Black Bear Golf Club

My older brother was a member here up until five years ago, and I had played back Black Bear many times over the years.And I loved the challenges. However, four years ago, we stopped playing it completely because it had gotten into such disrepair, you had to look for Grass on the fairways and many spots on the greens the grass had died.

New ownership took over in January 2024 and my what a pleasant and joyful surprise. All the greens were in great shape and the fairways grass was growing back. Be aware that the grass on the fairways is being left longer than you find most fairways so it can grow back. However, there is a difference in grass height between the fairways and the rough to I assume give grass a chance to fill in.

I talked to one of the grounds crewmembers and he said he’d already replaced 400 sprinkler heads.! Get out to Black Bear and see for yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with it’s recovery. I can’t wait to Ter it up again at the Black Bear.

We enjoyed our round and look forward to playing again.

Things we enjoyed:

- New Owners - caring staff

- A practice hole!!!! There is a solid par 3 hole as a practice.

- Good food and bev at reasonable prices

- greens were fabulous!

The course is still a little rough but it’s clear good things are happening.

We will be back!

It is 10 times better than it was in the previous years

The new owners are doing a terrific job on getting it back into shape

Up here for the summer and came across this place. Amazing value for the cost of a round. The layout of the course was great and it was in very good shape. Tee boxes and some of the fairways need some love but overall I was pleased and had a good time. I heard from a member in the clubhouse that there is new ownership and they are making a lot of improvements to the course and clubhouse. It shows. I’ll definitely be back a few more times this summer. If you want a fun course with some elevation at a fraction of the price of the Gaylord and Petoskey courses, give Black Bear a try.

We been playing this course for years. After last year we said, we are never coming back. But I seen they have new owners and thought why not give them a chance. Soon as you pulled in to the parking lot, you could tell good things going on here. Full of life, they have employees getting your bags for you. Walk in clubhouse and get a whole new felling for the place. Nice and clean and remodeling going on. Owner Olivia very nice and greets you. When you get to the course it is unbelievable what they done already. Great shape for sure. Also after golf the food is outstanding too. Us 4 had a great day there. Thanks

Course conditions still need improvement. Top of the list needs to be fertilizing and filling out grass and eliminating weeds and clover. The bunkers need to be screened to remove the millions of rocks. The greens are in decent shape with a few exceptions that look like maintaining proper irrigation has been a major problem. The layout is challenging and fun. The potential upside at this course remains high, but conditions need to continue to improve. I would gladly play again and appreciate the great value.

After reading reviews from the past my expectations were low. The new owners have clearly invested in the pro shop and restaurant updates, on to the course. Long story short, I was very pleasantly surprised, the course was in overall good to very good shape and the greens were as good or better than some other courses I've played this year. The course is a mix of Scottish links along with the N Mich resort style elevation changes, The tee boxes were ok and I'm sure they'll get better as the season goes on. Fairways were decent with some rough areas though if they keep up on the water those will come around. The bunkers are very rocky and need screened badly and I'm confident they will get to them but first things first, get and keep the greens and fairways in top shape. Being a family run operation, I'm confident they're invested in making this a can't miss course and I'll be playing regularly to see they journey.

Fairways and greens were in very good condition and new golf carts.

New management has made huge improvements and the course is looking way better. Greens rolled great, fairways are getting better. Would definitely recommend playing it if you like fast play and good service.

New Owners are updating things nicely—but it’s going to be awhile before the course is in nice shape. I don’t really care for the layout….lots of little randommounds, etc all over the place blocking the view of most holes…

Black Bear has a great track and has been in decline for many seasons. However, the new owners have already made their mark on the course. From the parking lot, to the remodeled club house, you feel a sense of commitment. The course too displays remarkable dedication and enthusiasm for making things right. The greens are back, the tee boxes vastly improved, the traps have real sand and rakes, and the fairways are coming back! There is still a lot to do, but definitely go and play the course! You will enjoy the changes!!