BEAR'S BEST LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Golf Course Review June, 2004 - photos updated June, 2007
Our experience at Bear's Best in Las Vegas began typically enough, with a courteous employee greeting us at
the bag drop and directing us to the pro shop. After checking in we decided to have a look around, and noticed a
clubhouse filled with pictures and memorabilia from the legendary career of Jack Nicklaus. During a quick lunch
we were able to check out some Olympic USA - Canada gold medal hockey action on one of two televisions in
the casual dining area (another larger screened TV provides coverage on the Golf Channel in the pro shop). We
were "relieved" to discover on a trip to the washroom that we need not miss any of the game, as small monitors
are uniquely provided for above each urinal. The locker rooms are filled with pictures and plaques commemorating some of Mr. Nicklaus' many tour championships. Another appreciated feature is the small
library of golf magazines and hard cover books available to read while dining or enjoying a drink.
On our trip to the complimentary range, we were pleased to discover pyramids of Nike balls stacked high for our
practicing pleasure. Green fees include the use of the grass range that spans approximately 75,000 square feet
and is part of a practice facility which also includes two 10,000 square foot putting greens. As experienced
Vegas golfers, we are accustomed to the fine amenities that many of the upscale properties provide. Bear's
Best ranks high on the list for providing the extras that make golfing in this area a special experience. A
personalized bag tag, bottled water (in an ice chest on each cart), divot repair tool, ball markers and tees, and an informational yardage guide are also provided.
Bear's Best Las Vegas is the first of a group of Nicklaus Courses designed to let you experience some of his
top holes from around the world, in one setting. In a joint venture with ClubCorp and the Nicklaus companies -
two of the most prestigious names in golf, this project is designed to facilitate play in some of the nation's
foremost convention cities. Atlanta is the second city selected to host a Bear's Best Course, which provides
consistency between facilities but variety with different hole selections influenced by location, climate and the
terrain of each particular site. The Vegas layout features awe-inspiring holes from such celebrated courses as
Castle Pines, PGA West, Cabo Del Sol, and private country clubs located primarily in the western U.S.
The opening hole is stunningly beautiful, replicating the sixth hole from the private PGA West Course. Water all
along the left side will direct you to the middle right off the tee. The approach is equally intimidating, with an
elevated green protected by 3 traps and the water hazard left. The second, from Cabo Del Sol, is a short par 5
featuring a green guarded by a visually pleasing but ultimately challenging green-side bunker complexes - 8
sand traps in total. The third is a tough par four from Scottsdale's Desert Highlands layout, demanding a carry
over a sand waste area to a green tucked in behind more sand to the left. A downhill tee shot awaits on the par 3
fourth, one of two holes on the course that feature black sand (imported dark copper from Montana) bunkers. You
will have to clear another long waste area off the tee on the number one handicapped par four 5th. The slag
composition of this hazard makes a successful "out" easier than it looks. The sixth again features a waste area
to the left of the tee, which also must be negotiated on the approach. A beautiful mountain backdrop frames
number 7, which plays uphill and demands one extra club. The eighth, from Castle Pines, plays downhill and
narrows on the approach. This par five plays shorter than the indicated yardage and is one of the best birdie
opportunities of the layout. A long par four is next, replicating #6 from the Geronimo course at Desert Mountain. It
demands a carry over the arroyo that cuts in front of the green and wraps around it. This is a formidable finishing hole on the front.
The par 4 tenth is another PGA West hole, and features a huge, steep bunker in the middle that splits the fairway
in two. Palm trees, sand traps and Mountains frame the green, making this one of he most gorgeous scenes
anywhere. Black sands traps frame the green making number 11, from Old Works in Montana, another unique
experience. At just 318 yards from the tips, this is the easiest hole on the course. The 12th is an uphill par 5 that
is very open off the tee. Grass green-side bunkers and rolling mounds are the outstanding features of his hole.
Thirteen is designed from the 8th at La Paloma in Tucson, and is a short par three over desert with bunkers short
right and deep left. The long par four 14th is open off the tee, with bunkers on the right side of the fairway, and
short and left of the green. Holes 15 through 17 are all from the Desert Mountain Courses in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Fifteen plays over a desert wash with a great view of the Las Vegas Strip in the background. Number 16
presents a tight downhill tee shot with deep fairway bunkers green-side and in the middle of the fairway. The
reachable par 5 seventeenth plays uphill off the tee and downhill on the approach. Avoid the formidable fairway
and green-side bunkers and this is a good birdie opportunity. The closing hole is a beauty. You need to be close
to the water hazard on the right off the tee, or very long to the left to have a chance to reach in regulation. A large
sloping green awaits after an approach that flirts with an intimidating water hazard all along the right. Par is great and bogie is acceptable here.
Our personal opinion - this course is awesome! The layout is always in great shape, and is deserving of a rating
as one of the very top designs in the Vegas Valley.. It can be as challenging as you like (slope of 147 and 7200
yards from the tips), and is certainly very playable from the mid or white tees (122 slope and 6043 yards). With
green fees in the $200 price range, you are paying top dollar. In "Vegas" dollars however, you are certainly
getting your moneys worth. This is a great course to experience at least once - and is highly recommended for
corporate outings and events. If you are in town for a convention or business purposes, this is one of the best options in the valley. Book it and Impress!
View the Two Guys Who Golf Detailed Listing Page for this course with a link to its website (if available): click here
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