Rate the Reviews and Earn Yards!
Here are some "thumbs up"/ "thumbs down" guidelines:
VISITORS - Did the course review give you enough information to decide if you want to play this course? Did you learn something that will help you play the course better? If so, give it a thumbs up!
LOCALS - Is the review accurate, insightful, humorous, or entertaining? If so, give it a thumbs up!
Earn Yards! - Each time you rate a course review (with thumbs up or thumbs down), you'll earn frequent golfer yards as part of our frequent golfer program. Tell your friends to log in and rate your review because you'll earn yards as your review gains "credibility" by receiving more favorable ratings! Come back often to rate the most recent reviews. Rate lots of courses that you've played and become one of our top course reviewers.
Earn Frequent Golfer Yards! - Be sure to post YOUR course reviews and/or rate the reviews posted by other golfers. Become a top rated reviewer (shown on our national review page).
On July 24, 2009, Jake the Snake of Atlanta (18 handicap) posted:
I have just played this course yesterday and was disapointed for the following reasons: Very poor service in the dinning are (slow service) but the food was good! The course itself is very short if you play it from the 'Whites" ~ 6000 yards. The greens were full of ball marks which made putting hazardous at times. On the positive side, the Fore Caddies are a great addition and they are very knowledgeable and freindly. The practice area makes you feel like your are on a 'Classy' golf course as it is very well tended. All in all, i would rate this place about a 6 out of ten which is highly disappointing for the money you are forking out...
On July 14, 2009, Kyle of Atlanta (18 handicap) posted:
played "the bear" on sunday, 12 july 2009 (after taking a small loan from the bank to fund the green fees) and had a blast!!! i'll cut to the chase...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A VISIT TO BEAR'S BEST."
here's why: the course itself is extraordinary! it feels very natural despite the fact that it is hole replications from all over the world. the rhythm is spot on. there are no gimmicks on the course...there is never a moment when you scratch your head and say "why did they do this???" (except maybe the rock bunker on #1).
the greens are fast, but not too fast. they LOOK kinda pocky, BUT they roll true. again, no gimmick greens, no humpbacks and they are very receptive.
the fore caddies. we got a gentleman by the name of mr. steve "stoney" stonecipher. the guy was GREAT!!! we wanted for nothing. and he always had an answer to every question we asked...and believe me, we peppered him with a ton of questions. his reading of the greens was spot on...two of the guys in the group said that a couple of his reads and recommendations in the fairways were a little off...but it was only a couple of instances. ask for stoney...you won't be disappointed! the guy is amazing, he hustles all day and will make your round a lot more fun. he's a great character. tip him well.
practice facilities are about what you'd expect...4 stars.
pro shop (expensive) and bar/restaurant (not too expensive) are also about what you'd expect. service is decent and they treat you as a VIP.
due to heavy rains, one hole was damaged a bit due to run-off from a near-by construction site. it is obvious that LOTS of mud was carried onto the course from a downhill grade...but the groundskeeper and crew have made this mishap barely noticeable (i think it is hole #12).
the guys i played with are decent golfers and demanded to play one off the tips. i am not that good (18 handicap), but i still had a great time even thou i was playing from tees that i had no business occupying. the course is long, but it doesn't feel long...if that makes any sense at all.
the scenery is very impressive. i encourage you to take the time to stop and absorb it all once in a while.
the fairways are top+notch (except #12...but even that should be back to "grade A" within 10 days or so.
the cart girls made many visits. very cute and very hospitable.
in short, you may not be able to afford to go to bear's best every week...but YOU'VE GOT to go every once in a while. you absolutely will not be disappointed.
On July 7, 2009, Jonathan of Atlanta (18 handicap) posted:
Have played it multiple times and love the whole experience. You should def use a forecaddie the 1st time because they no every inch of the course. After that I suggest tackling it on your own for an extra challenge.
5
On July 5, 2009, Chez Robert of Atlanta (16 handicap) posted:
Great course in great condition. Fantastic practice area and many good caddies especially Dale. Greens in great shape and fairways as well and tee boxes. Rates are good for what they offer.
However, food in clubhouse is poor and be careful of the all inclusive gratuity they do sometimes as they don't tell you, so you tip when the tip is already included.
6
On July 3, 2009, Golfnut of Atlanta (5 handicap) posted:
I played Bear's Best on Tuesday. It has been a number of years since I last played this course. I was very pleased to see how the course has been maintained and grown. The course is in great shape from tee to green. Even with the 2 year drought and watering restrictions, they have managed to keep their fairways and greens in great shape. The layout is pretty good and there is no hole you can really complain about. I would like to see the greens speed increased to at least 11 or 11.5. We saw the cart girl about every 3 holes so we did not want for a thing. If I lived in closer, it would be on of my favorites.
7
On June 28, 2009, MattGOP of Roswell, GA (8 handicap) posted:
Fantastic track, and the forecaddie program makes for a fabulous experience. Course is challenging yet fair... if you hit the ball well, you will be rewarded. Rates are all over, from 119 to 45, but it is well worth the cheaper rates. Well worth the trip.
8
On June 22, 2009, Mike of Atlanta (7 handicap) posted:
If you have never played this course you need to. It is in excellent condition and is what I like to call a very fair course. With the new rates (45 twilight) it is a steal. Dont forget if you have never had a forecaddie then you need to try it. This is a course that can be enjoyable to all skill levels. If you are a 18 or higher try the whites at 6000 yards, a 10 to 17 should play the blue tees at 6500 yards and 9 and lower should try out the gold at 7100. You cant go wrong with this course.
Played again on 6/14 at their new special rate of $44 after 4 on Saturday and Sunday with no forecaddie required. Range balls included too!
This course is one of the best in ATL. Greens were in very good shape. Fairways, tee boxes everything great!
I guess to save money they've cut out the marshall and we got behind a group of 30 plus handicaps that refused to pick up regardless of how many shots they had taken. Marshall would have taken care of that. However that's the only complaint I have.
The layout is very good, with some holes that are memorable. 18 is a longggg par 4 with 11 bunkers running up the left side. 5 is another par 4 that requires a medium to short iron over a creek with a green tilted away form you. 6 and 11 are great par threes with all carry over water.
Service in the clubhouse is good. Saw the cart girl twice. Great short game area with chipping green, sand bunkers and putting green.
Can't beat it and at this price it's a no brainer.
10
On June 8, 2009, JOHN of SUWANEE (20 handicap) posted:
What a awesome course in suwanee! It is very exciting to play in this course. After 4PM, It is enough time to finish 18 holes regulary. But some group spent a lot of time every holl, so that skipping several holes. Please keep time to play.
Played at Bear's Best on 5/22 and it was one of my best golf experiences. We took advantage of the new summer twilight rate which is a great price! We didn't have anyone slowing us down and no one ever was pushing us from behind.
The greens were perfect. They were smooth and very consitent in their speed. They are tough to putt because of the various breaks in them. The tees/fairways were in great condition. The setup of the course is wonderful. Watch out for the par 3s. They are tough. 6 & 11 are all carry over water.
The service was great both in the clubhouse and on the course. Can't wait to get back and play again!
13
On June 1, 2009, BenK of Louisville (22 handicap) posted:
ForeLinksters rank Bear's Best as the top course in Atlanta, I don't know about that, but it's a great layout, in good shape, and has been providing a lot of specials lately. You can't go wrong: http://forelinksters.com/course/location/1605/state/GA/city/Atlanta
Played on 5/17 at their new special rate of $44 after 4 on Sunday.
Wow what a bargain! The greens were perfect and I mean PERFECT. Fairways and tees in great shape as well.
The layout overall is very good, with some holes that are memorable. 13 is a 4 par dog left over a chasm with great views from the tee box. 6 and 11 are very challenging par 3s that require long carrys over water...take a deep breath and let it fly!
Service in the clubhouse is good. Saw the cart girl twice. Decent selection of merchandise and good food too.
I'll be back again, especially at this price.
15
On May 9, 2009, Soup of Smyrna (11 handicap) posted:
Played for the first time on Thursday 5/7... Overall, this is a really good golf course, however, given the price, I wasn't as enamored as some of the prior reviewers...
While the hole design takes from 18 of Nicklaus's finest, there's not a lot of recognition of most of the holes for the average golfer. #12 at Muirfield Village is a common sight on the PGA Tour, as is #18 at Castle Pines, but, many of the holes are from lesser known courses. And, outside of the par threes specifically, there seemed to be quite a few indescript shorter par fours. We had played 18 earlier in the day at Reunion up the road, and the layout there is as good or better, and frankly, more difficult than that at Bear's Best.
The greens were tremendous, and while the fairways were still wet from recent rain, they were exceptionally plush. The only complaint would be that some of the tee boxes resembled more of what would be found on a muni, rather than a top-end daily fee course.
We paid $69 for the twilight rate, and played in just over 3 hours, which I'd do again. However, at >$100 plus a forecaddie normally, that's a bit of a stretch.
16
On May 8, 2009, BCGa of Alpharetta (16 handicap) posted:
Played the course today for the first time as part of a corporate outing. The course is in fabulous condition.
Tee boxes and fairways are the best I've played this year. Fairways on three holes toward the end of the front nine were still wet from rains earlier in the week. The greens were in excellent condition, were consistent and rolled true.
Forecaddies were very helpful and accomodating.
Well worth the trip.
17
On April 20, 2009, Jim of Cumming (11 handicap) posted:
This course is in GREAT SHAPE!! Greens and fairways are perfect!! The staff is friendly, accomodating and helpful - a GREAT GOLF EXPERIENCE!! Nicklaus design - the par 3's are outstanding!
Pros: The greens, fairways, and sand traps were all in awesome shape. Our forecaddy was great; cleaned our balls/clubs, gave us distances, read our putts, and gave us info on the holes.
Cons: I wish there would have been more of a different 'feel' between the holes. The course is in great shape, but I felt like I was playing the same course as opposed to different holes from different courses. Obviously its a little pricey. The group in front of us was pretty slow as well
Overall: Had a great day and definitely recommend it IF you have the $. Even if you are a mid-high handicapper, don't be intimidated as the caddies are very laid back and willing to help. Do some homework before to save some strokes!
19
On March 18, 2009, Wolfgame (5 handicap) posted:
Played Bear's Best today. Fairways and tee's overseeded for the winter, but fairways are not very lush...looked like they may have had an issue with the overseeding. Greens were punched the beginning of the month and are still pretty bumpy. Also, not sure if this is was the length they typically keep the greens at...but they were hairy. Layout was good...pretty interesting holes...but they were very short from the blues. A bunch of wedges and sand wedges into the greens. If you play prior to 2 pm (twilight) you are required to have a fore caddy...which I thought was a bit over the top...especially given the limited knowledge they had. However, pace of play is good. Just under 4 hours, which was nice. This course is probably great, in the summer...from the gold's. Also...pretty expensive.
20
On February 26, 2009, Eskimo of Atlanta (8 handicap) posted:
Great course and always in good conditon. It's a bit pricey for me but you get what you pay for. It's pretty tough to miss a fairway but Jack makes up for it on the approaches. This place just feels like a "golf club" and it's a must play for any avid golfer. The greens are perfect.
21
On February 4, 2009, Scott of Hoschton, GA (10 handicap) posted:
Wow...excellent course here. Forecaddies are a great addition and definitely help improve the experience. They get paid with tips, so make sure you compensate the good caddies nicely...I've paid some caddies $20 per bag and others $50 per bag.
The course is always in excellent condition and it should be, considering the price point. It is a collection of 18 different holes designed by Nicklaus throughout his career, hence "Bear's Best".
Fairways in fall and winter are overseeded with ryegrass, so you don't have to hit off matted-down dormant bermudagrass. In the summer, all of the greens are in great shape and don't burn up like some other courses do with bentgrass.
Overall, this course is a decent length, not overly difficult, and always in great shape. A definite recommendation to anyone.
Def has to be considered one of or at least the best public golf courses in Atlanta. It was my first having a caddy which I thought would make me feel intimidated and effect my game. But I absolutely love having a caddy there to mark your distance and give you advice on shot selection. Great experience. Can't wait to play it again.
23
On November 16, 2008, hitsfromtheright of woodstock (11 handicap) posted:
Have played the course 3 times and it is one of my favorites. Each hole is unique, and number 6 (Murfield Village 12) is awesome. First 2 times our forecaddies were great and knew the course well. Third time, not so good. Had 2 caddies (one in training), and neither one seemed that interested, and a couple of times they left bunkers un-raked. Even so, this is one of the best courses in the Atlanta area and I highly recommend it.
24
On November 16, 2008, Fat Tony of Atlanta (Tucker) posted:
One of my vendors sponsored a Saturday golf outing at Bear's Best. It's good that they were paying since it's a bit more expensive than I'd normally go for. Don't get me wrong, it's a great course and the staff was fantastic. Our forecaddie was extremely helpful. I made just about every putt where I hit the target he gave me. No doubt he is better at reading greens than I am. He provided lots of good playing tips and accurate yardage throughout. I shot a 110 in light rain and rather heavy wind. (11/15/2008)
I probably won't play there just on my own, except to try it in good weather. There are plenty of really good and more affordable courses near my home. However, I occasionally entertain a customer or board member. Bear's Best is at the top of my list for those events.
I have just played this course yesterday and was disapointed for the following reasons:
