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Black Bear Golf Club
About
Black Bear Golf Club is part of the Crystal Springs Resort, which offers six other courses, though, it's hard to remember they're connected since they each offer a distinct character and look. Unlike Ballyowen and Crystal springs, two of the resort's most well known courses, Black Bear has more of a parkland layout. The course tumbles across rolling hills covered with trees, which come into play along the undulating fairways and greens. Water only comes into play on three holes but there are a whopping 65 bunkers coming into play. It's challenging but not frustrating. Both low and high handicappers will enjoy not only the golf course but also the beautiful scenery. Black Bear is one of the best values in the area and has garnered a strong local following.
Hot Deals at Black Bear Golf Club
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Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
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5 Stars
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4 Stars
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3 Stars
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1 Stars
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5 Stars
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4 Stars
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3 Stars
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1 Stars
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Conditions4.2
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Value4.0
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Layout4.5
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Friendliness4.5
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Pace3.8
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Amenities4.3
Golfer Photos
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Photo submitted by nHQ1uuwmaZmAk8AD5MQw on 08/15/2026
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Photo submitted by nHQ1uuwmaZmAk8AD5MQw on 08/15/2026
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Photo submitted by EQuiza34 on 05/28/2026
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Photo submitted by SoberDan97 on 04/10/2024
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Photo submitted by SoberDan97 on 10/31/2023
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Photo submitted by jul04 on 09/17/2023
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Photo submitted by fengbingolf on 06/03/2022
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Photo submitted by Keith2180142 on 05/27/2022
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#13 Photo submitted by DilonUnderPar on 08/17/2020
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#4 Photo submitted by DilonUnderPar on 08/17/2020
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Photo submitted by johnpmooney on 11/05/2014
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Photo submitted by u000006480491 on 07/19/2014
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Hole #7 Photo submitted by NiceBalls on 10/24/2013
Golfer Reviews
Great Course
The only issue I had was that the greens had just been aerated and were in pretty rough shape. However, The price for the day was heavily discounted for this reason. Might be worth avoiding when they're going their work.
This is a beautiful course with challenges from changing elevations and narrow fairways. On a busy day, the pace was pretty good.
The only other complaint is that the bunkers were in terrible shape. More rocks and dirt than sand. Some were like hitting off concrete.
BEAUTIFUL COURSE !
One of the NICEST courses around the North Jersey area FOR SURE !! Course was in almost PRISTINE CONDITION - fairways, greens, tee boxes were all in FANTASTIC shape. The only SLIGHT complaint is the BUNKERS ! Not much sand at all in them so you were basically hitting off of HARD PACKED DIRT ! I've seen this A LOT playing here AND in Pennsylvania so I guess making sure there's sand in the bunkers must be a lot more EXPENSIVE then you think !
Great Golf
Pace of play was really great played in 4hours. All player assistance employees were very helpful when needed.
HORRIBLE tee sheet management
11:57 tee time -- tee'd off at 12:20 thanks to an outing going on that they tried to put 4somes out in between gaps...we pulled into the clubhouse after 18 holes at 5:15. completely unacceptable.
we should've been given a free drink at least to ease the pain.
Where is the sand?
Great course but another year that the crystal springs resorts has forgotten that sand goes in the traps!!! Nothing but dirt and rocks...horrible. Might as well make them grass traps. Guess if we keep giving them money they don't care what material it is
Beautiful course
The course is a very narrow and not a lot of room to work with. Specially since most holes are driving. Other than that the course was beautiful
Black Bear, Vernon, NJ
Played Black Bear on Friday, June 4th with 2 friends. Course was in great shape. Staff were very helpful. Enjoyed having a free bucket of balls before play. I highly recommend this challenging course.
Black Bear
The course and staff were great, slow play killed the day, but the Minerals Spa deal with the round is AWESOME.
Excellent late season northeast golf
Given the time of year...12/27... course was plush and well groomed. Greens were in good shape.
Great Day
Even after the heavy rains the night before the course was in very good shape. We had great weather and an all around great round of golf.
Due to late season the price couldn't be beat. Will definetly play again.
11/15-black bear
Leaves are everywhere. Lost 6 balls either in fairway or just in rough. Course was cart path only which should be disclosed before committing. As a resident of Crystal Springs I think all the course are over priced compared to others that are as good or better.
Not a Bad Deal
Played here for first time in a few years.
I didn't realize the course is so beautiful and layout is quite entertaining. But the greens were somewhat slower than I expected and bunker s had NO SAND which made it almost impossible to land and stop the ball from green side bunkers on to much elevated greens. Other than that, HotDeal on GolfNow is definitely worth it.
A very enjoyable course!
The fall foliage was in full bloom making a wonderful background for the rolling hills of Blackbear. Some of the fairways had quite a few leaves making it difficult to find the ball. But, it's that time of the year. Course was in great condition.
Nice Course
Saw it on Golfnow.com for 15 bucks so I couldn't resist it ! It was 48 degrees, windy and cold but the sun was bright so the rest didn't really bother me. Course was in very good shape for this time of year . Greens were SLICK - there weren't too many putts being left short ! First time I've played it in about 20 years because it's normally way too overpriced by the golf club but at Golfnow's prices I'LL BE BACK !
Well-maintained
Start of Fall. Leaves o. Greens a minor prob but hard to maintain due to windy day
Great Course
Course was very enjoyable. Staff was great and respectfull. We will play here again.
