MSGA inducts Pete Grass into the 2026 Montana Golf Hall of Fame

The Montana State Golf Association (MSGA) named Pete Grass, CGCS, to the 2026 Montana Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments as players and contributors to the game, including professionals, superintendents, educators and organizational leaders. 

Grass is among a class of six individuals to receive this recognition.

Grass started work at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, Mont., 51 years ago as a bag boy, washing clubs and cleaning carts, and he eventually ascending to the role of superintendent. Under Grass’ direction, the impeccable playing conditions at Hilands has remained constant, widely regarded as one of the premier-conditioned courses in the state, according to the association.

“Pete is an institution at Hilands Golf Club in Billings,” said MSGA executive director Nick Dietzen. “Thanks to Pete’s leadership and work there, the facility was the envy of peers throughout the state and beyond.”

Along with his work at Hilands, Grass was a former president of Peaks and Prairies and served on the board of directors of First Tee Montana and the board of directors of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). He later served as the GCSAA’s national vice president in 2015 and national president in 2016. Grass carried the distinction of being the first president in GCSAA history that came from a nine-hole facility. 

“No one has been more dedicated to serving his profession than Pete Grass,” said Dietzen. “His leadership locally, regionally and nationally through the GCSAA is representative of his commitment to the critical work of superintendents in the golf industry, but he extended far beyond — emphasizing the whole person and the importance of mental health and work-life balance, which was uncommon in the industry.”

Other 2026 class inductees include: Jim Opitz (Helena, Mont.), Shanda Imlay (Missoula, Mont.), Roger Wallace (Polson, Mont.), Gary Koprivica (Missoula) and Jerry Pearsall (Billings). The 2026 Montana Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place at various locations throughout the MSGA Championship Calendar this year.