BLACK BEAR GOLF CLUB 1-866-983-4441
Review 5/13/04 - photos updated July, 2006
Rain was pouring down during our scheduled review of Black Bear Golf Club - but we managed to get in a few
holes, and to drive the property to take some photos and get a feel for the course. The environment here is quite
beautiful, and the layout was designed to fit the natural lay of the land, featuring a diversified terrain that
combines Scottish links style holes with the traditional northern Michigan tree lined fairways. Though the tips play
to just 6504 yards, low handicappers will have all they can handle and will need consistent iron play to reach the challenging green complexes that are often flanked by trees, mounding and sand traps.
Black Bear was awarded 3-1/2 stars by Golf Digest Places to play in 2001, and after closing in 2002 and
experiencing a transition in 2003 - the course is ready for action in 2004. On property is a grass range and huge
practice green for chipping and putting, and a spacious clubhouse with a pro shop and restaurant lounge that
can accommodate groups of various sizes for outings and special events. The view from the picture window, of
the 18th green and fairway, is outstanding (see first photo at the top of this review). The most impressive and
also the most challenging aspect of the course however - are the considerable undulations and elevation
changes from tee to green. Pictured here are two examples - the extremely raised green on the par three 6th,
and the depression that leads to the putting surface on the par five 7th. The tall poles in the fairways serve as
directional guides on several holes, and the 100/150/200 yardage stakes on all par fours and fives are extremely helpful.
There are four sets of tee boxes, beginning with the black tees measuring 6504 yards with a 136 slope rating.
The white tees play to 5842/125 slope - and are our recommendation to the average golfers, who will find a mix
of even lies on ample fairways to challenging ones with the ball below, above or sideways in your stance. Two
sets of tees are provided for women, with the golds measuring 5303 with a formidable 132 slope, while the reds
are much more playable at 4404/114 slope. High handicappers and beginners, not used to playing from uneven
lies, may want to also play from the gold tees, taking some of the distance away from these difficult shot
situations. Remember - Black Bear is a challenging experience - choose a tee area that will allow you to enjoy
the beautiful scenery in a pretty spectacular golfing environment. A unique feature is the 19th hole - which is actually a pre-round par three warm up hole.
Black Bear is located in Vanderbilt - 9 miles north of Gaylord, just off I-75. It presents another option in the land that is often
considered the Golf Mecca of the Midwest. Rates are great values. There are a number of memberships available, from annual
passes to monthly memberships that make golfing here incredibly affordable. Call the pro shop (1-866-983-4441) for details.
You can also visit our informational page for Black Bear, with a link to their web site by clicking here!
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