Front Nine
Back 9
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 This scenic first hole sets the stage for your Bear Brook mountain golf experience. From a lofty tee box, you hit to a valley fairway, then it's back uphill to a well-protected green.
The Bear's Tip:
Club carefully on your approach to the green. I suggest you drop down a club…if you think you should hit a 9, use your 8. Getting the ball on top makes par easier. |
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 Course management skills are put to the test early in your round, with this abrupt dogleg right. Many leave their driver in the bag on the tee. The green is tight, so use your tee shot to set up a shorter approach.
The Bear's Tip:
Strong hitters…leave your driver in the bag off the tee. Try to land next to the 180 yard post in the middle of the fairway. |
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 Don't be square… get it there! You don't want to leave your tee shot short on this long par 3. The wind will most often be in your face, so club accordingly.
The Bear's Tip:
Don't be cute here. Use one club lower if you're unsure. It's better to be long than short on No. 3. |
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 Check the sign on the tee box to see which of this hole's two greens you will be hitting to. That's right, this hole has two greens, though only one is in play during any given day. And remember, the next time you play Bear Brook, you may be gunning for the other green!
The Bear's Tip:
Avoid the bunker on the right side of the green… it's "Sahara" big and as difficult to get out of! |
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 OK big hitter, grip it and rip it… here's your chance to drive a par four green! But beware…this is a definite risk/reward hole. Otherwise, be sure to keep your tee shot in this tight fairway, if you want to have a chance to get on in regulation.
The Bear's Tip:
Don't try to get too close to the green on your tee shot. You may have a better chance of staying on the green with an approach shot of over 100 yards. |
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 One of our more scenic holes, the first par five you face is also testing. Even the most hearty won't try to get home in two. You'll need to carry a broad natural area to reach the green. Don't worry, you can buy more golf balls in the pro shop at the turn.
The Bear's Tip:
Careful of that pond on the right. It actually comes out further into play than it looks. |
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 Why would we put a huge bunker in the middle of the fairway? Because putting a lake there might have really been unfair! Think your way through this hole...it's course management time again.
The Bear's Tip:
An accurate tee shot is important here. Much better to be short of the bunker than in it! |
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 This par four only seems long-ish, because of its dogleg right. But a long iron or fairway wood into this green is still a pretty safe play… the green is smooth and receptive. Leaving yourself short of the green, on the other hand, may complicate your day.
The Bear's Tip:
"Hug" the right side, your 2nd shot will be shorter. Too the far to the right is in the hazard! |
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 No doubt about it… this is a cool golf hole! Cool to look at, cool to play, cool as a spring morning at the Jersey Shore. The tee is elevated, the green is contoured and well-protected, and regardless of your score, you'll leave the number nine with a smile on your face. Cool.
The Bear's Tip:
It's downhill, hit one less club than you normally would at this distance. Don't let an empty stomach affect your back nine… stop by for a snack at the turn! |
