A view from Black Bear Golf Club.
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4.3
424 Reviews (424)
5 Stars
130
4 Stars
161
3 Stars
60
2 Stars
36
1 Stars
37
Conditions
4.0
Value
4.1
Layout
4.5
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.4
90.7%
Recommend this course
339 out of 424 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
12 Reviews (12)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.9
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
83.3%
Recommend this course
10 out of 12 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
51 Reviews (51)
5 Stars
31
4 Stars
15
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.0
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.7
94.1%
Recommend this course
48 out of 51 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public/Resort
Par 72
Length 6673 yards
Slope 129
Rating 72.4

Black Bear Golf Club is part of the Crystal Springs Resort, which offers six other courses, though, it's hard to remember they're connected since they each offer a distinct character and look. Unlike Ballyowen and Crystal springs, two of the resort's most well known courses, Black Bear has more of a parkland layout. The course tumbles across rolling hills covered with trees, which come into play along the undulating fairways and greens. Water only comes into play on three holes but there are a whopping 65 bunkers coming into play. It's challenging but not frustrating. Both low and high handicappers will enjoy not only the golf course but also the beautiful scenery. Black Bear is one of the best values in the area and has garnered a strong local following.

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Course Details

Year Built 1996
Fairways Ryegrass
Greens Bentgrass
Golf Season Open: 3/15 Closed: 12/31
Architect Jack Kurlander (1996) David Glenz (1996)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes - "David Leadbetter Golf Academy"
Golf Simulator Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Indoor Practice Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Bar, Snacks, Restaurant, Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Showers, Lockers

Accolades

Reviews

4.3
424 Reviews (424)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 24
Dinner 11
Patio Dining 11
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 35
Bunkers 30
Narrow Fairways 22
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 33
Advanced Golfers 21
Locals 20
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 26
In the 'Burbs 21
At a Resort 10

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played

Black Bear Golf October 2017

Black Bear Golf Course was in great condition this past Tuesday. Greens were slightly fast and pin location was challenging on several holes. As the season begins to wind down you can expect frost delays for the earlier starts. Sand traps varied in depth and greens were susceptible to ball marks due to their softness but easily repaired. All of the staffing were very helpful and friendly. Looking to return soon.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
3.0
First Time Playing

Good course, poor conditions

It was a good course to play. Probably has better conditions in the summer. Awesome to get complementary range balls. Staff is great and friendly. Only bad side was the current conditions of the course. I get it, early in the season but charging full price for punched sanded greens and concrete bunkers should be a crime. Solid 3 star course!

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 47
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Course, country club service and amenities on a public course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap Don't know
Skill Beginner
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good track great greens

Nice layout and certainly flatter fairways than Crystal Springs. Probably the truest greens I have played in a while snd fast too. Overall great experience except for some slow play ahead. Going to be awfully pretty as the leaves turn as well

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sand Bunkers

The bunkers are disgraceful for a good course like Black Bear. It has been in this condition for several years. Some bunkers are filled in with new sand, but there are too many bunkers with dirt and rocks.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 50
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course

Black Bear is one of my favorite courses. It is well maintained and provides both a challenging and friendly mix of difficulty. I recommend it to everyone.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Nice course

Nice course in good conditions. We enjoyed our round. Will likely to go play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 10
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Stay out of the sand!

Nice layout and friendly staff. The bunkers need a lot of work. I enjoyed it!

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 50
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice course, super friendly staff

Played 4 different courses last weekend in the Crystal springs area and thought Black Bear was second best behind Ballyowen. I'll be honest, price is steep compared to courses that I pay about $80-$100 in the tri-state area with similar layouts and amenities. I will say that the rangers were seen often, but we had no issue with pace of play.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

BEAR

One of the most beautiful public courses available. Except for some unkept sandtraps,s a perfect golf experience!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 38
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Always a treat

Good condition, considering the amount of rain we’ve had, and a fun and challenging layout, with each hole having a distinctive character.

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