Canyon River Recognized by Pacific Northwest Golfer Magazine
Par-3 12th selected as one of the ‘Great Holes of the Northwest’
In the March 2025 issue of Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine, the par-3 12th hole at Canyon River Golf Club in Missoula, Mont. is recognized as one of the “Great Holes of the Northwest,” one of just four holes selected each year by the Northwest’s largest and longest-running golf publication.
The first of two challenging downhill par 3s on the back nine, this hole demands distance control. The descent makes the hole play shorter than its listed yardage, and swirling winds add an element of uncertainty, making club selection a challenge.
The green’s subtle right-to-left slope rewards smart shot placement, allowing well-judged approaches to feed toward the pin. A tee shot landing on the right side of the green is likely to feed toward the center. However, anything long will leave a delicate downhill chip. Three blowout bunkers are in place to catch any shots that wander left or come up short of the mark.
Located in East Missoula, the highly anticipated Canyon River Golf Club opened for play in July of 2006. In less than 20 years Canyon River, which was designed by the renowned Schmidt-Curley Golf Design, has established itself as one of Montana’s most sought-after courses, and acts as a frequent host to state events.
The rolling terrain, natural elevation changes, and strategically placed bunkers keep players on their toes while offering incredible views of the Missoula Valley. Nestled along the Clark Fork River, Canyon River provides golfers with sweeping views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and lush landscapes that the Missoula Valley is famous for. You might even see a little wildlife on the course (just don’t let the foxes steal your golf balls).
The course stretches to just under 7,000 yards and features 18 holes of championship-caliber golf, and while it’s known for its difficult downhill par 3s, the course is accessible to golfers of all skill levels. As Jeff Hardee, the longtime PGA professional at Canyon River, tells us, “If I had to play one course every day, it would be Canyon River. There are so many different ways to play it. You can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. With immaculate conditions and a tight knit community, what more can you ask for.” It is clear that Canyon River has something for everyone.
Canyon River will host the 2025 Montana State Women’s Amateur and Master 40 Championships this July 10-12. The 54-hole event will attract the top female amateur golfers from across Montana, showcasing the state’s talent on a scenic stage.
Canyon River is also slated to host the 2025 PNW PGA Professional Championship later this year in September. The event will feature top PGA professionals from across the Pacific Northwest fighting for a spot in the 2026 PGA Professional Championship. The tournament will be played over 54 holes, testing the skills and endurance of the region’s best professionals.
With a direct-mailed circulation of over 120,000 households, Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine has been the voice of golf in the Northwest for over 30 years. It is the only Northwest golf publication with a verifiable demographic of its readership. It is the official magazine of the British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Alaska and Pacific Northwest golf associations, as well as the Pacific Northwest Section PGA. Published by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, a 501c3 charitable international amateur golf association, Pacific Northwest Golfer is a member benefit delivered to Golf Canada members in British Columbia and to those who utilize the USGA GHIN Handicap System through clubs of the PNGA’s member associations in the U.S., either public or private.
