The Bear Golf Course Review, Grand Traverse Resort, Acme, Michigan

My wife and I stayed at the Grand Traverse Resort, and played both golf courses (The Bear, a Jack Nicklaus design, and The Wolverine by Gary Player.) We were impressed with the resort itself, and the view from our room was great. For those regular readers of my reviews, you know it’s all about the golf, so let’s start with The Bear.

The Bear is considered the harder course of the two, and for good measure. Even the opening hole is a toughie. What I really liked about The Bear was that after the first couple holes, you are almost hidden from civilization (not unlike a lot of other Michigan golf courses). Starting with the third hole, you meander into an area that is as serene as it gets.

All throughout the back 9 you’re hidden from others. It’s such a great feeling, and so different than what I’m accustomed to (in the Chicago area).

The 9th hole is a par 3, with water hugging the right side. My advice; take an extra club, and if you play a draw, aim for the bunker. (I hit the bunker, but still took a 4. Drat!)

As you start the back 9 (and yes, there is a halfway house for restroom breaks and snacks), you see some of the houses/condos built on the course, but it isn’t anywhere near overdone. Just a few, sparse houses, which isn’t that bad.

The 15th is a great hole that plays downhill, and gives you the feeling that you can drive for a mile. Personally, my favorite kind of hole. Oddly, when we were on the tee, it was just starting to drizzle, and by the time we finished putting on the green, it was a borderline downpour. Of course, that (normally) wouldn’t stop us. By the time we finished 17, it was absolutely pouring. We hit tee shots on 18, lost one in the rough, and called it a day. The lightning started, and that was enough for us!

All in all, we both loved the course, loved the serenity, and would absolutely play it again.