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4.2
940 Reviews (940)
5 Stars
427
4 Stars
321
3 Stars
105
2 Stars
48
1 Stars
39
Conditions
4.1
Value
3.6
Layout
4.5
Friendliness
4.2
Pace
3.9
Amenities
4.2
80.8%
Recommend this course
775 out of 940 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
33 Reviews (33)
5 Stars
19
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.3
Value
3.8
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.4
87.9%
Recommend this course
29 out of 33 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
66 Reviews (66)
5 Stars
37
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
5
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.2
Value
3.7
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.3
83.3%
Recommend this course
55 out of 66 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6824 yards
Slope 143
Rating 73.3
Book a Tee Time at
Bear's Best Atlanta
Powered by GolfNow.com

Course Details

Year Built 2002
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Jack Nicklaus (2002) David Heatwole (2002)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Yes
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code No denim, collared shirt and bermuda shorts required

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+
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10 rounds of waived fees
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$120 in tee time credits
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Tee Time Protection
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Redeem GolfPass points

Reviews

4.2
940 Reviews (940)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Potential Gallore

This could be the best option for a GolfNow course in Atlanta with a few improvements to the course. First off I used one of my Golfpass free rounds on the tee time, so I can't complain too much.

Pace of play was really poor, they had scheduled a scramble the same day we booked our time. Our tee time was 40 minutes behind the last scramble group and our foursome caught them by Hole 5. Unfortunately it turned into a 5.5 hour round because of this. I know this isn't a usual scenario, but I was really looking forward to playing the course and it put a bit of a damper on it. Surprised they allowed tee-times so close to and on the day of a huge outing like that.

Course conditions are in improving out of winter condition. I was surprised the greens had been punched so recently (Most courses punched about 6 weeks ago and can't tell at all now) and they hadn't fully recovered. So the greens were slow to say the least, but you can tell they are in improving condition. The worst part about the course is by far the bunkers. They need to invest some money into some sand. Some of the bunkers were so deadpan hard, the liners were showing through and felt like concrete to hit off of. It was a factor in everyone of the foursomes game. A few bare spots here and there on the fairway edges but overall improving coming out of winter. I will say the TEEBOXES are in EXCELLENT condition for the most part. Which is huge on a often played course. Keep it up there!

Bring your lunch because the cart attendant does not have any food other than light snacks, and their is no turn so the clubhouse isn't accessible at any point during the round. They need a 9 hole snack shack at least.

The layout of the course is pretty great if you ask me. A good test with enough short dogleg holes, enough but not overly elevation, and enough pure driver holes. The par 3's were fair lengths as well.

The practice facility/range is great as well, however the nickel and diming for balls is a bit amateur hour for a course that tries to promote itself as being upper end.

Overall this could be the best course in Atlanta with a few improvements. For my money, right now though I prefer Echelon but Bears Best is right there with it and would probably get the nod if they fixed a few of the easily fixable issues listed in this review.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/17/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed our course conditions and the challenge of our layout. We apologize that the pace of play was slow and we appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a detailed review. We would love to talk to you more about your time with us. Please reach out to our General Manager, Ian Grimwade, at Ian.Grimwade@clubcorp.com. Thank you again and we look forward to speaking with you!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Best Public Course I ever played

I had a tremendous time at Bears Best. I love this place. From the time I got to the gate to the time I left, everyone was so polite. I am thinking about joining!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2019

Wonderful! We're glad that you enjoyed your experience with us and that our staff left a great impression on you. We would love to have you become of member and we look forward to having you back again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

great customer service

Although the course is obviously beautiful, the thing that impressed me the most was the customer service. Due to my own ignorance I had a problem that would take some effort to take care of. Mr. Ian Grimwade knew that I might not be in town to ever play golf at Bears Best Atlanta; however, he went the extra mile to take care of me. Its unusual that someone would make the effort to help someone out even though there might not be anything in it for them in the future but Mr. Grimwade still cam through big for me. You'll probably want to play Bears Best Atlanta for the nice course but if I'm Atlanta I'll go there also because of the treatment you receive for the overall experience. Thanks!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/10/2019

Wonderful! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your time with us and that our staff left a great impression you. We're glad that Ian was able to go the extra mile to take care of you. We appreciate your kind words and we can't wait to have you back the next time you're in Atlanta!

Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Golt time

The Bears Best course was very nice, the # 11 hole was the killer for me but It was nice. The course layout was good and I will be playing there again when I get a deal through golf now.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/01/2019

Fantastic! We're thrilled that you enjoyed our course and the challenge of our layout. We can't wait to have you back again soon at Bear's Best Atlanta!

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

Spring is here - Masters Week

Great track, good range and knew right. away. we were in for a treat. on the green's, firm and fast. Great track.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/09/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed our course and that our greens met your expectations. We hope to have you back again soon for your next round with us!

Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great layout.

Had the chance to play with two members who were great. Wet Winter definitely has caused some conditions issues but it’s a great track. Greens were nice and fast. Would absolutely play again.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/03/2019

Great! We're glad that you enjoyed your round with our members. We're pleased that our course conditions met your expectations and we look forward to having you back again soon!

Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Best Public Course in the Metro Atlanta Area

Bear’s Best is by far the best public course to play in the Metro Atlanta area. I appreciate the history behind each designed hole that was picked from Jack Nicklaus of his top designed courses around the world. The greens, fairways, bunkers, etc are kept in excellent shape. If you get the opportunity to play here do not pass it up!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/26/2019

Fantastic! We're thrilled that you enjoyed our course and the challenge of our layout. We're honored that you consider us the best public course in the Metro Atlanta area. We're also glad that our course conditions met your expectations. We can't wait to have you back again soon for your next round at Bear's Best Atlanta!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Excellent Course with Excellent Value

I always come back to this course because it brings me the challenges. I am not particularly a big fan of fading tee shots, but when it comes to golf design, Nicolas tops many others. With good value through GolfNow, this was no brainer

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/26/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed the challenge that our layout presented. We're also glad that you found us to be a good value. We appreciate your review and we hope to have you back again soon for your next round with us!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great coures

Great course with am amazing hot deal! will be looking out for this one again.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/22/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed our course and we appreciate your review. We hope to have you back again soon for your next round with us!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

Interesting customer service

Played 18 in the morning and we decided to go around again. While we grabbed a hot dog (excellent) a staffer suggested we exchange our morning carts for fresh ones. And he offered to move our clubs and belongings across for us. Turns out he left behind a quarter-zip that had been in our basket. We discovered it missing when the temperature cooled during the second 18 and called the pro shop to alert them. They couldn't find it. After our second 18 the pro shop was closed and two high-schoolers in the cart barn were accommodating but clueless. Phoned the next morning and friendly guy remembered us and the loss but said nothing had been found. Told me lots of players lose items. I corrected him that a player didn't lose this one, a BB staffer did. He said there was nothing he could do so I told him I'd let others know of this frustrating experience. He asked me to wait to hear from the GM. I did and had quite an energetic discussion. Long story just a bit longer, got a call back the next day and they found the item, Fed-Exed it to me along with a 4-pack of golf balls. Nice gesture, but it shouldn't have required quite the amount of determination and outright arguing on my part to get a fair resolution. I suppose all's well that ends well.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/11/2019

Great! We're glad that you enjoyed your rounds with us but we apologize for the struggle in finding and getting your quarter-zip back to you. We appreciate your patience with the process and your feedback. We hope to have you back again soon for your next round!

Played On
Reviews 263
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 25 Contributor
Georgia Advisor
Previously Played
Cold weather
Used cart

Wet conditions but fun course

I have played Bear's Best several times and each time I play I really like the course. I love the variety of holes and the fact the holes are replicas of some of Jack Nicklaus' best holes from the many courses he has designed.

It was windy and cold and cart paths only today due to the crazy amount of rain the area has had for the prior month. Everything was still wet and soggy and all the ponds were up higher than usual.

Due to the cold, there were not many golfers out. I was a single. After the sixth hole I ran into a foursome in front of me where were extremely slow (they were playing a two man scramble between the two groups of two. They took forever over each shot and each putt. I thought for sure they would ask if I wanted to play through since I was right on their tail for several holes. Never once did they say a word or askd if I would like to play through.

I really like the course layout and the variety of holes. There is quite a bit of elevation changes, as well as water and LOTS of bunkers.

Go play the course. You will really lithe variety and the uniqueness of the holes.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/08/2019

Great! We're glad that you enjoyed our course and the challenge it presented. We look forward to having you back again soon for your next round!

Played On
Reviews 30
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Playing the Best

Rain, rain the course was wet and I hit down on the ball didn't have my best round cold and breezy but overall it was a good day. I really like the course whenever I get a chance to play I Wil definitely play

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/08/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed our course despite all the rain we've had. We appreciate your review and we hope to have you back again soon for your next round!

Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Too early

Right now, this course, and probably most, is not worth wasting your time or money. It is just too early in the season. I will not return until late April or early May - it will take that long for the fairways and greens to heal from a very wet season.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/28/2019

Thank you for your review! We apologize that our course conditions didn't meet your expectations. The weather has been a little rough this year, but our conditions are still some of the best in town. Thanks again and we look forward to having you back again soon in late spring/early summer!

Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Thank You for a great day!

We had a group of eight

with some very inexperienced golfers.. We are from Ohio and Canada and was down here for work and lucky enough to of gotten the chance to play. The course was beautiful with a great layout. I can’t say enough nice things about the guys in the pro shop! Just so helpful and patient explaining things. We throughly enjoyed our day and hope we get the chance to play again someday!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/26/2019

Excellent! We're thrilled that you and your group enjoyed your round with us and we can't wait to have you back again soon at Bear's Best Atlanta!

Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/04/2019

Wonderful! Come back soon!

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Awesome layout

Great weather day provided a fun golf afternoon. The course was full of golfers but moved at a good pace. Course layout was awesome and in spite of extremely rainy Winter in pretty good shape for early February in Georgia. I would like to play it again in Spring or Fall when fairways are not dormant and bent grass greens can be cut and rolled.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/04/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed our course and the challenge it presented. We're also glad that you were able to play at a good pace. We appreciate you review and we look forward to having you back again soon for your next round!

Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Cold weather
Used cart

staff friendly

Course was in good shape despite heavy rain earlier week. Pro shop Marty Topper was very friendly.

I'll definitely play again

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/04/2019

Outstanding! We're thrilled that our course conditions met your expectations and we're glad that Marty left a great impression on you. We can't wait to have you back again soon for your next round at Bear's Best Atlanta!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice round, great day

First off, after some miscommunication, Marty was accommodating to that fact and revised our tee time for the error. Thanks for taking care of us buddy, see you soon.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/24/2019

Awesome! We're pleased that we were able to get everything squared away for your tee time and that Marty was helpful. We look forward to having you back again soon for your next round!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Slow pace but fun. Cart path only and wetness killed the old men in front of us but greens were fast and challenging.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/22/2019

Great! We're glad that you enjoyed our course and the challenge it presented. We appreciate your feedback and we look forward to having you back again soon!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Lazy

This was a special pre-Christmas fire start event. The event was understaffed. Marshall's did not take care of pace of play. We were not told in advance that no food or drink would be available after tee off. Truly ill-mannered. We had to skip holes and go around others in order to get out of there in 5 hours!

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/27/2018

Thank you for your review! We apologize that you didn't enjoy your time with us. We strive to provide a great experience for all of our guests. We would love the chance to speak to you more about your time with us. Please reach out to our General Manager, Ian Grimwade, at Ian.Grimwade@clubcorp.com. Thank you again and we look forward to speaking with you!

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