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The Bear

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The Bear

Play One of Michigan's Top Golf Courses

Welcome to The Bear, every bit the animal it was when Jack Nicklaus first unleashed the course on June 17, 1985. Celebrated as one of the toughest 18 holes in Michigan, The Bear was ranked as the 18th toughest course in America, according to Golf Digest. This beautiful course offers the best of Traverse City golf and regularly stands out as a top golf course in Michigan.

Nicklaus' signature design features Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy roughs, moguls and mounds, and deep pot bunkers. With rolling land, trees, lakes, streams, fruit orchards, and a variety of wildlife, The Bear features a mixture of different elements golfers rarely see on one course. This is northern Michigan golf at its finest. The Bear is closed for the season.

Book a Tee Time or Call 231-534-6000

Proud to Bear the Name

The Bear's name is a tribute to its designer, Jack Nicklaus, whose trademark blonde hair earned him the nickname “the Golden Bear.” Born in 1940, Jack Nicklaus is a legend both as a player and a course designer. His competitive career spanned five decades, including 18 professional major championship titles. He is the only player in history to have won each of the game's majors at least three times, and is the only player to have completed the career “Grand Slam” on both the regular and senior tours.

A Round So
Perfect,

Even the Fairways are
Green With Envy.

Reserve a Tee Time

Bear Course with Tower
Hole 13
Hole 10
Hole 8
Holes 1 & 18
01

The Bear Scorecard

  Black Tees Blue Tees White Tees Yellow Tees
Yardage 7,078 6,601 6,122 5,281
USGA Rating 76.1 73.3 71.1 73.1
USGA Slope 150 147 139 139
Par 72 72 72 72
Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Celebrate the magic of the season with Breakfast with Santa at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa on Saturday, December 21. Click below to learn more and purchase tickets.

Book Now (Breakfast with Santa offer details)

Maker's Mark & Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner

Experience an evening of fine bourbon, thoughtfully crafted dishes and distillery history at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge on Friday, December 6 with our Maker's Mark and Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner. Click below to reserve your spot.

Learn More (Maker's Mark & Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner offer details) Maker's Mark & Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner
Celebrate the Holidays

Celebrate the Holidays

Find your holiday fun at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa! From a Christmas buffet atop the Tower and your very own Christmas tree in your room that will leave you merry, there is plenty to celebrate at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Celebrate with Us (Celebrate the Holidays offer details)

Barefoot Podcast

The official lifestyle podcast of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Listen Now (Barefoot Podcast offer details) Barefoot Podcast
Turtle Creek Casino

Turtle Creek Casino

Just five minutes down the road, Turtle Creek Casino provides a variety of entertainment all night long. Visit the Bellstand for casino shuttle information.

Explore (Turtle Creek Casino offer details)