Michigan Golf Journal February 2020

27 February 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com opposed to most other golf courses.” An Unusual Course: That’s exactly what Nicklaus intended when he was commissioned to create his biggest golf-skills challenge of that era. The Bear plays to 7,078 yards from the championship tees. It has four lakes, 10 holes with water hazards, and only one hole with no bunkers. “That was kind of an unusual golf course (at the time),” Nicklaus said in a recent visit to Michigan. “The owner at that time wanted the longest course in Michigan, over 7,000 yards, par 72, and the highest course rating. I did all three of those … and, of course, the golf course was really difficult.” The Bear is a links- style course with mature trees surrounding the outer edges of the property. The course features undulating, multitiered greens, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers that guard the greens and thick grassy rough. The rough has been cut back away from the fairways over the years to somewhat soften Nicklaus’ original design. Tee boxes have been added to provide more variety and shorter yardages. Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests, streams, and orchards provide a home to a variety of wildlife – and add more golf hazards to navigate. The course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program. The fairways give The Bear its unique look. Elevated from the rough on many holes, the fairways appear to be ‘floating’ above the surrounding property. The design also punishes shots that roll off the fairway and get hung up in the second cut of grass, creating a more severe side-hill position. Nicklaus later incorporated that design element into his signature course near Palm Springs, Calif. A Must-Play: “Growing up in southern Michigan, this is one of the top five courses you always hear about that need to be on your list to play,” said golfer John Barkalow of Schoolcraft, Mich., after Continues on next page >>