Welcome to our review of Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish! In this article, we will break down the golf course hole by hole, practice facility, pro shop, food and beverage, and real estate around the course.
Iron Horse Golf Club Review Index
- Golf Course Stats
- Course History
- Driving Range & Practice Facilities
- Iron Horse Golf Club Hole by Hole
- Iron Horse Golf Club Conditions and Review
- Pro Shop
- Food & Beverage
- Iron Horse Real Estate
Golf Course Stats
Iron Horse Golf Club: Built 2000, Designer: Tom Fazio
Course Length: 7028 from Back Tees, Par 71
Phone Number: 406-863-3100 Email: golfshop@ironhorsemt.com
Iron Horse Golf Club History
Iron Horse Golf Club was built in the year 2000 by Discovery Land Company. It is located on the mountain above the town of Whitefish, just below Whitefish Mountain Resort.
The Club was sold to the membership in 2007 and major renovations were done to the clubhouse. In 2009, the practice facility was expanded as well. Iron Horse Golf Club is a Private Club and it is not open to the public. If you would like information on becoming a member, click here.
Iron Horse Driving Range & Practice Facilities
The driving range and practice facilities at Iron Horse Golf Club are the best that I have seen in Montana! The range has large tees that are set up with numerous stations. Each station has range balls, tees, a club rack, and an alignment stick. There are numerous target greens, protected by bunkers, to aim for on the range.
There is also an indoor practice building on the west side of the driving range tee. You can open the back door and hit balls down the range in the winter, or you can keep the doors closed and use the Trackman4 Golf Simulator.
The chipping area is incredible! There is a huge area to practice wedge shots with numerous greens at various distances to aim for.
There is also a large practice putting green located between the driving range tees and the chipping area.
Iron Horse Golf Club Hole By Hole
In this section, I will describe each hole at Iron Horse Golf Club. I will give you my opinion on how you should play the hole and my thoughts on each hole. Remember, these are only my opinions based upon my background and experience in the golf world. Feel free to comment below with your own opinions! If you would like to know more about my background, read this.
#1 Par 4
The opening hole at Iron Horse is a long Par 4 that moves slightly to the left off of the tee. There is a fairway bunker on the right side in the landing area. The fairway slopes from left to right so a drive down the left side will end up in perfect position. The green is protected by a bunker on the right side.
#2 Par 3
The first Par 3 at Iron Horse is found at the 2nd hole. This large green has a bunker on the front right. There is also a bunker short left of the green. Everything slopes from left to right if you are short of the hole. If you are going to miss this green, miss to the left and it may roll down to the green.
#3 Par 4
A blind tee shot here, aim just to the left of the right-side fairway bunker. From this spot, you will have a clear shot into the green. This green is protected by a large bunker complex on the front left. The hole slopes towards the green if you play down the right side. This green has 2 tiers, on the left and right side so be sure to get your approach to the proper side of this green.
#4 Par 5
The first Par 5 at Iron Horse requires an accurate tee shot to set up the rest of the hole. You will find most of the trouble down the right side off of the tee. The best drive will be down the right center of the fairway.
Continue down the right side of the fairway on your 2nd shot. This will set up the best approach into this green that is slightly elevated and protected by a bunker on the right.
#5 Par 4
Number 5 is a classic Fazio risk/reward hole. This short Par 4 is reachable by the big hitters but the deep bunker in front of the green will catch anything that isn’t placed perfectly. A safe play will be down the left-center of the fairway. An approach from the left will take away the front right bunker.
#6 Par 5
A daunting view awaits from the 6th tee. An uphill Par 5, this drive requires a carry over a deep ravine to a fairway with a large bunker on the right. A good drive is just to the left of the fairway bunker.
The 2nd shot should be played down the left side of the fairway. This will give you a good view of the green for the approach. There is a large, deep bunker that protects the right side of the green.
#7 Par 3
One of the most scenic holes in Montana, this Par 3 requires careful club selection for the downhill shot. This large green is protected by bunkers on the front right and left. Be sure to bring your ball mark repair tool here!
#8 Par 4
The 8th hole is a dogleg right Par 4. An accurate drive is the key to this hole. Aim just to the right of the fairway bunkers and you will be in a good position for the approach. The green is elevated with a bunker on the front left.
#9 Par 4
The finishing hole on the front nine is a slight dogleg left Par 4. Play your drive down the right side to set up your approach. The approach shot will be downhill to a green that has 3 bunkers around the front. Club selection is key on the approach.
#10 Par 4
The back nine at Iron Horse begins with a difficult Par 4. A long drive just to the right of the fairway bunker on the left will put you in the best position for the approach. This will be one of the most difficult approach shots on the course. The green is elevated and protected by bunkers on 3 sides. Par is a good score here.
#11 Par 4
The first of 2 short Par 4’s, number 11 is all about placement of your drive. An accurate, shorter drive down the middle avoids trouble. The green is slightly elevated and protected on the front right by a bunker.
#12 Par 4
Similar to number 5, Fazio tempts the long hitters on this Par 4. Most of the trouble is near the green on this slight dogleg right. A 220-yard drive between the fairway bunkers is the best play here. Choose the right club for the approach to this elevated green. Four bunkers protect this green.
#13 Par 5
The only Par 5 on the back nine requires a drive over a large natural area. Play your drive down the right side of the fairway on this straightaway Par 5.
Continue down the right side to set up the best angle of approach. A large, deep bunker protects the right side of this green.
#14 Par 3
The first Par 3 on the back nine requires a long downhill shot. Grab enough club to reach the green. The hole slopes from left to right so a miss left usually turns out OK. Avoid the right side.
#15 Par 4
Another dogleg right, this fairway slopes from right to left. A drive hit down the right side will end up perfect. The approach will be to the only green on the course without bunkers.
#16 Par 3
Another beautiful downhill Par 3, club selection is paramount. A deep ravine and bunkers protect the left side. A miss to the right should get a favorable bounce towards the green.
#17 Par 4
Another Fazio risk/reward Par 4. This short, downhill hole will be tempting for the big hitters. The best play is a short drive down the middle to set up an easy approach into this green. The fairway slopes from left to right near the green.
#18 Par 4
A great finishing hole, this Par 4 moves right off of the tee. Bunkers and a pond protect the entire right side of this hole. The best drive will carry the right-side fairway bunkers. Playing to the left of these bunkers will add to the distance of your approach. The green runs from left to right away from the fairway. Water protects the entire right side of this green.
Iron Horse Golf Club Conditions & Review
I have played Iron Horse numerous times and I have never been disappointed. I have always been a huge fan of Fazio courses, and Iron Horse is another of his great designs.
Fazio has taken a great piece of land and turned it into a spectacular, and very playable golf course. With 5 sets of tees, this course is fun and challenging for golfers of all levels. As with many of his designs, this course can be very penalizing if you play too aggressive. If you play smart, you have a chance at a great score.
The greens were rolling at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter on the day I played. With the location on the side of a mountain, the greens have a lot of subtle breaks/undulations that will take some time to master. The fairways are Kentucky Bluegrass, providing great, upright lies.
This is one of those courses that you will never get tired of playing. If you have the chance to play Iron Horse, you will not be disappointed!
Pro Shop
The Pro Shop at Iron Horse is located on the lower level of the clubhouse next to the locker rooms. The Pro Shop has a wide variety of men’s and women’s golf attire, golf clubs, and golf accessories for sale. Lessons at the practice facility are available from PGA Teaching Professionals.
Food & Beverage
The clubhouse at Iron Horse sits above the 18th Green. There is a bar and dining room on the main level. A large deck on the backside of the clubhouse looks out at the 10th hole and the 18th green, providing a spectacular spot to enjoy a meal.
There are many food and beverage options at Iron Horse. In the main dining room, meals are available all day. In the evening, there is a large selection of meats and seafood to choose from. There is also a full bar located next to the dining room.
Iron Horse Real Estate
The real estate around Iron Horse is made up of large custom homes and cabins. There are still building lots available around the property. Over the past year sales at Iron Horse ranged in price from $800,000 for a 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom fully furnished cabin up to $3,400,000 for a 6 bedroom/ 7 bathroom fully furnished custom home. If you would like more information on buying a home at Iron Horse or in the Whitefish area, please visit Montanaliferealty.com or email montanaliferealty@gmail.com.
Iron Horse FAQ
No, Iron Horse is a private club.
Yes, there are homes, cabins, and building lots that are currently available around the property. If you would like information about purchasing in Iron Horse, click here.
Yes, there is a pool and workout facility at Iron Horse.
