Have a group/offer code?
Click hereenter your group/offer code here
Go back to formWelcome 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.
Kick off golf season with us at our annual Spring Par 3 Shootout on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
10AM SHOTGUN ON THE BEAR | 2 PERSON SCRAMBLE
| 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 |
Join us for Traverse City Restaurant Week March 22-28, 2026 at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge and NIIJII Restaurant. Click below to learn more and book your table.
We offer a variety of golf activities for guests, members, and the public during the winter season. Click below for a full list of options to keep your swing game strong.
Warm-up all season long with our new Winter Menu at Spa Grand Traverse. Click below for packages and services.
Experience the ultimate fan getaway in our Detroit Lions-themed guest room. Decked out in team colors and memorabilia, this one-of-a-kind room is perfect for die-hard Lions fans.
Just five minutes down the road, Turtle Creek Casino provides a variety of entertainment all night long. Visit the Bellstand for casino shuttle information.
