TEMPORARILY CLOSED GREENS
The Championship 18
#4, #7, #12, #13
The Cameron 9
#1
It’s no secret that our greens have been facing challenges, and it’s important to understand some of the reasons behind this.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen some evolving challenges on the course. One of the most pressing concerns within the BHGC community and our members is the condition of our greens. As you may know, this incredible public course has a proud history spanning over 100 years, and maintaining its quality, particularly the greens, requires ongoing attention and resources, and commonly recommended best practices.
What affects our Greens?
- Soil, Grass, Irrigation, and Course Age
- Weather/Temperature Fluctuations
- Playing on them too early in the season
- Playing on them too late in the season
- Driving carts on them
- Not consistently aerating for maintenance
- City Projects BHGC does not control
- Vandalism
- Longer than usual below-freezing periods
- Water drainage and silt issues from the Stillwater
Common FAQs
When will our greens fully open?
As soon as possible.
We’re projecting mid-June right now. They are coming back nicely and should be ready for play soon. We are now taking registration for the Club Championship and the greens will be open for this tournament and then monitored on a day-to-day basis after.
How do we score on temporary greens?
It’s really up to you, the players.
You can choose to assign an automatic 2-putt or score as normal.
What if my ball goes in the temporary hole and bounces out?
If you putt and your ball goes into the larger temporary hole and then bounces out the other side, that counts as a made putt. This is also the case for League and Tournament play.
#3 on APRIL 11, 2025
#3 on APRIL 25, 2025
#3 on May 14, 2025
Why did we switch to the white sand?
Using the right topdressing sand is an important part of keeping our greens healthy. It helps prevent thatch buildup, smooths out bumps and dips, and makes mowing easier by reducing the chances of the grass getting scalped.
This particular sand also plays an important role during overseeding by creating a protective layer that helps shield new seeds and improves seed-to-soil contact, leading to better germination and growth.
The Current Plan
NEW DRYJECT MACHINE
Having our own DryJect machine will allow us to use this practice on our own schedule and as needed. We’ll be able to spot hit critical areas rather than having to do everything at once.
AERATING OUR GREENS
The USGA recommends aerating frequently. At Buffalo Hill we will aerate only as needed throughout the season.
LETTING GREENS REST
Keeping off of the greens in the very early and late parts of the Montana golf season will help our greens return each year.
We will do this on an as-needed basis.
How can members help to keep the course in good condition?
- Fix all divots & ball marks
- Keep carts OFF & away from Greens
- Keep carts OFF & away from the Tee Boxes
- Help others understand rules & proper etiquette
- Share this FAQ page with your golf group
- Attend the KGA Board Meetings to learn more & vote
- Report any course vandalism
Participate in Member Volunteer days. These will be announced as they happen in our newsletter.
Opt-in and subscribe to our newsletter HERE.
Our greens WILL come back.
We just have to be patient.
Necessary Green Closures & Updates
The Championship 18
A week after the closures, the affected greens were already doing much better.
#3 UPDATE
OPEN FOR PLAY! JUNE 2, 2025 • NEW GREEN SITUATION CONTINUES TO BE MONITORED
APPROX RE-OPENING:
OPEN
#4
A temporary green is in place until the official green is rehabilitated.
APPROX RE-OPENING:
Mid-June
#7
A temporary green is in place until the official green is rehabilitated.
APPROX RE-OPENING:
Mid-June
#12
Play #19 at the end of your round in place of #12 until further notice.
APPROX RE-OPENING:
Mid-June
#13
A temporary green is in place until the official green is rehabilitated.
APPROX RE-OPENING:
Mid-June
REGISTER FOR CLUB CHAMP
June 21st & 22nd
6/9/25 Update from our Superintendent GCSAA
The greens are healing and filling in, the warm weather has helped, now we just hope it does not get too hot right away. #’s 4,12, &13 Champ are on track for our goal of the club championship. #1 Cameron & #7 Champ are still day-to-day & TBD.
We may open 7 just for the club championship if we feel it is not yet ready to handle continued day-to-day play, but that will be determined later.
The Cameron 9
#1
A temporary green is in place until the official green is rehabilitated.
APPROX RE-OPENING:
Mid-June
We understand the frustration, and we are truly thankful for all your support, cooperation, and understanding as we work to get the course back in shape and everything opened back up.