Marian Hills GC

Golf in Malta goes all the way back to 1923 when an ambitious group of men laid out a nine-hole course east of the city. Residents of the town were entertained by the new sport, and as one curious writer for the Phillips County News wrote in 1923, “we have come to the conclusion that the game consists of hitting the little white ball as hard as possible and then spending the balance of the evening hunting for it.” Over the ensuing decades the original Malta Golf Club had long periods of popularity mixed with stretches of inactivity on the course. In fact, it was used as a landing strip for airplanes at one point.

Finally in 1980 a more permanent solution arrived when local rancher-businessman Mark Niebur took it upon himself to build the new 9-hole Marian Hills Golf Course, hiring John Steidel to design the course. Financial issues halted the ambitious project as it went through several years of court proceedings before being re-opened in 1987 under new ownership. Craig Stiles, a Malta native and former world-record holding javelin thrower ended up taking over leadership duties at Marian Hills before selling the course ten years later to Ezzie and Jane Ereaux.

Well known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent playing conditions, Marian Hills Golf Club is one of a handful of gems of the hi-line. With large undulating greens, well-maintained fairways, and terrific views all-around, golfers also have the Tin Cup Bar and Grille located on the course, one of Maltas best restaurants.