Bear Creek Golf Club

Third time playing this course , it's becoming one of my favorites very challenging but playable .will definitely be back...

Bear Creek is under major construction. To the course manager’s credit, it looks like the construction is addressing some much needed improvements. I plan to return in the future to see the finished product.

The construction:

Currently, multiple holes had cart paths that were either completely removed and were being redone or were badly damaged. New tee boxes and other areas of the course were under construction. Huge piles of sand and other material can be found around the course near tee boxes and greens. Multiple holes had hidden manmade hazards in the middle of the fairway. One was a crazy manmade water hazard at the bottom of a huge gully in the middle of the fairway. It was not visible from the tee box and as evidenced by the dozens of balls buried in the banks of this serpentine water bunker, it was poorly placed (center of the fairway 50 yards from the green). It was also visibly under construction. The transition from the 15th-16th-17th holes was wild. You’re taken along a long cart path adjacent to the driving range and past a private training area. It was beautiful outside so the extra cart time was welcome. The tee box area on holes 2 and 18 was a mess. There are 2 sets of signs around the course that sometimes give competing information (15-17 especially).

The portion of the course not under construction was in decent shape. Greens were in good shape and rolled smoothly. They were very fast for my taste but were in better than average shape. Fairways were firm, turf was mostly dormant, but it is November. Bunkers were firm and sand was shallow. I hit one bunker shot and brought up a chunk of red clay. Some of the tee boxes were in bad shape.

The surrounding landscape is beautiful. Multiple ponds and abundant wildlife. We saw geese, a beaver/otter, and lots of awesome fall color.

Play was the slowest I’ve ever experienced. I was in a twosome and the foursome behind us caught us every hole because we had to wait so long for the two foursomes in front of us. I wouldn’t recommend this course until they finish addressing the changes they’re making.

Many of the Golf Cart paths were in terrible shape. Made moving from one hole to another cumbersome. 16th hole is awful. Greens in terrible shape with mats for your tee box. Some other very nice holes though and overall an enjoyable outing.

Have played this course many times over the years, has some interesting holes with fast smooth greens and fairly good fairways. Lot of work on course conditions for some tee boxes, cart paths, etc still in process and should be improved more once complete. The owner/manager is a super nice guy as well as everyone working in the pro shop, very good service.

Biggest issue for me was pace of play, was very slow and had to skip holes in 3 different parts of the course or would have waited very long time to finish my round. Actually had 5 players in one group I had to pass after about 6-7 holes, then couple of very slow 4-somes that would not allow me to play thru. Was able to go back and play one of those holes later, but waiting 5-7+ minutes on many tee boxes for a late morning tee time not what I hoped for. Will definitely return again and look forward to the many course improvements in process, but unusually slow play based on my past experiences here.

Course is in good shape with lots of new additions coming. Greens were great and unexpectedly fast.

First off, Bill in the pro-shop was extremely courteous and helpful. This was the opposite of what I experienced on my previous visit, which is why I haven't played here since earlier in the season. The course is obviously undergoing some reconstructing/changing some holes. I'm very curious about what it's going to loo like next year. This did not affect our round, it's just something I noticed. The greens are in great shape and actually rolling a little fast for my skill level, LOL. However, they all roll very true. Each green was the same. They are having a membership special for $50/month then, you only pay $20 for 18 holes. This special included discounts off pro-shop purchases and bar items. I'd definitely recommend giving this course a try.

Course was in good shape. Greens were in really good shape. We played right after TS Helene and there were no issues with standing water. Great drainage.

Second hole changed to a par 5 for some reason. Polar tees are in same spot as when it was a par 4. From the Black tees it should be a par 5 but not from the whites unless they intend on moving those tees too.

Also, I think that the short par three (#16) on the back nine should eliminated and have a par three after #17 using the #2 Black tees. It would make for at least a 130 yard shot instead of a 90 yard shot on 16.

Overall course in good, some parts great shape, couple tee boxes thin. Cart paths are rough but not a deal breaker. Still making changes, not sure how shared tee boxes on #2 & #18 will affect pace of play, since both are par 5’s, w/ tee shot over natural areas. Play manageable correct tees on these 2 holes to carry natural areas on tee shot. Let grass grow on hill on #11 to keep ball from rolling in water. Both #4 & #13 are tough holes. Need to pair up singles. Have never seen a marshall.

Will play again & recommend.