A Golfer’s Guide to Moving to Billings, Montana
When people think of Billings, Montana, their minds usually go straight to outdoor adventures, like hiking, rafting, and, of course, fishing along the Yellowstone River. Others might think of the city’s surprisingly vibrant brewery and food scene or its prime location nestled between popular destinations like Bozeman and Helena.
But one thing many don’t expect? Billings is actually an incredible destination for golfers.
Whether you're considering a move and want golf right in your backyard, or you're planning a trip and looking to play a few rounds while you’re here, Billings has a lot to offer when it comes to the golf lifestyle.
As a real estate agent in Billings, I get an up close and personal look at some of the best golf neighborhoods in the area, so in this blog post I want to break them down for you! ⛳️
Keep reading for the ultimate golfer’s guide to moving to Billings, MT.
Top Golf-Centric Neighborhoods in Billings, MT
Briarwood Country Club
Location: Southwest Billings
Briarwood is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Billings for avid golfers. Nestled in the hills on the southwestern edge of the city, the Briarwood neighborhood surrounds the private 18-hole Briarwood Golf Club, known for its rolling terrain, well-kept greens, and peaceful views of the Yellowstone River Valley.
The course itself is a favorite among locals for its challenging layout and full amenities, including a pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and the popular Black Bunker Bar & Grill.
The surrounding neighborhood features custom homes, many of which have direct golf course views or access. Living here means you can hop in your cart and be on the first tee in minutes!
This area appeals to those seeking an upscale, quiet community with a strong sense of neighborhood pride and a love for the game.
Yellowstone Country Club
Location: Northwest Billings
Yellowstone Country Club is Billings’ most established private golf club, offering a championship 18-hole course with tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, and views of the nearby rims. The club also features a full driving range, short-game practice area, tennis courts, a pool, and a newly renovated clubhouse.
Nearby neighborhoods like Rehberg Ranch, Ironwood, and Augusta Ranch Estates offer stunning homes with larger lots and views of the course or surrounding hills. These communities are popular among buyers looking for a more secluded, high-end feel without being too far from downtown Billings.
Membership at Yellowstone comes with a higher price point, but the prestige, amenities, and strong community make it a top choice for serious golfers and those seeking an elevated lifestyle!
Lake Hills
Location: Billings Heights
Located in the Heights area, Lake Hills is a championship 18-hole public course and a hub for community golfers in Billings. It’s known for wide fairways, water features, and a welcoming vibe that makes it a favorite for leagues, tournaments, and casual players alike.
The surrounding neighborhoods, like Gleneagles Boulevard and the Greenbriar area, offer a mix of mid-century ranches and newer construction homes at great price points, many with easy access to the course.
Families love this area because of its proximity to schools and parks, while golfers love the ability to tee off without a long drive. In addition to the golf course, Lake Hills also has a full-service restaurant and bar, driving range, and pro shop, making it an easy choice for daily play.
Poly Drive Area & Hilands Golf Club
Location: Near Downtown Billings and Lower West End
If you love the idea of walkable neighborhoods with character homes and historic charm, all within minutes of downtown Billings, the Poly Drive area is a hidden gem. Tucked into this part of town is Hilands Golf Club, Montana’s oldest private course.
Hilands offers a traditional 9-hole course with beautiful fairways and a welcoming membership community. While smaller than others, it’s a quiet escape right in the heart of the Billings and ideal for golfers who enjoy short, strategic rounds during the week.
The homes in this area are primarily well-kept older properties, with plenty of personality and a strong sense of community. It’s perfect for buyers looking for charm, proximity to downtown, and a lower-key golf lifestyle.
Yegen Area
Location: West End Billings
Yegen Golf Club is one of the most popular public courses in Billings, offering a challenging 18-hole layout with water features and scenic prairie views. The club also offers a full driving range, pro shop, and a casual clubhouse restaurant.
While not part of a traditional golf course neighborhood, the surrounding area is home to spacious lots, newer builds, and semi-rural properties, making it perfect for buyers looking to build or find a little more room while still staying close to the fairway.
This area also appeals to golfers who want public course access without the pressure of a membership or HOA. It’s a laid-back alternative to the more private course neighborhoods in town!
Pryor Creek Golf Course – A Semi-Private Retreat Just Outside Town
Location: 15 minutes east of Billings, near Huntley
Just a short drive from Billings, Pryor Creek offers a bit of a retreat feel, but still close enough to enjoy regularly. With two distinct 18-hole courses, beautiful scenery, and a semi-private membership model, it’s a favorite for serious golfers looking for variety and peaceful play.
The surrounding area includes small acreage properties, custom homes, and rural land options near Shepherd and Huntley, perfect for those wanting a country feel with a golf bonus!
So, if you don’t mind a short commute and are looking for a slower pace with sweeping views, this is a great area to consider.
Tips for Golf-Centered Moves to Billings, MT
Now that you know some of the best golf-centered communities in and around Billings, MT it’s important to consider a few other things beyond just the nearest tee box when making your move.
Whether you’re looking to buy your dream home on a course or simply want to live close to your favorite club, these tips will help you plan strategically and make the most of your new golf-focused lifestyle.
Know Your Preference – Public vs. Private Courses
Before narrowing down your home search, it’s important to first consider what kind of golf experience you want.
Are you someone who enjoys a relaxed atmosphere and flexible tee times? If so, a public course like Lake Hills or Yegen Golf Club may be your best fit.
Do you prefer an exclusive, country club feel with access to events, a pool, and tennis courts? In that case, Briarwood or Yellowstone Country Club might be more your style!
Your golf preferences can shape where you’ll feel most at home, not just on the course, but in the community that surrounds it.
Understand Membership Costs and Benefits
If you're eyeing a home in a golf course neighborhood, factor in the cost of membership or HOA dues. Private clubs like Briarwood and Yellowstone Country Club often require initiation fees, monthly dues, and sometimes additional charges for amenities like the pool or fitness center.
Semi-private clubs, like Pryor Creek, often have more flexible options.
And remember: when you’re moving to a golf-centered neighborhood, it’s not *just* about having access to the course. It’s about the lifestyle that comes with it!
When trying to decide on which golf course neighborhood you want to call home, make sure you fully understand what’s included with your membership and what events or services are available to members (like leagues, dining, guest passes, or lessons).
Browse Nearby Neighborhoods (not just on-course homes)
While golf course homes are dreamy, they’re not the only option for golf lovers! In Billings, there are plenty of housing options just a few minutes from the course that offer similar perks at a more affordable price point. Plus, you have less foot traffic in your backyard!
Neighborhoods like Greenbriar (near Lake Hills) or areas just outside Yegen Golf Club provide quick access without being located on the fairway. These spots are perfect if you want golf convenience without the potential premium of living on the green.
And don’t forget: homes with views of the course or located in “golf-friendly” communities tend to retain strong resale value thanks to their lifestyle appeal!
Consider All Seasons (especially winter!)
While Billings is a fantastic place to golf spring through fall, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll spend your time when the clubs are packed away for the winter. If you’re considering relocating here primarily for the golf scene, make sure you also love the lifestyle Billings offers during the off-season!
Lucky for you, there’s still plenty to do! Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and sledding opportunities at Red Lodge Mountain (just over an hour away), while local events like holiday markets and seasonal performances at Alberta Bair Theater offer cozy experiences.
And if you’re not into winter sports? No biggie! Winter is the perfect time to embrace the local food and brewery scene, explore indoor activities like art classes or live music events, or take winter road trips to nearby Montana towns and hot springs.
But when cabin fever hits (because let’s be real – it ALWAYS does!), The Tee Box indoor golf simulators are a local favorite for staying connected to the game, no matter the weather!
Partner With a Realtor Who Knows the Golf Scene
And lastly, if you want to ensure that you find the perfect golf-centered home in Billings, make sure you choose to work with a local real estate agent who knows the golf scene.
Not every agent will know which homes have course access, which neighborhoods offer cart paths, or what the current waitlist looks like at the local country club, but when you work with someone who knows the area, they can help you find the right home and lifestyle fit!
While I’m no golf expert, I do know a thing or two from personally living in a local golf community and I LOVE helping others find their perfect home in Billings. So, if you’re looking to make the move and aren’t sure where to start, CLICK HERE to connect and get the convo started.
Ready To Start The Home Buying Process in Billings, MT?
Hopefully you can see that Billings, MT, is more than just a gateway to stunning outdoor adventures – while there’s for sure a plethora of hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring, it’s also a vibrant community where golf lovers can truly thrive!
Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of championship courses like Yellowstone Country Club or prefer the welcoming atmosphere of public gems like Lake Hills and Yegen, Billings offers a diverse range of options to fit your lifestyle and budget.
And while golf may be the reason you’re considering making the move to Billings, the community’s offerings beyond the course, from nearby ski resorts to tons of local events year round, are sure to give you plenty to love every season.
So, if you’re ready to explore golf course homes or neighborhoods in Billings, I’d love to help you find the perfect spot to tee up your new life. CLICK HERE to get started and I’ll help you every step of the way!