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Rating Index Rating
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4.7
658 Reviews (658)
5 Stars
376
4 Stars
222
3 Stars
48
2 Stars
6
1 Stars
6
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.5
98.6%
Recommend this course
621 out of 658 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
47 Reviews (47)
5 Stars
32
4 Stars
14
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.9
100.0%
Recommend this course
47 out of 47 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
56 Reviews (56)
5 Stars
39
4 Stars
16
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.9
100.0%
Recommend this course
56 out of 56 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Bear Trap's 27-hole layout delivers a genuinely challenging and well-conditioned course that consistently earns high marks from recent players. Exceptionally friendly staff and strong overall value make this a compelling destination for serious golfers.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 6853 yards
Slope 130
Rating 72.4

Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club sits along the Eastern Shore, sprawling across a scenic landscape of coastal dunes and grassy hollows. There are 27 championship holes at the club that are played in three different 18-hole combinations. The nines, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Black Bear, are all different though they share many of the same features including winding fairways lined with native wetland grasses and oversized greens flanked by strategically placed traps. The Kodiak/Black Bear combination follows the natural contours of the coastal terrain, fully utilizing the ample sand dunes that cover the landscape. There is also plenty of water that comes into play throughout. All three golf courses at Bear Trap Dunes are challenging but they are fair and player friendly enough to appeal to a wide range of skill levels.

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Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 2001
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Rick Jacobson (1999) Rick Jacobson (2001)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Caddies No
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 VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Fivesomes Allowed No
Single Allowed No
Dress code Proper Golf Attire at All Times. Please, No Jeans or T-Shirts

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

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Reviews

4.7
658 Reviews (658)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 15
Patio Dining 14
Dinner 13
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 28
Water Hazards 23
Undulating Greens 15
This course/club is great for:
Playing Multiple Courses 21
Locals 20
A Weekend Splurge 19
This Course's Location is:
Near Local Attractions 19
At a Resort 15
Worth the Drive 14

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

if you like a challenge!

had a great day out, wished i had time to play all 27 holes...

one of my favorite course in OC

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

great semi private course

Great conditions. Most of staff were friendly and attentive. Pace of slow very slow. Saw beer cart at 2nd hole and never again.Would definitely recommend though.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

3 Nines

Playing Grizzly then Kodiak was a pleasure. This course is challenging in spots but quirkly throughout. For medium handicap golfer, 14 - 20+, can b very challenging because of lack of course knowledge. Low handicappers should score rather well. Greens in good shape, true and quick
Have fun .... I did.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 31
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice track

This is a real golf course. Good conditions neat fairways, bunkers in good shape, greens mid-fast probably 10. Funky pin placements though, like almost at the crest of a hill, somewhat challenging if not unfair. Highly recommend . I'm a 7.7 index btw.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Golf course review

Bear Trap Dunes is a very nice course that presents both nice scenery (birds & landscape) and challenging holes. You will play some lengthy holes that offer the hazards of bunkers, traps, water, and undulating greens. The course is well maintained and reasonably priced.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 46
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

3 Great Nines

27 hole facillity with all 9's equal in challenge and character. We played on a Friday just after noon and early that morning it had down poured. I expected wet conditions. All I got was soft greens that remained quick. Excellant drainage and course conditions. Very scenic. A definite recommendation is in order.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great Course

Challenging without being too frustrating for a high handicapper like me. Beautiful course, well kept fairways and greens. Staff was very friendly. Great experience.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 31
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

This course was in great shape and has great character

Extremely good practice facility and course was well worth the money I paid

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Close to Bethany Beach

This was the 2nd time I have played this course in the past month using GolfNow.com. I got a very good rate and a convenient tee time. The staff was friendly and efficient. The course was in very good condition and the greens were excellent! The Blackbear 9 was particularly interesting. This is the closest course to Bethany Beach and well worth the money with the GolfNow discount. I hope the participating GolfNow.com courses understand that golfers like me will only play their higher priced courses with the GolfNow discount. I guess they realize that a reduced green fee (along with monies paid for refreshments before, during and after a round) is better than a vacant tee time and no revenues!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Great fairways and greens

Super friendly staff, terrific greens and fairways and challenging layout. 27 holes and we played kodak and black bear nines with my family. Traps are going Au natural but that did not bother us. The only issue was that range closes on Wednesday from 11-2 each week to mow the grass so we did not get a chance to warm up. Still puzzled over why they choose that time and also why they don't let you know on its website. Still, staff was understanding and gave us a month to use our allotted range balls.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great deal for resort golf.

I have had the opportunity to play all the DelMarVa courses multiple times. Bear Trap ranks among the best courses. I was pleasantly surprised when I booked a $65 rate for a mid-morning tee time in late July. This was a great value.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

A must play!

Course is in excellent shape. A must play for anyone staying near Bethany Beach.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Best Greens in the area

Fantastic conditions, friendly staff, driving range, chipping area make for an overall great experience. Greens roll fast and true - best in the area! The Golfnow discount rate make this a steal.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Awesome golf

I played this course in 3 hours and a half and great staff!

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Good Resort Course

I played last week. The course is in great shape. Greens were a nice speed. A good variety of holes. If you hit the ball straight definitely can score well at this course. Easy course to walk if you choose. Definitely would recommend using Golfnow as the rate was reduced. Our foursome enjoyed the midday round. I liked the fact they gave you range balls with the price, as it should be. We did not use the restaurant or any food service.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Nice day of golf

Haven't played here in years, course was in excellent condition, greens were rolling true. Paired up with very social partners, enjoyable company. Beverage cart only came by once, at third hole, would like to have seen more of it. I got a deep discount on green fees, making it a much better value, at full price, still a nice course, but not as good a value.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Now I Know Why It Was Discounted

It was the first visit for each person in our foursome, and we now understand why we got such a discounted rate (< $60). First and foremost, 50% of the course is in deplorable condition. The bunkers and waste areas are in horrendous shape, with acres and acres of semi-permanent standing water and/or mud and/or hard-pan. When this course was designed, I imagine all the enormous sand traps and hazards and waste areas were probably the best around. Now it's easily the worst I've ever seen. I played a course near my home a few years ago that had all but closed down, and even it had better sand traps and waste areas than this course. The roughs were generally horrible throughout the course, and have obviously been neglected for years. The tee boxes were okay, and the fairways were mostly okay. In all fairness, the greens were generally excellent. The trend these days seems to be, with both cheap municipal courses and expensive resort courses, to focus almost all maintenance efforts and resources on the fairways and greens, which I happen to think is a huge mistake for the game. In fact, one player in our group suggested that this course may be intentionally going more Crenshaw/natural, but we eventually all agreed that it wasn't an intentional transformation, but just one of neglect. Another complaint about our experience would be the lack of a beverage cart. On the most beautiful day of the year, we never did see a beverage cart from 1:30 to finish. We got food at the turn, and it was very good. The sandwiches and wraps were big and very good. But no beverage cart on a beautiful summer afternoon at a beach resort course? Really? And other than the elderly gentleman who served as starter, I can't say that the staff was particularly friendy. In fact, when we reached about the 15th hole, the Marshall made a beeline toward us from the distance, right up to the other cart in our group, with a scowl on his face, and said, "Do you have something in your cart that doesn't belong to you?" We were shocked and confused by his accusatory tone, and said we didn't think so. He said someone left a pair of sunglasses in a cart from the previous day, and then he drove off. Seriously?? As for the rest of the facilities, it was a mixed bag. There doesn't seem to be nearly enough parking, but we finally found a spot on the street in the adjacent community. When we dropped off our bags, there was no one to take the bags or put them on carts, so we walked back from parking and took care of our own bags. The clubhouse is beautiful, and the pro shop is better than average, for whatever that's worth. The driving range is adequate, but there is a nice putting green and a separate chipping green. Of course, when we finished our round, there were a couple of guys right there to go through the motions of cleaning our clubs for tips, but they were nowhere to be found when we started our day at Bear Trap. All in all, it was a mixed experience here, but because of the horrendous conditions of much of the course (minus the greens), this was a very disappointing experience for us, and we probably won't be back soon.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful course

The course is kept in great shape, staff is wonderful , definitely recommend to anyone

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course

Great course with lots of challenges. Staff was very friendly and had a great time at the course.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great course, beautiful greens.

I really enjoyed playing this course and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Plenty challenging and strategically placed bunkers lining the fairway require accuracy off the tee to score well. You'll use most clubs in your bag. The greens were in great shape and a pleasure to putt on, not ridiculously fast, but fast enough to require solid reads and speed control. We went off early in the morning and pace was very comfortable; only ran into a few holes we had to wait on after the turn.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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