Black Bear GC
A view from Black Bear Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.2
550 Reviews (550)
5 Stars
194
4 Stars
203
3 Stars
73
2 Stars
38
1 Stars
42
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.0
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.2
89.3%
Recommend this course
453 out of 550 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
23 Reviews (23)
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
12
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.2
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.6
95.7%
Recommend this course
22 out of 23 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
38 Reviews (38)
5 Stars
19
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.1
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.6
97.4%
Recommend this course
37 out of 38 reviews
Read Reviews
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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.

About

Holes 18
Type Public/Resort
Par 72
Length 6673 yards
Slope 129
Rating 72.4

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.

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Course Details

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

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

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

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Bar, Snacks, Restaurant, Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Showers, Lockers

Accolades

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
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$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
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12 rounds of waived fees
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Tee Time Protection

Reviews

4.2
550 Reviews (550)

What Golfers Are Saying

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

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

Best Of Crystal Springs Lot

This coarse is a very golf friendly one. For all levels there is a challenge on one hole or another. Cosmetically beautiful and a helful staff made the day enjoyable and wanting to come back soon

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

slow play

four some in front was slowest,should have been asked to play through,no help from ranger. upsetting

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

GOOD ROUND

bit slower pace but did not seem it was to the fault of course management.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart

Nice Course, Long Round

The only thing keeping me from giving this course a 5-star was the 5+ hour round. Otherwise, the course was in great shape and provided a nice challenge for all the clubs in the bag.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

This course is in beautiful shape.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing Black Bear golf course. It is in great shape and in a very picturesque area of New Jersey, providing a serene environment. The hills and ponds provide a challenge, but it is not too difficult for an intermediate player.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 142
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

new course to play

i have never played this course before but got very good rate on golf now!! it was very good day. the course is in great shape you have to watch the putting look at the hole to see growth to tell grain it makes a change in speed and break. the views are also great.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Black Bear

I have not played Black Bear in several years. When they first opened the course it needed time to grow in. The fairways were thin and the greens were so-so. The greens have always been questionable and there are a couple of just OK holes (12, 13). I was quite surprised yesterday to find the fairways have grown in nicely and most of the greens are now very nice. They have cut back some trees and opened up the fairway and green area on 12 which makes it more playable. The bunkers still need some attention as most that I found during play did not have enough sand in them. In general the course is in very good condition, much better than the last time I played there. I will definitely go back and play there again.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 27
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Avoid course like plague if you don't want slow rounds

Round took 5.5 hours. Talked to cart guys afterwards and they said time was pretty typical for this course. "What did I expect?" I complained and said 4:10 to 4:30 was more reasonable and they stated that the course was "too busy" and never was less than 5 hours.

Course was in decent shape overall but always two + groups on most tees. Just not pleasant playing at the pace this course has. Marshalls would go a long ways towards helping if they had any that actually did anything.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

I love this place!

I forgot just how much I love this course. The course was is great shape with the exception of copious ball marks on the greens (most likely from an outing earlier in the day...are they really THAT hard to fix, people?!?). This was clearly not the fault of the grounds crew.

Pace of play was fantastic and the weather could not have been better. I will definitely be playing here more often this summer.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course has nice layout

Overall excellent value with golfnow deal
Course was on super shape and staff was very friendly only problem was slowness on back nine but it is weekend golf in northeast

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

Mr.

It was a very good course and my group enjoyed playing very much. We will try again in the near future. thanks.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great time on a tough layout

My friend and I played with another twosome and had a great time. The staff was very friendly and professional and the facilities were excellent. I have played here before, and they were just as nice as always.

The course layout can provide a decent challenge to any golfer and the rough is as overgrown as I've ever seen it!!! if your ball lands in there, it can easily add two or three strokes to your score, but the course does reward good shotmaking.

The round was a little slow, but the marshals did their best to keep everything moving, so we were happy. We'll definitely play there again.

One last thing: this course really isn't for beginners; one of the reasons our round was so slow.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 116
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 500 Contributor
First Time Playing

Staff

The starter and course rangers could be more courteous

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Nice improvements / great conditions at Black Bear

Very enjoyable round at Black Bear. Greens were smooth and perfect speed. A few areas on greens were repaired but very well done by maintenance crew! Some areas behind/around greens are being cleared of trees and bushes which helps keep ball in play and probably keeps greens more in the sun/healthy. Definitely Mo' fun to have a pitch rather than lost in the scrub....
Shot 33 on the back nine from blue tees. Didn't expect to play that well but great conditions helped the birdies roll in. Thanks Black Bear!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

The pace of play was rediculous!

It took 3 hours to play 9 holes! This was by far the worst experience I have had at this course. Usually the pace of play is reasonable.

Conditions Good
Value Poor
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Nice course, but...

The course was in great shape, but many of the pin placements were ridiculous. This is not the US Open -- the pins should be located where the average golfer at least has a chance to make a putt. Also, the rough could be trimmer a little lower -- on several occasions it was difficult to find the ball when it sunk down, even close to the fairway.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Pace Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good value, interesting layout; not for walking

First time playing here, with my Dad, on a holiday Monday. The fees + cart were $65/person, which I thought pretty good for a peak rate.

The course, at least that day, did penalize you quite a bit for being in the rough. It was deep and thick, only allowing for hack outs. Greens were a bit "patchy", but rolled fine.

The course offers a good variety of shot making, terrain, scenery and challenging greens. It is definitely not walkable. The back 9 does have several of the holes closer together, as another reviewer had mentioned.

For the extras, there was decent water, ball washers and beverage cart coverage throughout.

Staff was friendly and helpful.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Black Bear made easy!

Grass needs to be cut and make the pace of play quicker.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Black Bear Looking Good

Played on Memorial Day with a good buddy and made an earlyish tee time at 7:30am. Got off on time. As a twosome we were waiting on most shots but not too long. The pace was good for a holiday...4.5hrs. Beautiful weather day. Course was a little tight for my errant drives. Fairways were true and well maintained. Same with greens (true rolls and well maintained)...albeit a little slower than a private club would keep their greens. The rough was very heavy. Lost at least a couple of balls to the high rough and searched for others that should have been easy to find but the rough grabbed it and snuck it under the turf. Played from the blues which was a nice length of 6300 yards or so. Nice looking track. a handful of sidehill lies made for a nice challenge...even in the fairways. But almost no brownout areas of the fairways or rough around the greens. A couple of traps were way too thin and needed sand. On balance...a very nice round and fun place to play for the price.

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Good course.

Good course conditions, good pace, deep rough. Not for beginners.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
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