6. Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club - Valley

Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club - Valley

4.5357142857 4.5 stars from 5 (18)
  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 71
  • Length: 6807 yards
  • Slope: 135
  • Rating: 72.9
  • Layout
Location
  • 1999 Country Club Way, Victoria, British Columbia, V9B 6R3
  • 1 (888) 533-2327, (250) 744-2327
  • (250) 391-3792
  • www.bearmountain.ca
Write Review
Year built: 2009
Architect(s): Jack Nicklaus (2009)
Type: Resort

Rentals/Services

Carts: Yes
Pull-carts: No
Clubs: Yes
Caddies: No

Practice/Instruction

Driving range: Yes
Pitching/chipping area: Yes
Putting green: Yes
Practice bunker: Yes
Teaching pro: Yes
Golf school / academy: Yes - "Bear Mountain Golf Academy"

Policies

Walking allowed: Yes
Metal spikes allowed: No
Singles allowed: No
Dress code: Proper golf attire required.

Tees | Layout | Full Scorecard

Tee Par Length Rating Slope
Golden 71 6807 yards 72.9 135
Grizzly 71 6392 yards 70.8 130
Black 71 6022 yards 69.0 128
Black (W) 71 6022 yards 74.8 134
Spirit 71 5583 yards 66.8 120
Spirit (W) 71 5583 yards 72.0 128
Cinnamon 71 4684 yards 63.2 103
Cinnamon (W) 71 4684 yards 66.7 112

The Valley Course, one of two 18-hole courses at Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club, sprawls across a diverse landscape of forests, creeks, and rivers. The golf course shares many similarities with its sibling course, the Mountain, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve Nicklaus. It offers many of the same challenges including elevated tee boxes and strategically placed bunkers but thanks to the shorter length and gentler landscape, the Valley Course is considered a friendlier version of the original Bear Course. There are also more generous fairways and larger greens that make it even more appealing to the beginning and intermediate player. The golf course is still challenging though with elevations between 300 and 500 feet above sea level. Golfers can enjoy spectacular mountain views on both Bear Mountain courses.

Rating Snapshot

GA Rating Index 4.5 stars from 5
Off-Course Amenities: 4.6 stars from 5
Value: 4.8 stars from 5
Pace of Play: 3.3 stars from 5
Staff Friendliness: 4.9 stars from 5
Course Layout: 4.6 stars from 5
Course Conditions: 3.8 stars from 5
Rating Breakdown 18 Reviews
5 stars:
13
4 stars:
4
3 stars:
0
2 stars:
1
1 stars:
0
96.4%

recommend this course

16 out of 17 reviews

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Reviewer Photos

Reviews

Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
FEATURED REVIEW

"Preferred But still..."

GolfinginBC's avatar
Top 25 Contributor
British Columbia Advisor
Age:  25-34
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  0-4
4 4.0 stars from 5 Played on 05/14/2016
Previously played

Reviewed on

I prefer over the Mountain course. I still thinking overall condition needs to be better if they want to charge the price they are for memberships and trying to build a name for themselves.

Played from the tip, its high season and weeds everywhere and not cut. Its always amazing to me how some course really want to charge the world but overlook the basics. ($40k initial membership fee!) again this is on Vancouver Island, not the mainland, not Whistler, Not the Okanagan.

Hopefully the saga of never ending building and money issues passes, I'd like to see this place complete and rolling with high octane. For now I won't be making the return for a few years while everything is still going on.

Pace of Play: Good

Course Layout: Good

Course Conditions: Average

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Good

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"I Prefer Valley to the Mountain"

huiesean's avatar
Age:  25-34
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  10-14
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/02/2016
First time playing Used cart Played 18 holes Excellent weather

Reviewed on

I really enjoyed the layout and that every hole was picturesque. I liked that there were signs describing nature in the area. There were some challenging shots for sure. Elevation changes on par 3s and some tricky uphill greens made for a fun round.

Pace of Play: Average

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Good

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

#18
FEATURED REVIEW

"Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course"

David1684852's avatar
Top 10 Contributor
Alberta Advisor
Age:  55-64
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  10-14
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 09/13/2015
First time playing Used cart Played 18 holes Good weather

Reviewed on

The two courses at Bear Mountain Golf Resort was the site for the 2013 Golf Town National Amateur Series Championship. Amateurs from across the country gathered here and were pretty impressed with the challenge both courses provided. Jack Nicklaus's design gives the golfer plenty of choices to play each hole. Those with the ability to manage their game accordingly and execute the right shot at the right time came out ahead. Great fun, spectacular views, 36 challenging holes make for one of the best golfing experiences on Vancouver Island.

Pace of Play: Good

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course, Hole 3, Par 4, 403 yds Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course, Hole 8, Par 4, 366 yds Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course, Hole 11, Par 4, 370 yds Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course, Hole 13, Par 4, 471 yds Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course, Hole 15, Par 5, 588 yds Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Valley Course, Hole 18, Par 5, 558 yds
FEATURED REVIEW

"Great golf course with a nice variety of holes 5 par threes, 4 par fives and 9 far fours"

shaberlin's avatar
Skill:  Beginner
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  10-14
4 4.0 stars from 5 Played on 10/20/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

This is one of my favourite golf courses to play, it has a bit of everything. There are some really challenging holes but some nice shorter par 3's the real challenge here are the greens which are quite large, undulated and really fast. I highly recommend this golf course

Pace of Play: Average

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Moderate

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Bring your A game!"

Richdawdy's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  10-14
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 10/20/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Tight fairways, undulating greens, several blind shots, strategically placed bunkers & water hazards. Nicklas designed this layout to challenge every level of golfer! Although this Valley course plays slightly easier than the Mountain course, it will most definitely give you a run for your money. I tend to pack a few extra balls when I am fortunate to play this local gem.

Pace of Play: Fair

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Not overly long but greens are wonderfully challenging!"

toddsusan's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  20-24
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 09/27/2013
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Very comprehensive practice area. Beautiful course over varied terrain. Misty showery start but ground very easy to hit from. Slippery for power carts! Greens and pin positions a challenge. Very undulating but fun to try to master! Forward tees not insulting but very helpful for those starting to break 100. Lots of challenge for those on the back tees. Layout keeps players on different fairways well separated. Will definitely play here again.

Pace of Play: Average

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Moderate

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Wonderful afternoon"

Clive2798454's avatar
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  5-9
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 09/26/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

A little wet in spots. Greens were great and fast. Would definitely play it again.

Pace of Play: Poor

Course Conditions: Average

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Fantastic golf course with wonderful staff!"

amickelson's avatar
Skill:  Beginner
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 09/21/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

One of the highlights of the round at the Valley course was the staff. A special applause for the starter who was very helpful with a touch of humor! The fairways and greens were in pristine condition. Loved the GPS on the power carts which assisted in club selection for those critical shots. The course marshall kept the groups moving smoothly with no waits at a tee box. Gave the golf experience five stars *****.

Pace of Play: Average

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Moderate

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"a fun course to play , but very hard"

Slipperyslip's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  20-24
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 09/15/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

love playing this course , its a very big challenge

Pace of Play: Average

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"This course is great"

Gomer2's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 08/30/2013
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

This course is very good, would play it again given the chance; I really enjoyed it. Again would recommend this course to any one.

Pace of Play: Average

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Average

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Very tough rough,so you had to be in the fairway.Beautiful course."

gwbentley's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 07/20/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Everything was excellent about the course,except for slow players in front of us.Marshal finally got them to move along.<br/> If you hit it in the rough ,no use looking for the ball(.,which speeds up play.)Staff were all excellent,from the front desk to the beverage cart girl.<br/> Greens were hard to read,because of the mountain setting,but fair.

Pace of Play: Fair

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Always a great place to play"

fremen's avatar
Age:  25-34
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  10-14
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 6/21/2013
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

I'm a local here and both the Mtn and Valley course are always great. The Mtn course is longer and tougher in my opinion, while the Valley Course is shorter and has some of the most difficult greens you will ever see. The great thing about the Valley course is that there is no houses on it while houses come into play on quite a few of the Mtn's holes.

PS. the hot times value for money is great. The rack rate's value for money isn't that great.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Average

Value for the Money: Average

Course Difficulty:  Moderate

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Excellent experience in spite of the weather."

Whipper12's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  20-24
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/04/2013
Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

I decided to try this course in spite of steady rainfall and cool (10) weather. The cart provides protection and the course and cart paths drain very well. I had the course to myself, so I could have easily played in three hours, but took my time instead. All staff were wet yet friendly. I would definitely return. The course was in great shape for early April. Greens were firm and smooth.

Pace of Play: Good

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Course is very chanenging for the average player"

MrRedZed's avatar
Age:  55-64
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  20-24
2 2.0 stars from 5 Played on 9/25/2012
Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Price paid was dicounted because greens were punched & sanded, knew this in advance, but I expected the rest of the course, fairways & bunkers etc., to be better maintained for the price.<br/> Some staff were very friendly, others could care less about customer service.<br/> I would not hurrey back to play this course again.

Pace of Play: Fair

Course Conditions: Average

Staff Friendliness: Poor

Value for the Money: Poor

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I don't recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Incredibly scenic and challenging Nicklaus designed course."

None's avatar
Age:  55-64
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 9/23/2012
Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Bear Mountain always gives you a resort experience whether you play the Mountain or Valley Course. Both courses are difficult unless you can hit the ball long and straight. ;) Typical of Nicklaus courses, most holes incorporate plenty of risk/reward. Pin placements on the undulating greens can really add to the difficulty.<br/> Stunning views of beautiful Vancouver Island and Victoria.

Pace of Play: Fair

Course Conditions: Average

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

FEATURED REVIEW

"Lots pf challenging terrain"

Pjm105's avatar
Age:  55-64
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  20-24
4 4.0 stars from 5 Played on 8/8/2012
Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Not for walking and not for beginners. This course has a bite. Lots of ups and downs and the rough is very rough! Very much a mountain course--and very, very beautiful.

Pace of Play: Poor

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Average

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Definitly worth a round to enjoy the cousre and surroundings"

robncris's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
4 4.0 stars from 5 Played on 7/2/2012
Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Tee to green is not too difficult but the undulating greens are very challenging

Pace of Play: Fair

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Moderate

I recommend this course

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