Black Bear
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Reviewed: 11/21/2009
November 21, 2009 - LONGS, SC The first thing greeting golfers arriving at Black Bear Golf Club is a very eye appealing setting. Miles of white fence frame what appears to be an endless sea of green: a welcome sight on an overcast November morning.
Opened in 1989 this Tom Jackson designed course has grown to become a favorite of both visiting golfers and locals. "Our course has certainly improved and matured over the years," commented Patrick Wilson, General Manager, upon my arrival. Since it had been over 15-years since my last visit, I was anxious to see what I had been missing.
From the bag drop and pro shop to the starter, we were made to feel welcome and offered a little local information. Starter Bobby Blackwell stated, "Every thing on this course is right in front of you." He was right-on. The course is wide open and gently winds along with some interesting elevation changes. Only a few mild doglegs require a shaped shot. Do not get me wrong though, this is not a grip it and rip it track.
The course is not particularly long at 6787 yards from the tips, 6181 yards from the whites, 5555 yards from the gold and a ladies friendly 4861 yards. The long hitter needs to take a close look before pulling the driver out of the bag. Strategically placed water and fairway traps place a premium on accuracy off the tee.
Number 1 provides a perfect introduction to Black Bear Golf Club. This straightforward 340-yard Par 4 features water on the right to catch those errant push or slice drives and mounds to the left. The approach shot faces a well-guarded green with water on the front left and sand to the right. Harmless enough, but don't relax just yet.
Many consider the second hole at 552 yards from the whites (!) the most difficult Par 5 in the Myrtle Beach area. You'll find no argument here. Water comes into play off the tee on the left and continues to the green. It seems to cut into half of the fairway. Some hardwoods to the right give the fairway a very narrow appearance. One mistake on this one quickly leads to a double bogey.
Number 7 at 195-yards to a slightly elevated green is the highlight Par 3 on the front nine. Pin placement can lead to a challenging two putt. The signature Par 4 number 8 features water down the right to the green. At only 315 yards with a dogleg to the right, there's no reason to pull out the driver.
The back nine at Black Bear Golf Club follows the same theme as the front. Keep the ball in play and be cautious with the driver. The challenges are right in front of you. Although the back 9 was more enjoyable (It's always better when you're scoring!) the finishing holes are a great way to end the day.
Number 15 is uphill all the way and adds significant length to a 373-yard Par 4. Water comes into play down the left side challenging the drive and a large trap on the right front of the green forces carry on the approach shot.
The Par 3 16th hole at 175-yards drops to a green that is flanked by mounds to the left and rear. The water to the right of the fairway should not come into play.
Number 17 at 407 yards is a fitting number one handicap. This Par 4 combines difficulty and beauty to make it truly memorable. Grab the driver and rip one right at the slightly elevated 150-yard marker. The real fun comes on the approach shot(s). The longer hitter will go for a green protected by water to the left and sand to right front. The average hitters will lay-up short of the water to about 80-yards or get a little greedy and challenge a narrow fairway.
The Par 5 Number 18 brings water into play on both the second and approach shots. Like Number 2 on the front nine, a mistake here can easily lead to a double bogey. With the lowcountry style clubhouse in the background this is a scenic finish to a very enjoyable golf course.
Overall Black Bear Golf Club was in pretty good condition. Fairways and tee boxes still were wet from the tremendous rain the area has experienced over the past three weeks. All the rain has been great for greening-up for winter play and cart path only wasn't an issue. The GPS was accurate. The Champions Bermuda greens had recently been over seeded and were still struggling to grab hold. Consistent putting reads for speed and break were difficult.
A wonderful juniors program is a credit to the ownership and management group at Black Bear. In addition to hosting two high school golf teams, they are very active in the First Tee program. Junior clinics throughout the summer months are great for vacationing families.
Black Bear Golf Club is a great choice for visiting golfers. They go out of their way to host tournaments and are always pleased to donate some prizes. Do not be confused by local maps, it's just a short drive from the North Myrtle Beach Area and well worth the visit.
