Black Bear Golf Club

Most of the tee boxes and greens are elevated making it extremely difficult. The 18th hole is over water making it a very long shot for average golfer. There is no bailout area. Not well designed hole.

Greens fast and smooth. Almost too fast for slope of greens. Fairways had grass, but were cut tight . Bunkers could use work. Maybe one half to 1 inch loose sand, then hard sand. Definitely a course worht playing.

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.

I played well here. Even though my swing didn't keep up. But it was great to actually know some of the holes come at the rare times I've played here. Love when they have golf now deals! Nice to play with uneven lies and crooked eyes and hills and such. If you want to try something Tricky with hills and uneven terrain in Florida, come here.