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The Bear

The Bear

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Celebrating 40 Years of 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.

Book a Tee Time or Call 231-534-6000

Play The Bear for $40 on June 17

Celebrate the legacy of The Bear on June 17, 2025! The Bear golf course has been a Michigan masterpiece since 1985. As Michigan's first Jack Nicklaus designed course, it's been challenging golfers with its fierce layout and legendary beauty for four decades. 

In honor of our 40th Anniversary, enjoy $40 tee times all day on Tuesday, June 17. Click below to join us for this special anniversary celebration. 

BOOK YOUR TEE TIME

 

40 YEARS OF FIERCE FAIRWAYS
The Bear by Jack Nicklaus

Reserve a Tee Time

Jack Nicklaus BW
Jack Nicklaus Putting
Jack Nicklaus Rope
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
Celebrate Dad

Celebrate Dad

Celebrate dad in Traverse City with a variety of Father's Day specials and events. Click below to learn more

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Relax at Spa Grand Traverse

Awaken your senses and renew your mind with relaxation any day of the week at Spa Grand Traverse. Click below for more information.

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Golf Your Daylights Out

Golf Your Daylights Out

Our popular Golf Your Daylights Out special returns June 16 - 22 where you can enjoy unlimited golf from sunrise to sunset. Click below to learn more.

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Your Summer Itinerary Awaits

Make the most of your summer in northern Michigan with a variety of activities for both families and adults at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Click below to make your plans!

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Barefoot Podcast

Barefoot Podcast

The official lifestyle podcast of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

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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) Turtle Creek Casino