Nestled in the expansive landscapes of Montana, the Rock Creek Cattle Company stands as a testament to world-class golf course design. Born from the vision of businessman and avid golfer Bill Foley and his partners, this stunning course, masterfully crafted by renowned architect Tom Doak, offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Far from the typical expectations of a rocky Northwest terrain, Rock Creek Cattle Company delivers a course that is not only challenging but also immensely enjoyable, rivaling any creation in Tom Doak’s esteemed portfolio.
Expansive fairways and natural contours define the exceptional golf experience at Rock Creek Cattle Company.
The Genesis of a Montana Masterpiece at Rock Creek Cattle Company
Tom Doak, a name synonymous with exceptional golf course architecture, might have initially dreamed of shaping courses in classic sand dune settings. However, his successful venture at Pacific Dunes in 2000 paved the way for diverse and challenging projects, including Stone Eagle, Cape Kidnappers, and, significantly, Rock Creek Cattle Company. Bill Foley and his fifty partners, seeking to enhance their Montana ranch with recreational amenities, envisioned a golf course amidst their vast property. Don DuBois, a skilled golfer and Foley’s vice president, having been profoundly impressed by Pacific Dunes, championed Doak for this ambitious undertaking.
The project presented a unique dichotomy: the challenging, rocky Montana landscape versus the immense potential of a 40,000-acre canvas. The sheer scale of the property itself posed an initial hurdle. On his preliminary visit, Doak recounts missing the area where the course now resides entirely, the entrance drive alone stretching over six miles! Doak explains, “We initially explored the land north of the current course location. While it featured sweeping expanses, closer to Rock Creek, we discovered remarkable contours, almost reminiscent of links ground, albeit with significant rock outcroppings. Upon reviewing the maps, I focused my search along the creek, recognizing the perfect ground contours for golf fairways, possessing a distinctly links-like undulation.”
Once his focus shifted to the area near Rock Creek, the course routing began to materialize. Doak details his process: “The tenth hole, or rather its second half envisioned as a short par-4, was the first hole I identified on the topo map. Next, I sought a suitable creek crossing, locating the eighth hole, and then spent considerable time strategizing how to connect to it with the seventh. Holes six through fourteen followed relatively quickly. While the starting and finishing holes underwent several iterations, this core sequence remained constant.”
Strategic creek crossings are integral to the routing of Rock Creek Cattle Company, enhancing both challenge and beauty.
The expansive property offered countless routing possibilities, including a secluded start. However, concerns arose about golfers relying solely on carts for the entire round, diminishing the immersive experience. Finding the initial holes proved particularly complex. The crucial breakthrough was orienting the first hole away from Rock Creek, rather than alongside it. Doak credits his Lead Associate, Eric Iverson, for this pivotal idea and the subsequent routing of the first three holes.
The course evolved into a magnificent loop, traversing one side of Rock Creek and returning along the other, navigating the naturally undulating and rocky terrain. The initial six holes gradually ascend 250 feet from the clubhouse, following the path of least resistance. Later, a series of dramatic descents guides golfers back towards the clubhouse after the fifteenth green. Tom Devlin, a friend of Mr. Foley, suggested incorporating the land below the lodge for the concluding three holes, completing the ingenious routing plan.
Walking the course at Rock Creek Cattle Company allows for a deeper connection with the stunning natural environment.
A World-Class Golf Experience Emerges in Montana
The routing inherently promised a course of high caliber, with a wealth of distinctive holes. But could Rock Creek Cattle Company transcend mere goodness to achieve greatness? Could a site characterized by rocky terrain truly attain world-class status? No precedents existed for crafting exceptional golf in Montana, as the state lacked a history of renowned golf destinations. Regardless of the unique setting, Doak remained steadfast in his design principles, principles evident in his writings and celebrated works. These tenets, designed to make golf enjoyable for players of all levels while providing ample challenge for the most skilled, are epitomized by Doak’s admired Old Course at St. Andrews. Rock Creek, perhaps more than any other course Doak has conceived, embodies these same virtues.
The lessons learned from St. Andrews are spectacularly realized at Rock Creek Cattle Company: a looping layout, generous width defined by expansive short grass, strategic tee lines that reward risk-taking, central hazards dictating playing lines, blind approach shots that penalize overly cautious play, greenside slopes that both repel and gather, prevailing winds, and intricately contoured putting surfaces. These elements are abundantly present at Rock Creek. Just as St. Andrews captivates every golfer, Rock Creek Cattle Company promises to do the same.
The ground contours, akin to those of great links courses, are what truly elevate Rock Creek. Preserving these natural undulations was a meticulous undertaking. Doak explains, “We were so enamored with the existing contours that we invested significant time and resources in removing boulders rather than simply sand-capping the fairways, fearing that we would lose the essential contours.” Doak and Iverson were assisted by Brian Slawnik initially, followed by Brian Schneider and Kye Goalby, with later contributions from Jonathan Reisetter and George Waters.
The selection of Kentucky Bluegrass for the fairways proved inspired. Under the expert stewardship of Greenkeeper Rick Hathaway, the turf plays firm yet receptive. Unlike fescue courses where thinner grass can lead to unpredictable ball roll, at Rock Creek, the bluegrass allows balls to settle on the varied mounds within the generously wide fairways. This results in constant adjustments to stance and setup, with discerning players appreciating the subtle nuances required. Furthermore, hole locations dramatically influence the playing experience. For instance, a left hole location on the 15th might necessitate aiming a tee shot fifty yards right of the line for a right hole location. Few courses exhibit such dynamic variability between rounds, ensuring that members returning for extended periods face a perpetually engaging and evolving challenge. Like St. Andrews, Rock Creek Cattle Company exemplifies the concept of intelligent width.
Hole Highlights at Rock Creek Cattle Company
(Note: Hole descriptions reference the II tees, a 6,735-yard course. The back tees extend to 7,465 yards, making it the longest course Doak has ever designed.)
Second hole, 435 yards: In many metropolitan areas, especially across the western and mid-western United States, tree-lined fairways often define golf courses, inadvertently creating a monotonous playing experience. Little strategic thought is required; simply aim for the middle. Rock Creek Cattle Company, with its open, expansive canvas, demands a completely different approach. Golfers must constantly orient themselves, as the challenge from the tee shifts dramatically from hole to hole and day to day. While hitting fairways is achievable, selecting the optimal side becomes crucial. On the second hole, a lengthy bunker complex on the left and a solitary greenside bunker on the front right create the strategic tension and dictate the playing strategy.
Fairway bunkers at Rock Creek Cattle Company serve as strategic guides, rewarding golfers who challenge them.
The natural grandeur of the landscape, rather than artificial hazards, defines the challenge around the second green at Rock Creek.
A punchbowl green feature, typically found in sand-based links, adds to the links-like character of Rock Creek.
Third hole, 545 yards: Par fives offer architects diverse opportunities. Here, Doak subtly and almost imperceptibly elevates the golfer 50 feet uphill, following a natural 3% incline throughout the hole’s length. Success hinges on positioning the second shot near or beyond a central bunker located 100 yards short of the green. The 4,861 square foot putting surface is the second smallest on the course, making accurate approaches paramount.
The rolling fairways of the third hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company showcase the careful land management during construction.
Seamless transitions between fairways and bunkers, maintained by Greenkeeper Rick Hathaway, enhance the natural feel of the course.
Fourth hole, 440 yards: Holes two through six ascend in a southerly direction, culminating in this demanding hole. While it could easily be demoralizing, the green’s positioning, nestled low in a saddle, provides forgiving bounces for slightly errant approaches that are otherwise well-struck. However, weak shots will not be rewarded; bold, decisive play is essential.
Designing a challenging uphill par four that remains enjoyable is a testament to architectural skill, exemplified by the fourth at Rock Creek.
Fifth hole, 300 yards: Beautifully paired with the similarly distanced downhill fifteenth, this uphill par four presents three distinct options: 1) lay up short of the dune and approach with a wedge, potentially facing a blind flagstick, 2) aim forty yards right for a level lie and approach, or 3) attempt to drive the green, particularly with a favorable wind.
From the tee, golfers at the fifth hole must choose between playing directly at the left bunkers or going long right, each with distinct approach challenges.
An approach shot after playing left off the tee at the fifth, requiring precision to a partially obscured green.
The approach from the right side of the fifth fairway offers a clearer view of the green, but involves greater risk off the tee.
Sixth hole, 385 yards: Mystery is a crucial element of any great golf course. A course that reveals all its secrets too quickly loses its allure. Ideally, a course should continually intrigue and challenge the golfer. When caddies were asked which hole confused them most, the sixth hole was a surprising, yet consistent answer. The reason? A fifteen-foot fairway wall rises approximately 120 yards short of the green. Even seasoned caddies remain uncertain whether to advise players to play near its base, resulting in a blind approach, or to lay back for a clear view of the green, albeit from a longer distance. Conundrums like this, when judiciously employed, enhance rather than detract from a course’s design.
The fairway contours of the sixth hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company create strategic dilemmas rarely found on flat courses.
Seventh hole, 445 yards: The seventh through fifteenth holes at Rock Creek Cattle Company form one of golf’s most exhilarating stretches, traversing dramatic landforms. Comparable to the famed dune holes at Ballybunion or Lahinch, this sequence offers equal drama and appeal. From the course’s highest point, golfers tee off towards a prominent boulder in the fairway. Depending on the tee shot and playing conditions, approaches can range from blind hybrids to delicate flip wedges, creating a dynamic and unforgettable experience. Such variability, typically reserved for linksland like Ballybunion’s eleventh, is a hallmark of exceptional topography.
The seventh tee at Rock Creek Cattle Company, named after a Western movie, stands at the course’s highest elevation.
A commanding view from the seventh tee, the highest point at Rock Creek, at 4960 feet above sea level.
The rolling terrain of the seventh hole evokes the linksland of Ireland, despite the rocky Montana setting.
Despite the grand scale of Rock Creek, moments of finesse are required, such as around the subtly contoured seventh green.
The seventh hole, initially obscured by trees, showcases Doak’s vision in transforming challenging terrain into a unique golf hole.
Eighth hole, 175 yards: This par three occupies an especially rugged portion of the property, yet exudes serene beauty. Picture-postcard perfect, it embodies the tranquil solitude of Rock Creek Cattle Company. Days can pass without a plane in sight, the only sounds emanating from the rushing creek below. This solitude, a cherished aspect of golf, is found in remote locales like Askernish, Highland Links, Tasmania, and here amidst the Montana ranchlands.
Rock Creek itself becomes a defining feature at the eighth hole, demanding a forced carry over the meandering stream.
Ninth hole, 370 yards: While fairway bunkers often serve as guides at Rock Creek Cattle Company, the ninth hole defies this convention. This dogleg left appears to favor tee shots down the left side, but this assumption is misleading. The optimal approach is to play to the high right side of the fairway, opening up the view of the sunken green. However, even from this vantage point, back right hole locations may remain hidden. Nuance and strategic thinking are paramount on Doak designs.
The domed fairway of the ninth hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company penalizes tee shots played too far left, pushing balls towards bunkers.
Approaching the ninth green from the preferred high right side of the fairway at Rock Creek Cattle Company.
The diverse and appealing backdrops at Rock Creek Cattle Company are reminiscent of iconic courses like Cypress Point.
Tenth hole, 575 yards: Width at Rock Creek Cattle Company is in a league of its own. Doak elaborates, “We’ve constructed wide fairways before, but these are exceptional. The abundance of rocks in the ground dictated this approach. We aimed to create a playable area wide enough to minimize the need for penalty drops due to rocks on second shots. Once we excavated and sifted the soil, it became more logical to extend the fairway width rather than introduce rough between the fairway and native areas.” As illustrated, a precisely placed drive near a prominent hazard unlocks the possibility of reaching the green in two strokes. Straying just 15-20 yards away from the hazard off the tee significantly complicates the second shot, due to a deep greenside bunker. The demanding angles for expert players, combined with ample room for all skill levels, position this hole among Doak’s finest creations since founding his firm in 1989.
The extraordinary width of the tenth fairway at Rock Creek Cattle Company, extending far beyond the visible bunker.
A strategic tee shot flirting with the left bunkers at the tenth hole opens up the opportunity to reach the green in two.
The exhilarating prospect of approaching the tenth green from 240 yards out at Rock Creek Cattle Company.
The challenging approach to the tenth green from the lower fairway, emphasizing the advantage of a well-positioned second shot.
Eleventh hole, 410 yards: Rick Hathaway and his team meticulously maintain a remarkable 59 acres of fairway turf across the 18 holes. The eleventh boasts one of the widest fairways globally, measuring an astounding 110 yards! Yet, precision remains crucial. A level area near the two left bunkers provides a coveted flat lie, greatly assisting in approaching the domed green, which tends to deflect shots in all directions. This green is arguably the most challenging to consistently hit and hold on the course, a fitting challenge at the culmination of such a vast fairway.
Despite its 110-yard width, the eleventh fairway at Rock Creek Cattle Company demands strategic precision.
Tee shots drifting right on the eleventh hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company result in a more challenging and elevated approach.
Aiming for the flatter area near the left bunkers on the eleventh offers a more favorable approach to the green.
Twelfth hole, 150 yards: One-shot holes can pose a design challenge for courses with such expansive width. They must be multi-faceted and play differently each round to maintain the course’s overall character. Eric Iverson, Lead Associate for over two years, skillfully addressed this challenge with the twelfth. Doak notes, “You can’t simply build a postage-stamp green surrounded by rocks; too many balls would end up in the rocks. Short par-3s are among the most difficult holes to design. We utilized a significant amount of sand as buffer here.” In an earlier design iteration, this green was part of a par four.
The elongated twelfth green at Rock Creek Cattle Company offers varied pin positions, drastically changing the hole’s character.
Thirteenth hole, 220 yards: Architects often proclaim, “I let nature dictate the hole placements,” but few truly adhere to this principle. Doak is a notable exception, evident in these consecutive par threes. A worthy rival to the sixth at Cape Kidnappers as Doak’s finest long par three, the tee shot’s challenge fluctuates with the weather. As a bonus, the panoramic ten-mile vista from behind this elevated green serves as a constant reminder of Montana’s “Big Sky Country.” Witnessing dramatic cloud formations rolling across the landscape is truly awe-inspiring.
The view from the 265-yard back tee of the thirteenth hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company, demanding a powerful tee shot.
A wooden bridge connects the tees to the fairway of the long par-3 thirteenth hole at Rock Creek.
Fourteenth hole, 455 yards: Utterly breathtaking, the sheer scale of this hole is awe-inspiring. The privilege of experiencing golf in this environment is undeniable. Vast land and space allow the spirit to soar. Cramped courses can create constrained experiences, and this hole exemplifies how exceptional golf surpasses merely good golf.
The tee box of the fourteenth hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company, set within a breathtaking Montana landscape.
The generous fairways at Rock Creek Cattle Company are highlighted on the fourteenth, emphasizing play from short grass.
A tee shot down the left side of the fourteenth fairway results in a blind approach over a rocky mound.
A well-placed tee shot to the right center of the fourteenth fairway offers a clear view of the green through a natural gap.
Fifteenth hole, 300 yards: This downhill par four clearly presents strategic options. Depending on conditions, golfers may attempt to drive the green. However, the hole location dictates strategy: a right hole location favors a left tee shot, and vice versa. The ideal tee shot position can vary by as much as 50 yards based on pin placement.
The elevated fifteenth tee at Rock Creek Cattle Company reveals a wide fairway and shallow green, offering numerous strategic choices.
The subtle fairway contours on the fifteenth hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company add to the joy and challenge of the game.
A challenging right hole location on the fifteenth, making approach shots from the right center fairway more difficult.
A more inviting view of the fifteenth green from the left side of the fairway at Rock Creek Cattle Company.
Sixteenth hole, 425 yards: The predominantly downhill stretch of the inward nine transitions to an uphill challenge, coinciding with the pressure of the approaching end of the round. The sixteenth presents one of the most demanding drives on the course. The strategic tension between the bunkers on the left, cut into the right-to-left slope, and the solitary fairway bunker is expertly crafted. The uphill approach further demands precision, as the severely sloped green can frustrate even the most skilled putters.
The dramatic backdrops of the sixteenth and seventeenth holes at Rock Creek Cattle Company provide a stunning contrast to the earlier holes.
Seventeenth hole, 170 yards: Despite being the third par three in five holes, each one is distinctly unique. The seventeenth plunges into a natural amphitheater, framed by a striking stone wall backdrop and a creek to the left. The undulating green is notorious for inducing extra putts and sits at the course’s lowest point, approximately 400 feet below the seventh tee.
The strategic use of the creek at the seventeenth hole at Rock Creek Cattle Company mirrors the challenge presented at the eighth.
Eighteenth hole, 555 yards: Some criticize finishing holes that lack a dramatic conclusion. However, the view from the eighteenth tee should dispel any such notions. The hidden danger lies in the fairway contours in the landing zone, penalizing tee shots played too cautiously to the right, away from Rock Creek. Frustration often arises later when golfers realize their timid tee shot has led to an awkward lie and a compromised second shot, jeopardizing their desired score.
The view from the eighteenth tee at Rock Creek Cattle Company, with Rock Creek winding along the fairway’s left side.
Positioning the second shot near these bunkers on the eighteenth is crucial for a manageable wedge approach to the home green.
Doak reflects, “I’ve consistently believed that Rock Creek Cattle Company represents some of our finest work and one of the most beautiful sites we’ve encountered. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work in Montana; it stands as a career highlight. Of all the places I’ve built, it’s the one my family most enjoys visiting. I wish we could return every summer.”
The pioneers of golf along the North Sea could scarcely have imagined the far-reaching destinations where the game would flourish. Despite over a century of expansion, golf is currently facing challenges, particularly in the United States, where the inherent joy and connection with nature have been significantly diluted by real estate-driven course development. The vast majority of the 16,000 courses in the United States pale in comparison to their counterparts in the United Kingdom. The reason? They often fail to inspire.
Golf is intended to be an invigorating pursuit, fostering an appreciation for life’s finer aspects. Rock Creek Cattle Company delivers this experience in vibrant detail. Timeless design principles are interwoven into an environment unexpectedly suited to classic golf. The course’s majestic setting and the shots it demands rekindle the spirit. With childlike enthusiasm, golfers are drawn to stay outdoors, playing until dusk. The achievement of Mr. Foley, Doak, and their team at Rock Creek Cattle Company is truly extraordinary, offering a golfing experience as exceptional as the game itself can provide.
Another day of exceptional golf and immersion in nature concludes at Rock Creek Cattle Company, leaving golfers enriched by the experience.
