Harrah’s Gulf Coast

Called a friend up for a friendly round of golf. Since it was mid-afternoon on Easter Sunday, not many were out. Pace of play was fantastic, giving way for enough time to really focus on shots and putts. On a day where not many were out, it really gave time to really appreciate the course.

A few other "friends" were out as well: a large deer, an alligator in the creek that hugs the left side of the par-3 #14, and a large red fox squirrel. If you are looking for a course with no distractions, this one is it. There is no residential development, and it has some really scenic holes.

As far as difficulty, it certainly has that if your tee shots go awry. It penalizes a bad shot, but rewards solid shots. It is a longer course. Greens are receptive and roll fairly true, but they could be in better overall shape. Nice open practice facilities. Staff has always been extremely friendly!

There are many great course options on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but if you are in town for a weekend, this one is a must play.

Wonderful lay out.Fairways were great! Saw wildlife. Some of the greens seemed like there was very little grass, maybe the winter greens were dying off? But I would play it again,I played last June and the greens were excellent!
Wonderful, friendly staff, and we saw the refreshment cart frequently, which was wonderful as well!

Put up a big number, but this is still my favorite course on the Coast and maybe my favorite in Mississippi. It was in tremendous condition, even after all the rain we've had over the past few weeks. The greens were very fast, even before the dew burned off.

Short game is crucial on this course. The bunkers are deep (even in the fairway), and the greenside bunkers frequently pinch the approach such that you can't easily roll the ball onto the green.

The good news is that the fairways are very forgiving.

It's a real treat, and if you can swing the local rate (they haven't asked for ID either time I've been), then the value is unbeatable.

Jack Nicklaus is often criticized for making courses too hard and too much to his own style of play, but Grand Bear certainly isn't one of them. Sure, there are a few left to right holes -- all courses have them -- and if you play the back tees, it's all you want and more, but this a beautiful, well-thought out design in great condition. It's also on a beautiful piece of rolling property with lakes, streams and rivers, which make for a terrific four hours or so, no matter how you play.

Nice track - bit off the beaten path; worth it if you get the golf now rate of $42; but rack rate of $109 is much too steep. Greens were ok; but I played Rock Creek in Fairhope, Al the next day and the conditions at RC were amazing lush and super fast greens at much lower rate $59 - back to grand Bear the staff was great overall was nice nothing great....

Course staff was very friendly and helpful. Mark, greeted me when I drove up, assisted with bag out of the car. He was also waiting at 18 green at the end of the round to clean clubs and assist with any other requests. The Pro shop attendant was friendly and efficient in getting me checked in and ready for round. The Starter (can't remember his name) went out of his way to make me feel welcome. Personally escorted me to No. 1 tee and gave me course instructions and number to clubhouse if I had any other questions.

Good day to play. Had fun and watch some gators. Grrens smoother today than previous round.

Not sure if the greens had been punched recently or not. They looked and felt a little bumpy and dry,
Seen the greens look better in the past.
Overall a great layout, enjoyed two rounds while in town.
Will always be on my play list....

course was in excellent condition considering previous weeks weather.

This course is an embarrassment to a great Jack Nicholas design. The staff was great but the course conditions and carts were terrible. The carts looked the were purchased from the losers of a demolition derby.The greens did not looked to be mowed. they were slow and bumpy. When I questioned several members of the staff they explained the casino stopped caring for the course after the last hurricane and it sure shows. Prior to arrival I tried to contact the casino to check out any stay and play packages they kept transferring to someone that never answered the phone. I left several messages but no one ever called me back so we stayed somewhere else and paid way to much for this course. This course has a great lay out, but managed buy people that really don't care or understand golf. I am sorry for the dedicated staff but to be honest I would not consider playing this course until they can turn it around.

extremely friendly staff from directions to the course to scheduling a replay in afternoon. fantastic clubhouse. a "must" play if down on Ms coast!

Friendly staff. Course still dormant. Greens smooth and fast.

Great course in great condition. Well worth the drive to get to the course. $7.50 for a hotdog is starting to get on the pricey side, however.

Little pricey. But you get what you pay for. Excellent course. A little muddy in the fairways. It's expected this time of year though.

This was a nice course and a must play if in the Golf Coast area. Have already played several more times since this time.

The challenging course at Grand bear, the beauty of the club house and the friendly staff all rate an excellent in all ways. We enjoyed the quiet solitude of the course, the scenic river and the quality of the golf. The dozen deer that nibbled the grass were a bonus. Great day!!

this course is a winner,must play course everything was all good wildlife/scenic views the course has it all

It was 28 degrees as we arrived. A Frost delay moved our 7:40 tee time to 8:20, but we were glad to wait until it warmed up! By 9:30 we had shed all of our extra clothing and had a wonderful day of golf under clear blue skies. The course was winter brown, but in excellent condition. The greens were very well kept and great for winter conditions. The course played long, but very enjoyable. Can't wait to play it in the summer. Staff was great.

Wonderful staff, very accommodating and one heck of a well maintained track. This place is tough but fair. Highly recommend this place.

This is an excellent playing experience. The choice of multiple tee boxes makes this course fun for any skill level. I highly recommend this course!