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Black Bear Golf Club

138 Route 23 North, Franklin, New Jersey 07416, Sussex County
(855) 977-6473
Course Website
4.2
558 Reviews
Black Bear Golf Club - Book a Tee Time
Black Bear GC
A view from Black Bear Golf Club. Black Bear Golf Club
Black Bear GC
A sunny day view from Black Bear Golf Club. Black Bear GC
Black Bear GC
A view of a fairway at Black Bear Golf Club. Black Bear GC
Black Bear GC
A fall day view of a fairway at Black Bear Golf Club. Black Bear GC
Black Bear GC: #7
A view of hole #7 at Black Bear Golf Club. Black Bear GC
Black Bear GC
A sunset view from Black Bear Golf Club. Black Bear GC

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.

Holes 18
Par 72
Length 6673 yds
Rating 72.4
Slope 129
Type Public/Resort
Course Layout
Tees
Track Rounds
Scorecard
Course scorecard and layout
Hot Deals at Black Bear Golf Club
Mon 9/21
sold
sold
Tue 9/22
sold
sold
Wed 9/23
$6499
1-2
$5799
1-4
Thu 9/24
$6799
1-4
$6599
1-2
Fri 9/25
$9799
1-4
$9799
1-4
Sat 9/26
sold
Sun 9/27
$10499
1
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Course Details

Rentals & Services

Golf Carts Yes - included in green fees
Golf Clubs

Practice & Instruction

Driving Range
Golf School Academy Yes - "David Leadbetter Golf Academy"
Golf Simulator
Teaching Pro
Pitching & Chipping Area
Indoor Practice
Putting Green

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes

Food & Beverage

Bar
Snacks
Restaurant
Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Showers
Lockers
Year Built 1996
Fairways Ryegrass
Greens Bentgrass
Golf Season Open: 3/15 Closed: 12/31
Architect(s) Jack Kurlander (1996) David Glenz (1996)

Awards & Recognition

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Rating Index
Tooltip Information Icon

4.2
4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 558 reviews
88.1%
Recommend
558
Reviews
  • 5 Stars
  • 4 Stars
  • 3 Stars
  • 2 Stars
  • 1 Stars
  • Conditions
    4.2
  • Value
    4.0
  • Layout
    4.4
  • Friendliness
    4.5
  • Pace
    3.8
  • Amenities
    4.2
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Black Bear delivers a fun, challenging layout with consistently well-maintained conditions and greens that rank among the best in the area. Exceptionally welcoming staff, from the starter to the ranger, create a standout experience that keeps golfers coming back.

Rating Index

Golfers Often Mention

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 24
Dinner 11
Patio Dining 11
Course Challenges:
Elevation Changes 35
Bunkers 30
Narrow Fairways 22
Best For:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 33
Advanced Golfers 21
Locals 20
Location is:
Worth the Drive 26
In the 'Burbs 21
At a Resort 10

Golfer Photos

Golfer Reviews

Default User Avatar
jinsoonpark48
Reviews 93
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
u000005050075
Reviews 4
Recommended
Played
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Default User Avatar
Frankstatewide
T O P 250
Reviews 245
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
Miker35
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

5 hour round

5 hour round is too slow, and aerated greens prevented any chance being able to putt.

Previously Played
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 3.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 2.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
willnam
Reviews 16
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 2.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Default User Avatar
DAVIDFUNG
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 5.0
Default User Avatar
syanosh
Reviews 9
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Featured
Find out more
Default User Avatar
jmanganello
Reviews 9
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
First Time Playing
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 3.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
Jregsr
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
Recommended
Played

Golf

I highly recommend this coarse

Exceeded my expectations

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Default User Avatar
gn31251721
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
Recommended
Played
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Default User Avatar
bOy6c4vRmd8f3mnCErYq
Review 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 3.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
Thomas8618028
Reviews 35
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Excellent course and excellent shape!

Great round. Best condition course. Really great

Previously Played
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 5.0
Default User Avatar
soungy522
Review 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 4.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 1.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
rmehr
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
Previously Played
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 5.0
Featured
Find out more
Default User Avatar
roger2601
Reviews 26
Recommended
Played
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 3.0
Layout 3.0
Friendliness 3.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 2.0
Default User Avatar
tbcha
Reviews 2
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 4.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
cmartinez86us
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Overall good!

Pace of play was slow due to folks in front of us. At one point we were told we would be moved up because there was a gap in front of us but when we went to the next hole there were people there. The carts carts were also programmed to be extremely slow and were not helpful, especially on hills going up.

But overall it was a beautiful course to play on. I would go back. Hopefully the carts are a little quicker and pace of play is a little better.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 2.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
u000006504535
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Great Play In Need of Modern Amenities

Nice experience as always, fun course. Hitting off grass range and adding GPS to the carts would make the experience better. The golf carts are unbearably slow - it makes sense to protect golfers and the business from accidents on hilly descents but getting smart carts that can be governed (slowed) only by geolocation would speed up the round. In 2025 it’s also expected that your beverage cart service is equipped to take tap to pay…

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 3.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Default User Avatar
dhbae
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Default User Avatar
dhbae
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

satisfied golf course!!!

very good for me.and l will recommand to every person who want to enjoying golf play in beautiful place!!

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
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