Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

This is a challenging course. Every hole has a layout that makes you think. With a few exceptions, water, bunkers, or mounds come into play. The layout is really wonderful and during twilight or early morning hours the course almost glows with color. During spring, apple and cherry blossoms are visible on some holes. If you play during peak summer, this course can cost over $150 for 18. In my opinion, it’s not a $150 course, especially given the many other great courses in the area. But if you can play it for between $60-$100, it’s well worth it if you enjoy a challenge.

A really great course will not have gas carts. They have gas carts here. The course is quite difficult, but fair. Some of the greens would not hold a shot, while a couple others stopped short. All in all, a really fun track with lots of challenges and in good condition,.

First time at the resort. Beautiful course, great layout and 3 different course to play. We will be back next year to play all 3.

The course was in average condition. It’s not what we’ve come to expect from this course. We play a few times a year and generally like the conditions. This time however the course was beat up and tired. Greens were OK but tee boxes and fairways were rough. The bunkers were dismal. The sand was packed down and hard with a lot of weeds and grass..

Pace of play very slow . Course overall conditions fair. Greens and bunkers need work

Rainy day kind of hard to judge the course. Very expensive.to play here But a lot of the courses up here are. Treat yourself and do the Bear.

The golf makes it worth this experience
Since last played in the nineties the course has changed . But the water bottle and towel that represents a resort course. Was missing! A small but important aspect of being important. And stamps the beginning of a round. It just not as impressive as it was. Shame to allow Covid to matter!

First time playing the Bear in 20+ years. Not as formidable as I remember, but still a challenge. Fast greens and a normal number of unprepared divots that you'd expect for a heavily trafficked resort course. Marshalls did a good job moving folks along.

Golf Now special price was phenomenal!

Overall, a fun time. Only complaint was the lack of any drinking water jugs throughout the course. In peak summer, this is inexcusable.

I only played here for the Cherry Oatmeal cookies!

Course was in great shape but for the money no GPS. Why ?

OMG. First time playing THE BEAR. I WILL BE BACK.. This is my 2nd favorite course that I’ve ever played…..I had an epic time. The greens were lightning, the approach shot views were unparalleled, the staff go the extra mile, the course layout incredible. Course conditions were perfect. The Bear lives up to its reputation as a very difficult course but it is an amazing experience. Requires Very tactical approach to each hole.

The course is challenging for all and fair.. The traps are hard packed; green putt slow but have plenty of slope to offset the slow pace.