Front 9 Tour - Golf, Newton New Jersey

Hole One

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:
PLAY TO THE 150 POLE (Black & White pole in the middle of the fairway) Pick a club you can hit stright 200 yards!  Anything left is gree-capped enviromental and is a free drop from where it went in.  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.

Hole Two

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 just shy of the 150 yard post in the middle of the fairway. DO NOT HIT OVER THE HOUSE AND DO NOT TRY TO RETRIEVE YOUR BALL FROM THEIR LAWNS!!

Hole Three

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.

Hole Four

You made it through the first three holes!  You can grip and rip now.  There's only one green here and it's stright out over the horizon.  This hole is fairly wide open so widen your stance! 

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!

Hole Five

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. If you want to score here and you didn't drive the fairway on the last hole you may just want to grab a 200 yard club and hit something straight out for a chance to get on in regulation.

The Bear's Tip:
The green is three tiered and it rolls steeply away from you - make sure you get here in two.

Hole Six

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.

Hole Seven

Get your driver back out.....the bunker looks more in the way than it is.  And there is plenty of room to the right.  If you don't birdie this hole you should be disappointed.

The Bear's Tip:
This green banks to the back-right ever so gently - so aim your approach shot towards the front-left to hold!

Hole Eight

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 far to the right is in the hazard!

Hole Nine

A must-par hole! 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.

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!