Black Bear Golf Club

Too many unknowns! Quirky holes, long drive out there. Not one of my favorite places.

Have played this course multiple times. Love the challenging layout and the hills which are rare for most FL golf. It was a pretty slow round on Sat morning - we had to wait on most shots. Ranger stopped and said it is normal for Sat morning. Regardless would definitely recommend the course as it’s in great shape.

Wonderful design, fun to play. Some IMPRESSIVE bunkers! Overall, it was a bit dry (especially the front nine) and it looks like they are trying to make some improvements, decent course, very good value for a course by a top-notch designer.

Several playing partners at other courses had recommended Black Bear to me but I had been reluctant to play it because I’m not a big fan of Dye courses (father’s or son’s). I have found the Dyes have a tendency to use unnecessary “gimmicks” to increase the difficulty of their courses such as unnecessarily deep green side swales, strategically placed but artificially high mounds, weird shaped greens, etc. In any event, I decided to give Black Bear a try and I’m glad I did. Although Black Bear has a couple of holes that evidence the Dye trickery, overall it is a very enjoyable track. The greens were fast but not unfairly so. Fairways and tees were in relatively good shape but the rough was thin and spotty at best. Pace of play was excellent (3:45!). I intend to go back soon so I can try some different strategy on the tricky holes!

Weather was good,a little cool and windy. Course in good shape.

This course is challenging, very difficult shot selection and careful shot planning from the back Bear tees. Greens will roll off on you and so will the terrain in the fairways, hit the wrong end of a speed slot or come in at the wrong angle you may find some tough approaches. Long irons and short game must be on to have a good day here. From lower sets of tees, provides a fair test to work on lie angles, but sacrifices in length.

Course is in good shape
Greens were fast
Several elevated greens require accurate approach shots or a great short game

I enjoy playing this course every so often. The layout is nice and I like that the front 9 brings you back to the clubhouse, a few courses I play do not. What you see from the tee box is pretty much what you get. There are no real hazards on the course unless you wander off the fairways, where you can find a bunker or two, or some nasty stuff that can make you think twice about hitting your shot. Where it gets tough though, is the greens. They can be long and narrow, postage stamp size, or a large green with lots of undulations.
I hope you have as much fun playing here as I do.

Tees and fairways were in good shape of the winter. The greens needed some work but were playable. Sand traps needed some work.

Played the course given the 4-star rating, but it's more 3-star. Course wasn't in great shape, although greens were nice and rolled true. I can see this being a very nice course under better conditions.

We love the layout of this Course. A true test of your skills as a golfer.

I was a member here long ago when the course was in amazing shape. I would say it’s in decen shape. Greens are good but lots of ball marks unrelated on the greens. The traps have seen erosion and are not well kept. Sand is hard and compacted.

Pace of play was ok. The layout of the course is challenging and fun. You have to have your wedge game on point. Lots of elevated and large rolling greens. Misses leave you with sand or challenging chip shots. When this course was in its prime, it was one of the best around.

Need to be in decent physical condition to play this coy

The course staff at check-in and restaurant offered a friendly greeting and service. The golf course is in as good shape as it has ever been. Not handicap (golfer) friendly. Many signs indicate what is or is not allowed, such as keeping both tires on the cart path near the greens and tee boxes, which would make it difficult to walk to and fro. Not a slam, but an observation. I like that the owner and manager take great pride in trying to keep the course in as good a condition as possible. I would play it again at the Golf Now 'HOT DEAL' rate.