Billings, Montana
Briarwood Country Club delivers an engaging early-80s championship test surrounded by sweeping Montana beauty. With a Benz/Poellot design, state-level recognition, and standout playing conditions, it's a home base for serious local and regional players craving classic private-club energy.
Look out for the signature black volcanic sand bunkers—the first of their kind in Montana golf history.
Briarwood Country Club is a pure expression of early-1980s Montana golf, with a Benz & Poellot layout that weaves through the subtle rolling hills, tall native roughs, and signature open vistas of the Billings landscape. The routing uses broad corridors and strategic bunker placement, notably its pioneering use of black sand bunkers, to create visual drama and target-demanding shot values. With generous landing areas but compelling green surrounds, Briarwood compels careful planning and rewards strong approach play, while its long finishing holes offer plenty of moments to test your nerve.
Brad Benz and Mike Poellot crafted a layout that echoes classic championship proportions with a direct Montana twist—open air, bold visuals, and original bunker artistry.
The outward nine closes with a muscular par 4 stretching to 444 yards, demanding a precise drive over the rolling fairway and a tough approach to an elevated green backed by Montana’s endless horizon.
Favor the right-center of the fairway to open up your second; a left miss brings tough angles and the risk of finding native rough.
Toppled drives or thin approaches are punished by deep bunker faces and tricky runoffs, making par a proud achievement.
Greens and fairways are maintained to premier private-club standards, with firm bent-grass surfaces and dramatic contrasts from the unique black bunkers.
Friendly, classic, service-oriented private club atmosphere blending tradition with relaxed Montana energy.
Traditional private club attire; collared shirts and golf-appropriate clothing required.
Billings sits nearly 3,200 feet up—expect longer ball flights, so dial in your distances ahead of time.
Be prepared for shifting breezes; the site’s exposure can turn a mild day into a real club-selection challenge.
Arrive early, greet staff, and make sure your group respects the club’s pace and presentation expectations.
Course constructed by Brad Benz and Mike Poellot
Official opening as Briarwood Country Club
Hosted the Briarwood Shootout collegiate event
Deck collapse during the annual Tangle Derby tournament
Host of the Yam Golf Tournament and DII events
Long before black bunkers became famous at Old Works, Briarwood’s architects debuted this volcanic look in Montana, adding dark contrast to the emerald fairways and serving as a subtle local landmark for seasoned players.
Every year, the club hosts the Tangle Derby, a lively members’ tournament that’s famous for its deep-rooted camaraderie and, in 2024, drew headlines when the clubhouse deck collapsed during post-round festivities.
For locals and state-level diehards, Briarwood has twice claimed Montana’s #1 spot in Golf Digest’s rankings, cementing its place as a flagship site for golf in the Big Sky country.
Hosted the annual Tangle Derby, the club’s most storied members’ event.
Pioneered black volcanic sand bunkers in Montana, predating some iconic nationally known designs.
Twice named the #1 course in Montana by Golf Digest.
Finishing hole stretches to 604 yards, one of the region’s longest closers.
Deck collapse during the 2024 Tangle Derby became city-wide news.
Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed, a Billings staple for elite local play.
Classic in-town club with strong local roots and playability.
Top local public option—ideal for visitor-friendly rounds and group play.
Popular public Billings track with a fun, approachable vibe.
Great quick round for families or a fun warm-up session in the city.
West or central Billings for easy access to Briarwood and the city’s best private and public courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Chartiers Country Club is a natural next stop after Briarwood Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Crane Creek Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Briarwood Country Club.
Why it matches: If Briarwood Country Club is your kind of course, Black Rock Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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