Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: The Bear
Williamsburg, MI • Public
Brian Walters Photography
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Overview
Ranked for 10 years on our 100 Greatest Public list, The Bear is one of three championship layouts at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The Jack Nicklaus-designed northern Michigan gem opened in 1985 and has plenty of character—with tiered greens, native fescue, moguls and deep pot bunkers. Like many Nicklaus designs, The Bear is a stern test, tipping out over 7,000 yards with a slope and rating of 76.1/150.
About
Awards
100 Greatest Public: Ranked from 2011-'20. Highest ranking: No. 72, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked 16th, 2013-'14, 2017-'18. Ranked 18th, 2015-'16. Ranked 20th, 2021-'22. Ranked 21st, 2019-'20. Ranked 22nd, 2011-'12.
Current ranking: 32nd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Really a tough layout, challenge every hole. Playing up a tee box or two doesn't really help. Neat mix of long and short par 4s and par 5s, par 3s were a bit mundane but still fun. Conditions were exceptional, 18th hole presents a neat risk/reward opportunity. Overall a really solid design."
Read More2024
Review
“Typical north woods resort course here with lots of green grass. Trees are nicely to the sides and not in the playing corridors and make a beautiful back drop in the fall. Greens rolled very smoothly which impressed me. Wayward shots were always punished as the course is laden with marshes, ponds, trees and huge amount of mounding. But you can play well here if you hit the straight ball as fairways were generous and flat."
Read More2023
Review
“A difficult course, not for everyone unless the player has some proficiency."
Read More2023
Review
“Classic Jack Nicklaus design with good risk reward and interesting and undulating green complexes."
Read More2022
Readers
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