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.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
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
WHAT HAPPENED
the course was in great shape. I dont know if it was all the hot weather. but i would stay away now. Greens were blighted, bare and bumpy. Fairways were not in great shape. I would not recommend. Such a shame
What happened here?
Years ago this was one of my favorite places to play. In recent years it has slowly and steadily gone downhill. I thought I'd give it another shot here yesterday to see if things were on the up. Boy, it can't get any worse, can it? Burnt out fairways, un-maintained rough, rough growing in the fairway, and I'd imagine putting on the moon would have been a smoother surface than the greens here. It's a shame, because it has the potential to be a good track.
not maintained
the course was in terrible shape. although the weather has been extremely hot, we have played on other courses that have been far better maintained over the past few weeks. the greens were pitted and rutted, and the fairways were in horrible shape as well.
Well maintained. Clearly marked holes.
Black Bear is one of the nicer courses in the area. It has the feel of a private club. I played it after a week of scorching hot weather, and the fairways and greens were pretty dried out and fast.
The holes were clearly marked. Ball washers and cold water every several holes.
It was a good golfing experience.
one pet peeve was the snack bar and cart were charging about double the regular price expected.
Solid 4 Star Course
The course is exactly what it says it is: a recreational golfer's heaven. The course is in a beautiful location and was in awesome shape when I played. The only thing that I thought could've used some work were the greens. A couple of them were a little choppy. The fairways and rough were immaculate. Definitely worth the money and the drive.
the course is challenging with some interesting holes. Tight fairways makes your tee shot to be accurate
The coourse layout was good. It is a shot maker's course with driving accuracy a must. I was somewhat disappointed in the conditionof the greens. They were very slow and marked up.
Course was not in good shape
I was disappointed in Black Bear because the bunkers were inconsistent, yardages were inaccurate when compared to my GPS (GPS turned out to be right every time), and the greens were extremely slow and damaged. The greens were so slow that my playing partners and I found it comical and annoying at the same time. I paid a discounted rate and wouldn't play there again for that same amount.
Great for Weekday Round
Went on a Tuesday for $45. Great value for the course.
Yardage from Blue Tees are relatively short but fun to play. Black Tee yardage is not too different, just harder angles into fairways/greens.
The greens are in good condition. Better than any county course for sure!
scenic, with lots of elevation changes, little water. Love this course!
Never disappoints, fairways and traps in excellent shape. love the elevation changes and hole diversity. Can be challenging if you play from the tips!
Love it.
Just a fun track. Not really that challenging, but it has it's moments.
A challenging course the first time
I really enjoyed this course. I have played a lot of different places and this course has a lot of great features. Its very oddly laid out but they have good signage directing you where to go. Everything was great about the course except for the fact that our foursome had a very quick threesome behind us and as they were right behind us the staff kept telling us top pick up the pace which a) was rediculous when it was a smaller group behind us and b) there was a slow foursome in front of us holding us back as well that we never saw get spoken too. Outside of those requests everyone was friendly and helpful and the course was beautiful but wet given the several days of consistent rain we had had.
Excellent all-around golf course
The thing that struck me most about this golf course was its vistas. It places you in a frame of mind where you dont feel cramped by man made structures. Not a condo to be seen. The course itself plays nicely.
The course was well maintained.
Overall the courses was good. Greens were well kept and the staff was very helpful with tips on the course.
Pretty good
The course was in good shape. However, the greens were rather slow and a bit inconsistent from one to another.
Rounds here (at least in the afternoon) can take a little while, so bring your patience :-)
Great course to play
Well maintained and fast play. Great course. Excellent service.
great couRse. Great layout
i play 3-4 times a week all over Nj. Best st course I've played in a while. very nice course and layout. Overall great experience. hood rate for this course. You def get what u pay for. I recommend this course to avid players.