As one of the largest Superfund waste areas in America, the site was also one of the most challenging to design. Nicklaus' first signature design in Montana incorporated many historic relics of the copper smelter, from the flue and oven remains, to fairways that border and wind their way between black slag. The slag, a by product of the copper smelting process, is also featured in all of the bunkers on the course providing a stunning contrast to white bunker sand found on other courses.

The Old Works features generous fairway landing areas bordered by native grasses with large undulating greens. Warm Springs Creek, once utilized by the smelting operation and now hosting a healthy population of trout, is negotiated a number of times during the round and adds character to the layout. Nicklaus also incorporated five sets of tees each hole allowing the course to measure from 5,290 to over 7,700 yards offering a challenge to players of all skill levels.

Via Old Works GC