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On November 13, 2009, CIN of Haslett (13 handicap) posted:
Played in August and the course was in pretty good shape. 1st hole was very slow due to the group in front of us but they let us play through on the 2nd hole, and pace of play was great after that. The course was in good shape. Greens were in good shape. There was no ranger or beverage cart. Rate was great booked through LMG. There is a practice par 3 to start, so there are 19 holes. Rates are sometimes if not booked through LMG.
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On September 24, 2009, ajatfsu of Grand Rapids, MI (12 handicap) posted:
I always drive by this course on the way up to Northern Michigan. The course looks beautiful from the highway. Getting on the actual course did not disappoint. We actually book a tee time during a golf outing (LMG was supposed to block off time). Instead of a refund, the golf pro started us out on the 3rd tee to get ahead of the outing. The course was amazing with great views, challenging approaches, and immaculate greens. We had a great round on a great northern Michigan course that was more that worth the trip. The course is quite reasonably priced even without going through LMG.
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On September 17, 2009, Mike of Canton (16 handicap) posted:
I finally played Black Bear after driving by several times over the last couple of years. Paid $29 for 18 holes and cart. I was not sure what our group was going to get. We were surprised in a good way. The course is not easy. A little bit of water, a lot of heather and trees, and undulated, elevated greens made this a challenge. Although we did not score well, having played it once will definetly help when we return next year.
Greens were in good shape and very fast. Fairways were in good condition. Keep the ball in the fairway, because the rough was thick within 12 feet of the short grass. Pay attention to the lay of the land, because most shots into the greens require an extra club due to gradual elevation changes.
Clubhouse had limited items.
Well worth the stop.
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On August 11, 2009, Paul of Detroit (31 handicap) posted:
I love the 19th Hole start. A little tough to judge only because we got rained out, delayed and course played differently than dry. Another great value for the LMG. I'd play again in a heartbeat. You cannot beat northern MI golf.
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On July 28, 2009, Jon of Walled Lake (11 handicap) posted:
Black Bear is a tough, but playable course. It is open enough to spray a little bit, but tight enough to find some trouble if you are not smart. Play from the tips and you make most of the par fours pretty tough. There are a handful of holes that might be somewhat "gimicky", but none that I would consider unfair (unless the pin is at the front of the 16th green). Great scenery with a well manicured golf course. Greens are slick. The one thing that made my day is that they did not charge for a rider. My wife is not a golfer, but enjoyed riding with the golfers, enjoying the afternoon scenery, a few pops, and searching for golf balls while we played. Many other courses in the area charged 10+ dollars for a rider fee.
One of my favorite courses! great elevation changes and tricky greens keep you on your toes. The value combined with the quality of the course is hard to beat. Customer service was great too!
this course was a lot of fun, an interesting challenge, but playable as a fairly new golfer, while challenging the of the more seasonsed one. It has great terrain, variety in the challenges, which i like. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I would go back in a heartbeat.
7
On October 7, 2008, Average golfer of Toronto, Ont posted:
I was staying at Boyne Mountain w/o Aug 25 and wanted to find a course nearby. Found this course at the RF rate of $18! Took my 13 yr old daughter along, who had been to the range with me a few times. The course was in great shape and had a great layout. My daughter played from the ladies tee and it wasn't too difficult. It was a Wednesday and wasn't too busy. Since we were just taking our time and having fun, we let a couple of groups played thru but still manage to finish in just over 4 hours. Would recommend for the great value.
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On August 7, 2008, Slapper of Northville (12 handicap) posted:
This is a great value for a true "up-north" course. A ton of elevation changes. I played with a guy from work who is about a 30 handicap and he gave up after 14 holes. It is tough, so be ready with your A-game. You may have to send out a search party for your ball on some of the blind shots.
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On August 7, 2008, Steve of Indianapolis (7 handicap) posted:
Played Black Bear with a group of friends on our way to Boyne Mnt. Love the 19th Hole!!! Fairways were in great shape, greens were fast. Didn't have a flat putt all day. A few of the greens I thought I was on a putt putt course waiting to see a windmill!!! Rough had just been cut and cut grass was laying every where. Nice course at a good price. We stay and had dinner on the patio.
I was a member for 3 years before moving down state and boy do I miss up north golf. Jack(club pro/owner) has made many improvements over the last several years. the course is always in good shape and you definitely will be challenged with some blind shots and elevation changes. worth every penny, wish I was still a member.
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On July 6, 2008, Gvsulife of Lake Orion (14 handicap) posted:
First let me say that this is my second time playing this course and my second review. I found my experince to be much better the second time around. Like others have said if you are a long hitter there are 5 or so holes where your tee shot is blind and you don't know if you are in trouble or not untill you look for your ball. To me the greens were better this year than last and the course as a whole was in great shape. I think the economy is hurting this course becasue I only saw two staff members all day and no ranger, no cart girl. We could have probably played all day nobody would have known or cared. The best part about my day at black bear was it only cost $22 to play 18 holes with a cart. Also, if you are looking on line and want to book a redflag or Advanced time for this course you may have better luck calling the course. Through LMG it says that it is $38 per person for 18 holes and a cart and when I called the course they only charged me 22. It would be worth a call. Enjoy if you get a change this summer!
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On June 24, 2008, jerome of Flushing (12 handicap) posted:
I have always thought this would be a course like the Dream in West Branch, but it's not quite up to that level. It's a nice up north course that is fun to play, but not really all that challenging. The par 5's are all reachable for most players, and the par 4's are a bit on the short side. Overall this course is fun. I would recommend playing if you aren't looking for a really challenging course.
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On June 24, 2008, Jon of Farmington (10 handicap) posted:
I drove by Black Bear on my way home from up north. There was a sign for walk-on specials and I received a very good deal as a single walk-on on a Saturday mid afternoon. I will agree with a previous reviewer that there are alot of blind tee shots and that is my only criticism as you are never quite sure when you can hit (especially long hitters). There are some bells, but not everyone rings them. I found the course to be very playable for all levels of play and it was well manicured. The greens I thought were rolling a little on the fast side. I felt I could never be agressive with a chip or putt as they are faster than any greens I play around here. There are many shots that might be just off the green and you have little chance to put the ball near the hole. Some of it may have been pin placements, but I feel the quick greens made it very hard to score well. Very fun course to play, great visuals on some elevated tees. Will surely get up there to play again later this summer.
Found Black Bear on a whim while planning a trip to Boyne. We were able to use WeekDay Passes up here and the value was outstanding. Great sand, nice and fluffy and a nice free par 3 19th hole to get the kinks out. The greens were in great shape and the course plays right in front of you. Not a lot of gimmick holes or blind shots. If you are looking for a course that offers outstanding value and fun, head to Black Bear.
Played in August and the course was in pretty good shape. 1st hole was very slow due to the group in front of us but they let us play through on the 2nd hole, and pace of play was great after that. The course was in good shape. Greens were in good shape. There was no ranger or beverage cart. Rate was great booked through LMG. There is a practice par 3 to start, so there are 19 holes. Rates are sometimes if not booked through LMG.
