Black Bull A Montana Golf Community

2008-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our new Matador Club is in full swing and has been well received! We have new homes under construction and there are a few more opportunities to be a part of this exclusive group of 10 club home owners.

From now until December 31, 2008, Black Bull's Matador Club offers the first 10 club home buyers unique benefits and incentives. This offer represents more than $100,000 in incentives, including $50,000 in club home options and a complimentary golf membership!For more details on this special offer or to find out more information about our club homes, please call 866.520.6182.

'Tis the season ... The mild fall season here has given our golfers an extended playing season, but we are all gearing up for the brisk, snow-filled holidays. The holiday season brings many anticipated events and activities to the Gallatin Valley. Each week there are creative and enjoyable opportunities to enjoy our beautiful area ... and all are just minutes from Black Bull.
The fun begins on Thanksgiving Day with Bozeman's annual Huffing for Stuffing charity run. Prior to filling themselves with turkey, thousands of children and adults will take part in this 5k to 10k event. All proceeds benefit the local food bank.

Two Broadway musicals will be performing in December: Hairspray (Dec. 3) and Lord of the Dance (Dec.19). This is a great opportunity to see Broadway plays in an intimate setting.

The noteworthy 28th Annual Christmas Stroll, held on Dec. 6 offers a full day of activities held around historic Bozeman. During the day, kids can make gingerbread houses, decorate cookies and listen to music at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture. A Children's Parade kicks off the Main Street activities, which include music, food vendors, children's outdoor activities, horse drawn haywagon rides, caroling, street performers and shopping. Local business and non-profit organizations offer favorite winter snacks for all ages.

There are dozens of Christmas plays and music for children and adults including the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, the Bozeman Symphony and a wide variety of live music and theatre every weekend. For more winter activities near Black Bull, click here.

Ski season is scheduled to open Nov. 27 in Big Sky and Dec. 12 at Bridger Bowl! We are counting down the days to take a turn on our amazing powder. Our ski areas have virtually no lift lines to ski some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Whether you choose to enjoy the local mountain, Bridger Bowl, or head a few more miles south of Bozeman to Lone Mountain in Big Sky, which features the "Biggest Skiing in America" ... and it's all minutes away from Black Bull.

Club Homes: Special Offer and Recent Media Coverage

2008-10-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

From now until December 31, 2008, Black Bull's new Matador Club offers the first 10 club home buyers unique benefits and incentives. This offer represents more than $100,000 in incentives, including $50,000 in club home options and a complimentary golf membership!
At the heart of the development, Black Bull features developer-built club homes designed by renowned architect, Jerry Locati. There are five unique floor plans available with many opportunities to customize your choice. Sizes range from 2,300 to 4,000 square feet and many are located on the golf course or back up to creeks.
For more details on this special offer or to find out more information about our club homes, please call 866.520.6182.

This week, our first residents at Black Bull, Larry and Rita Fox, were featured on the cover of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle's At Home magazine. The Foxes built a Gallatin Club Home on the ninth fairway and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Bridger Mountain Range.
When they saw the Gallatin model home a year ago, "we literally walked in and said, 'This is our house,'" stated Larry in the article. Club home residents enjoy turnkey conveniences including landscape maintenance and snow removal. "We really like the lock and leave security," added Larry. To view the article, click here and look under 'Related Articles'. To take a unique virtual tour of a similar model, click here.

Golf Update: New Bunker, Opening Day Video and Magazine Recognition

2008-10-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

As the playing season winds down, activity is increasing on the course in preparation for next year's Grand Opening of the Gallatin Valley's newest golf course.
This week, course designer Tom Weiskopf was on-hand to oversee construction of a new pot bunker on number 14. "Once Tom played the course, it became evident to him and others that we needed a new bunker to increase the playability," says David Baucom, Director of Golf.
"This new bunker means that for a drivable par 4, you'll have to decide if you want to flirt with the bunker to drive the green or lay up. The new bunker definitely makes it more of a risk/reward hole."
While laying out the bunker on Tuesday, Tom commented that there was "room in this bunker for one angry golfer and a golf club."

By the way, have you seen our video footage of opening day at Black Bull? It has recently been added to the website. Course designer Tom Weiskopf and Jay Leachman, the original landowner of the Angus ranch on which Black Bull now sits, comment on the course. Click here to view the new video.

Since we are on the topic of golf, the most recent issue of Links Magazine and Golf Digest recognized Black Bull for being one of the best.
The Links Magazine Golf Real Estate Guide names Black Bull as one of the 11 best golf resorts for outdoor pursuits. "We feel fortunate to be mentioned on this particular list because we know that people are drawn to Montana, and specifically Bozeman, because of the abundance of outdoor activities," says Arin Megenity, Sales and Marketing Director. "And at Black Bull, you are only minutes from golfing, fishing, skiing, swimming, mountain biking, hiking and more … they are all literally right out your back door."
The November Golf Digest names Black Bull in their Player's Index as the Best in Game. Recently, Golf Digest editor Ron Whitten paid a visit to the community. While on his visit, Whitten took time to discuss our unique bunker style David Baucom. Baucom refers to our bunkers as "Early Americana," while Weiskopf states that the bunker layout as being, "reminiscent of the style that was prevalent during the turn of the 20th century." To learn more about bunker styles, as well as where Black bull fits in, visit the "Bunker Mentality" article in the latest issue of Golf Digest here.

Black Bull Website Features Innovative Virtual Tours

2008-09-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Black Bull takes the best of Bozeman and gives members an experience they are not likely to soon forget. 360-degree mountain views, stunning water features, walking trails, a championship golf course, a clubhouse, a pool and tennis courts are just a few of the amenities members will enjoy.

Recently, Bozeman has caught the eye of the national media as one of the best places to live in the country. Bozeman is a classic western town filled with contemporary vitality and an enlightened sensibility. Bozeman ranks #2 on MSN.com's list of America's Top Dreamtowns. Click here to read the article. And, Bozeman ranks #4 on the West's Top 10 Dreamtowns, as reported in Sunset Magazine. Click here to read the article.

New to the Website! Innovative virtual tours of two club home models and the Corral, our temporary clubhouse. See the stunning architecture up close to understand why Black Bull is Bozeman's most desirable address, pure and simple. Click here to experience two of the five floorplans available in our club homes. Click here to experience the Corral, our restaurant, bar and locker room facility.

Black Bull Celebrates Community in Bozeman's Sixth-Annual Parade of Homes

2008-09-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Black Bull will participate in this year's Parade of Homes, held on September 6-7, 10 and 13-14. The Granite Peak Club Home is property #3 on the Parade of Homes Tour, which is organized by Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA). The Parade of Homes offers potential home buyers the opportunity to experience the best in architectural design, interiors, home innovations and in the case of Black Bull, an exquisite golf community.

Black Bull invites all of Montana to tour its signature Club Home — the only home on the tour to include lifestyle amenities such as concierge services and landscaping, as well as a social membership with golf, tennis and swimming. The Club Home also has access to walking/biking trails, abundant water features, catch-and-release fishing and gourmet dining. Black Bull Club Homes are developer-built, single-family residences designed by Locati Architects that reflect the community's rustic elegance.

This year's home features a unique combination of luxury and turnkey in a 2,313-square-foot floor plan with three bedrooms, three and one-half baths, eight-foot doors throughout, high-end granite, and custom interior packages from Bozeman’s Little Bear Interiors. Complete with views of the Bridger Mountains and a backyard stream, this Club Home is ideally situated for a walk-on to the ninth green of a Tom Weiskopf Championship Golf Course.

A preview of the Club Home experience is available in a virtual tour by clicking here. You can also take a "tour" of the Corral, Black Bull's temporary clubhouse, by clicking here.

"This is our second year participating in the Parade of Homes," said Black Bull Marketing Director Arin Megenity. "Those who toured last year will be amazed at the progress and build-out of our unique community within a community. We announced the completion of the golf course in July, and our tennis courts, restaurant and temporary clubhouse are all available for enjoyment by club members."

Parade of Homes participants can enter daily drawings for gifts and local dining and will be eligible for a grand prize that will include a golf outing for two on Black Bull's new Tom Weiskopf championship course.

Golf Course Opening Celebration

2008-08-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

On July 25 more than 100 Black Bull members gathered for the opening of the private golf course.

Course designer Tom Weiskopf was on hand for opening remarks, sharing the spotlight with Jay Leachman. Jay's family ran an Angus Ranch on the property for more than 30 years before selling the ranch to Black Bull developers. Steve Barrett, Craig Bryant, and Will Cureton, all developers in the Black Bull golf community, were also present.

The par-72 course measures approximately 7,200 yards in length and features undulating fairways and 7 sets of tees per hole. This "modified links" style course weaves together native landscaping, an abundance of water features and breathtaking backdrops.

The first male foursome to play the course was Jay Leachman, Craig Bryant, Rob Ash and Gary Popiel. The first female foursome included Cheryl Leachman, Sue Bryant, Mickie Moret and Lisa McMullen.

An unbelievable Hole in One on the 7th hole was achieved by Black Bull member Jan Staker. This was a 244-yard, par-3 hole. Staker used a Callaway #2 Hybrid club and a Pro V1 X ball to make this remarkable shot. Black Bull members Dr. Steve McGrath and Tom Lightner witnessed this unusual event.

The Corral, Black Bull's restaurant, also opened on July 25. Chef Erik prepared an incredible array of food including Black Bull BBQ chicken, baby back ribs, smoked Montana trout, steak skewers with Thai sauce and more.
The opening went late into the evening with members enjoying food, drinks and great conversation on the patio.

Black Bull Golf Course Opens This Month

2008-07-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Black Bull, Montana's newest private golf course, opens to members this month. The practice facility, which features synthetic grass for early-season stroke work, opens for play this Saturday, July 19. Course designer Tom Weiskopf will be on hand when the 16 acre practice facility, the largest in the Rocky Mountains, opens.

The following Friday, the par 72, 7,200 yard course will open to members. "The course is in terrific condition and ready for play," says David Baucom, Director of Golf. "The greens, fairways, bunkers and tees are in great condition."

Overall, the layout at Black Bull is designed to provide an outstanding "core" golf experience-a rarity in today's residential courses-by strategically positioning the homesites to amplify the incredible mountain views. And, with up to 7 tees per hole, the experience is optimal for both beginner and expert golfers.

A unique feature of this course is the "bye hole" which is a signature 19th hole and is designed to settle all bets. "Bye holes are common in Scotland, but there are less than a dozen courses that feature this addition in the United States," adds Baucom.

The opening of the Corral, Black Bull's clubhouse, coincides with the course opening, and features dining services for members. A car washing facility and tennis courts will also be available for member use later this summer.

Black Bull Announces Acquisition of State-of-the-Art Golf Fitting and Testing Equipment

2008-06-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Black Bull recently announced the acquisition of two pieces of golf equipment that aids in the process of giving members the best golf experience in the Rocky Mountains; the Callaway OptiFit System and the TrackMan.

"We have acquired a Callaway OptiFit System that matches individual club heads to individual shafts to optimize the golf club for the player," says P. David Baucom, Director of Golf. This new innovative system eliminates much of the guess work out of club fitting. "Our PGA Professionals have been trained by Callaway to assist members in determining the best club for their abilities."

"And, our new TrackMan allows Black Bull's trained PGA Professionals to evaluate a golfer's swing using measured radar impulses and 3-D images on a special computer screen," adds Baucom. "This device is so advanced that it measures and projects actual data instead of calculated data." Additionally it provides the operator the ability to track carry distance, ball landing position, ball speed, vertical launch angle, spin rate, club speed, and more. This is especially useful when fitting a ball to a certain club, club to swing speed and dispersion groups to both.

During the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines (June 12-15), the TrackMan captured player launch and trajectory data. This is only the second time in USGA tournament history that this data has been captured during live competition."Black Bull is the only golf club in the neighboring states to feature this combined equipment and the advantages the process has to offer members," says Baucom. There are less than 100 TrackMan systems in the United States.

In 2009, Black Bull intends to partner with Callaway Golf to construct a state-of-the-art test center to house the TrackMan and OptiFit equipment. “Once completed, it will be the first such facility in a private club. Then, our members will be able to use the equipment any time of the year in all weather conditions."

"We are excited to offer our members this unique Callaway advantage. It is just one of the many amenities at Black Bull that helps make it like no other golf club in Montana."

Black Bull Community Update

2008-06-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sunny June days bring much anticipation for the golf course opening at Black Bull. Progress was slowed slightly by the late snow and rain we experienced last month, but we are still estimating that the golf course will open mid- to late July. Landscaping continues to be the focus with daily additions of trees, shrubs and native grasses. Trees are budding and flowers are beginning to bloom throughout the community. Golf cart paths are in and the greens are filling in nicely.

Black Bull plans to open the grill in the temporary clubhouse to members the first part of July. We will be serving lunch daily, as well as a limited-menu dinner a few nights each week. Construction on the tennis courts and a car washing facility has also begun and is scheduled to be completed mid-summer.

We have a number of Locati-designed club homes going up, including two speculative residences. These two homes overlook the 9th fairway and have expansive views of the Bridger Mountain Range. They also have a beautiful creek running through the back of each property.

The Granite Peak is a 2,300+ square foot ranch style home that features 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms and a covered porch. This home will be featured in Bozeman's Parade of Homes tour in early September 2008. For more information about the Parade of Homes, visit www.swmbia.org. The Granite Peak club home is offered at $895,000.

The second speculative home is our popular Yellowstone model. This two-story home is features 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a covered patio and a walkout basement. We've modified our standard lower level floorplan to include a custom golf cart garage that takes you right to the golf cart path located in front of the 9th tee boxes. The rest of the lower level is unfinished for the buyer to complete as they'd like. The Yellowstone club home is offered at $995,000.

Mike Duquette Receives Highly-Acclaimed PGA Certification

2008-04-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

This month Mike Duquette, Director of Operations at Black Bull, successfully completed the PGA Certified Professional Program in Golf Operations. Mr. Duquette is the first PGA member to complete the program in Montana.

Since the program's inception in August 2004, less than one percent of the PGA Members have earned this certification. Each career-specific path typically requires an average of four to six months to complete; however, Mr. Duquette completed the entire program and passed the exam in less than one month.

"The program has helped me to expand my knowledge in Golf Operations, as well as other important areas of the golf profession," says Duquette. "It will definitely assist me in providing the high quality of customer service and professionalism that is integral to the success of Black Bull."

The PGA Certified Professional Program is the first of its kind to recognize specific career paths where PGA members are employed. It offers members the opportunity to advance in one of six desired career paths, including General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction, Retail, Executive Management and Ownership/Leasing. The courses within this program challenge golf professional to expand his/her knowledge in the areas of accounting, business planning and budgeting, turf grass management, customer relations, marketing and swing analysis.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcase themselves as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

Stunning Architecture Complements Rustic-Yet-Upscale Appeal

2008-03-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

In the Rocky Mountains, when you are looking for quality western architecture, one of the first names that come to mind is Jerry Locati, A.I.A. Locati is the architect behind the stunning Club Homes, Swim and Tennis Center and Clubhouse at Black Bull. A Montana native, Jerry Locati has set the tone for regional design of the highest quality. Inspired to combine his architectural perception with the Western culture, Jerry works to create spaces that both capture and celebrate the true spirit of the American West.

Locati Architects is recognized nationally for their designs, with homes featured in publications such as Cowboys & Indians, Log Home Living, Big Sky Journal, and Mountain Living magazines.

"Black Bull is a remarkable project for us," says Locati. "We have worked hard to create a unique architectural style that takes cues from the southwest, but also incorporates Montana's rustic elegance and heritage. Helping to create a sense of community is what makes this project so special."

The Club Homes, located at the center of the community are elegantly-rustic, single-family homes designed for turn-key convenience. There are multiple models from which to choose and all provide unique amenities.

The Swim and Tennis Center, pictured at right, with its vaulted spaces and heavy timber trusses, feature men’s and women’s locker rooms, direct access to the pool and hot tub, and food and drink service. An expansive deck provides ample space for outdoor dining and lounging.

The centerpiece of the Black Bull Golf Community will be the Clubhouse. Located on a bench overlooking the expanse of the Bridger Mountains and the golf course below, the Clubhouse will be designed to maximize the spectacular views, create a social venue for Black Bull members, and provide a uniquely "Montana" private golf experience of which the Gallatin Valley has no equal. Amenities of the clubhouse will include a restaurant, full-service pro shop, locker rooms, complete fitness center with spa services and car-washing services.

For more information on Locati Architects, visit http://www.locatiarchitects.com/.

Black Bull Sculptures Welcome Visitors and Members Alike

2008-02-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

Recently, Black Bull commissioned world-renowned artist Jim Dolan to craft creative renderings of five bulls that would welcome visitors and members to our unique private community. The bulls represent the heritage of the development, beckoning back to the days when it was home to the historic Leachman Angus Ranch.

The bulls are in place and landscaping around the sculptures and water features will resume this spring. The project took six months from conception to completion. "The process begins with an idea of what the customer wants. Clearly, bulls were in order for the community," says Mr. Dolan. "We did, however, take some creative license to add horns to the bulls, although Angus bulls do not have horns."

"We decided to do a group of five because I like to tell stories with my sculptures. It's hard to tell a story with one piece," adds Dolan. "We designed them specifically so you could see through each piece, providing a sense of movement." Jim Dolan’s goal is to "intrigue and delight with enduring texture, unlikely spatial relationships and fragile balance." He mixes the non-traditional and unforeseen with the traditional and familiar. "I try to capture isolated moments," says Dolan. "To do that, I include details such as wind direction and wildlife subjects responding to one another. My sculpture always implies motion."

Each metal he uses weathers at its own distinct rate, and so years of exposure only enhance the sculptures' contrasts. Dolan has more than 95 public art sculptures in the United States and 9 public pieces in Japan. Individual pieces have found homes in the US, Canada, Belgium, France, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

Visit http://www.jimdolanart.com/ to learn more about his creative process and available artwork.Stop in and visit Black Bull to see the sculptures up close and personal. We are located at 4711 Love Lane in Bozeman, Montana. Model homes are open daily.

P. David Baucom Wins Rocky Mountain Section PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

2008-01-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our own P. David Baucom for receiving the 2007 Bill Strausbaugh Award. This award adds to an already distinguished resume for Baucom, Director of Golf at Black Bull in Bozeman, Montana. David was previously honored as Rocky Mountain Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2001, Private Merchandiser of the Year in 2004 and 2006, as well as Teacher of the Year in 2003.

Established in 1979, the Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Professional who distinguishes himself or herself by mentoring fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations, and through his or her services to the local community. David is instrumental in the Yellowstone Chapter's Adopt-a-Club Program that has resulted in more jobs for more PGA Members. Course owners within Montana often seek out his opinion regarding their staffing needs and operations.

Baucom, a thirteen-year member of The PGA of America, is currently the President of the Section. As a PGA member, David has worked tirelessly to promote the PGA of America and its members. As a result, he has been actively involved with assisting many of his former assistant professionals in establishing their careers. He has mentored many PGA members and gives his time to numerous organizations in the Bozeman area, as well as throughout the Rocky Mountain Section. Baucom currently serves as the liaison between the Idaho and Montana State Golf Associations and the Rocky Mountain Section. He is also a member of the 4-Rivers Junior Golf Board and works with many other charitable organizations and conservation groups. David will be formally recognized as the 2007 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winner in May of 2008 as part of the Rocky Mountain Section PGA Annual Meeting.

Featured Club Home

2007-11-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

All of the Black Bull Club Homes have been inspired by Bozeman's renowned Locati Architects. Locati has selected the best quality natural building materials, such as pickle-wood flooring, natural slate in the entry and laundry rooms, beautiful heavy timbers, and granite-slab countertops in the kitchen. Other details include a master bath detailed with solid travertine vanity tops with travertine tiles detailing the 6-foot luxury soaker tub and shower. Enjoy the complete home audio/video wiring package, including high-speed internet, ceiling speakers with surround-sound throughout, and pre-wired flat-screen television locations. Visitors are also comfortably housed in the attached casita with a private entrance and kitchenette.

Best of all, owners of a Black Bull Club Home can enjoy all of the amenities without the burden of maintaining the landscaped yard or shoveling snow, which is all maintained by the Home Owners Association (HOA). In addition to the exterior maintenance provided by the HOA, the owner will automatically become a Social member at Black Bull and have access to the finest amenities in Bozeman, including the swim and tennis center, fitness facilities, gourmet dining, spa services, and unparalleled service.

Intermountain Opera

2007-11-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Intermountain Opera Association is celebrating 30 years of producing Grand Opera in Bozeman. In 1978, the Intermountain Opera staged its inaugural performance of Verdi's La Traviata, and has since earned a national reputation for first-class productions. The Intermountain Opera Association has produced one opera every spring, and starting in 2005, a second opera was added.

As the Intermountain Opera continues to grow, the association is becoming highly regarded; attracting opera goers from all over Montana and the western United States. The operas take place at the auditorium in Willson School, and include New York stage directors, producers, and artists, while a Bozeman orchestra, along with many local singers, musicians and volunteers reflect the company's commitment to bringing fine opera to Montana. For more information about the Intermountain Opera, call 587-2889 or visit http://www.operabozeman.org/

P. David Baucom Named Director of Golf

2007-11-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

P. David Baucom, a thirteen-year member of the PGA, has been named the Director of Golf at Black Bull in Bozeman, Montana. For the last nine years, he has been the Head Golf Professional at Riverside Country Club in Bozeman. Prior to this, he was the General Manager and Head Golf Professional developing Ridgecrest Golf Club in Nampa, Idaho. Ridgecrest was rated by Golf Digest as the third best new upscale, public course in the country, and the number one course in Idaho.

In 2001, the Rocky Mountain Section PGA named P. David Baucom as its PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This award is the highest honor paid to a PGA professional. Baucom has been nominated for this award five times. Additionally, Baucom was nominated for the 2002 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Baucom has various wins and top 5 finishes in the Rocky Mountain Section Pro Am Series. He has competed nationally at the Buick/Oldsmobile Scramble three times. In 2000, he finished 3rd in the nation. Baucom has been a two time participant in the Albertson’s Team Championship, a made for television match play event, where one private club competes against another.

Black Bull is proud to welcome P. David Baucom to the team and the newest Championship Signature Golf Course by Tom Weiskopf.

Refurbished Yellowstone Park Bus

2007-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

A 1960 touring limousine bus originally produced by the checkered cab company which was once used as a touring bus at Yellowstone National Park is being completely restored. The bus was developed specifically for sightseeing in the National Park System of the United States. The touring vehicle has 8 doors, seats 12 people, and features a wood baggage rack on the roof. It was originally used as a Yellowstone Park touring bus from circa 1961 through 1989. The older Yellowstone fleet was gradually phased out and the buses were used until the 1980's when the remaining buses were sold, as many vehicles needed major repairs. Sadly, many of the buses never operated again; until now. Black Bull is completely restoring the bus and will be used for member activities and will proudly feature the Black Bull logo.

Golf Course & Clubhouse Progress

2007-10-08T08:15:00.001-07:00

The Black Bull Golf Course has been fully sodded & seeded and all sprinklers, cart paths, and bridges have been installed. The course will be open for member play as of early summer 2008, however, the club’s magnificent multiple practice facilities may be open for members in the middle of October 2007. The main practice facility will be second to none with multiple target greens, four USGA spec putting/chipping greens, fairway and greenside bunker options, and uphill/downhill lie opportunities.

The golf course in keeping with Weiskopf's designs is considered to be highly "playable", and will offer challenge and variety, yet "fairness", to all levels of play, from beginner to professional. Its design doesn't favor one style of play over another. Further, the course is designed for walking, with short distances between greens and tee boxes. In short, it's the perfect members' course.

The Fourth Annual HATCHFest

2007-10-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Black Bull Golf Community is located ten minutes from downtown Bozeman where the annual HATCHFest Audiovisual Festival will take place October 3-6, 2007. HATCH is a year round non-profit organization, designed to develop and foster the growth of creative minds in various industries through mentorship, exposure, and networking. Hatch has successfully developed an environment, which connects new filmmakers, musicians, photographers, designers, architects, writers and fine artists with award-winning veterans in each respective industry. The festival will consist of various film and music group workshops, panel discussions, and educational opportunities. In addition, screenings of 10 student films selected from hundreds of applicants will be shown throughout the festival. For more information and a schedule of this year’s events, visit www.hatchfest.org.

Parade of Homes

2007-08-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Gallatin Valley Parade of Homes has become a much anticipated event for both residents and visitors to the area. The Parade offers an opportunity for people to explore luxurious homes, view the latest in building trends, and collect design ideas. The Gallatin Valley's real estate market has excelerated at an incredible pace and the Parade of Homes has come to personify this growth and innovation.

The 2007 parade, organized by the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA), highlights 14 area homes constructed by local SWMBIA member builders. Black Bull is proud to feature one of their Club Homes, designed by Bozeman’s renowned Locati Architects. The home is located on the 9th fairway overlooking the 1st and 9th holes, a year-round stream & wetlands, and inspiring views of the Bridger Mountains. Locati has selected the best quality natural building materials, such as pickle-wood flooring, natural slate in the entry and laundry rooms, beautiful heavy timbers, and granite-slab countertops in the kitchen. Other details include a master bath detailed with solid travertine vanity tops with travertine tiles detailing the 6-foot luxury soaker tub and shower. Entertaining in this home is a pleasure with features like a Wolf/Subzero appliance package, a custom-designed wine room and wet bar, Kohler and Moen plumbing fixtures and custom cabinetry by Holiday; the unique features of this 3,256-square-foot Club Home will undoubtedly rival those of any in southwest Montana.

The 2007 Parade of Homes will be held September 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th 10am to 6pm, and September 12th from 5pm to 9pm.

Sweet Pea Festival

2007-08-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

Bozeman, MT is not only home to the Black Bull Golf Community, but also to the 2007 Sweet Pea Festival, which marks the festival’s 30th year of celebrating the arts. Sweet Pea is considered one of Montana's largest arts festivals, as it attracts nearly 20,000 visitors every year. The festival is run entirely by volunteers and features live music, theatre presentations, arts and crafts booths, dance, a flower show, a family stage and a special area for children's activities. A total of 100 artists and craft persons will once again set up shop in Lindley Park to sell their art and hold craft workshops for children on Saturday and Sunday. The festival kicks off only minutes away from the Black Bull Community with the Bite of Bozeman on August 1 and continues with various festivities through August 3, 4, & 5.

Tickets bought at most locations before Aug. 1 will cost $10, with tickets at the gate costing $15. Roughly 70 percent of the revenue to organize Sweet Pea comes from ticket sales, with around 2,000 people volunteering their time to make the festival a reality, organizers said. Additional ticket and schedule information is available at www.sweetpeafestival.org or by calling 586-4003.

The 19th Hole: "The Bye Hole"

2007-07-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Bye Hole concept originated in and comes from the British Isles. The hole is designed as a short pitch shot to be played behind the 18th green toward the island green in front of the clubhouse area. This particular hole can be played from multiple positions, even after the 9th hole, to settle all bets on the front nine. From almost anywhere at the clubhouse, you can see the 10th, 18th, and 19th Bye Hole along with unparalleled views of the majestic mountain ranges that surround the Bozeman area.

Black Bull Amenities: The Practice Range

2007-07-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

The practice range at Black Bull will be one of the largest and most impressive driving ranges in the west. The range occupies 15 acres south of the clubhouse and is approximately 350 yards long. The layout of the range is setup in a true north/south alignment so that the sun never impacts practice at any time. Within the practice area boundaries are seven different target greens surrounded by bunkers, very much like the golf course greens. This layout creates a tremendous opportunity to practice various types of shots, under any type of condition, throughout anytime of the day.

On both sides of the range, the golfer will have the ability to practice chipping, pitching, bunker shots, fairway bunker shots, irons, drivers, and everything in between. The second tee area, located on the opposite end of the range has a large green, sand trap, and undulating fairway surrounded by rough. Lessons and long practice sessions will be given on this quiet end of the practice range. In addition, a 15,000 sq. ft. putting green and sand bunker practice area will be located between the 9th green and 1st tee. The practice areas at Black Bull will be surrounded by trees, mountains, and breath taking views; creating an absolutely unforgettable golfing experience.

Museum of the Rockies

2007-06-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

The Museum of the Rockies is one of the crown jewels of our community, and Black Bull Golf Club is proud to be a major sponsor of the 2007 Wine Classic. The Wine Classic, which is the major fundraising event for the Museum, is all the more special this year as the Museum celebrates its 5th anniversary. With our sponsorship we are expressing our pride in the Museum and its achievements as well as in our community.

With 94,000 square feet, the Museum of the Rockies is the largest natural history museum in the region. It includes the only Digistar planetarium in the Northern Rockies and has developed a fully interpreted Living History Farm on 11 adjacent acres. A constantly changing schedule of exhibits and planetarium shows mean there's always something new to see; some of the current exhibits include Dinosaurs Under the Big Sky, Picasso: 25 Years of Edition Ceramics, and Tutankhamun: “Wonderful Things” From The Pharaoh’s Tomb. The Museum is located on the Montana State University campus at 600 W. Kagy Blvd. Check the Museum of the Rockies website for more information and hours.

Partner Overview: The Winchester Group

2007-06-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

The Winchester Group, LLC is a multi-faceted firm with extensive experience in development management and oversight of club operations of exclusive high-end private golf courses communities and daily-fee golf courses.

These include such private courses as the Quarry at La Quinta, California, Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, Tradition Club in La Quinta, California, The Reserve in Indian Wells, California, Stock Farm in Hamilton, Montana, and The Bridges in Rancho Santa Fe, California. These also include daily fee golf courses such as those at Branson Creek in Branson, Missouri, Longbow in Mesa, Arizona, Maderas in Poway, California, Moreno Valley Ranch in Moreno Valley, California, and Oak Valley in Beaumont, California.

Winchester is dedicated to providing quality customer service to its clients and its projects. Experienced professionals work to create the best possible solutions to design, construction, and managerial challenges to the golf course, clubhouse, ancillary buildings and offsite utilities and roads.