked out tee time direct with the course about a month before we traveled. Black sand and lots of variety for all golfers..

Nice course in a very interesting setting. A good use of the Superfund money. Mr. Nichlaus always gives you a driver with big greens and this is no exception. Very picturesque front nine and nice back nine. I found the greens quite easy to read but my playing companions had troubles as there is a general flow to the 'stack'

Being from Montana I've played this course before and it is truly a gem. Troon has done an amazing job managing this course. All aspects of this facility are great!!! The course has 3 practice holes you can play plus a fantastic practice facility. A must play if you're in the area!!!