GolfPatio is excited and pleased to announce the Northern Bear Golf Course as a new partner. The Northern Bear is located in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada – a 30 minute drive from downtown Edmonton. It is a Jack Nicklaus design, built in the legendary tradition of his other prestigious and spectacular courses, and is the latest Canadian addition to the Nicklaus family of golf courses. The Northern Bear is the third Canadian Signature daily fee course – Toronto’s Glen Abbey and Whistler’s Nicklaus North are the first two. Play the “Bear” and you will find a perfect blend of tree lined fairways and strategic bunker placements. There are five lakes and USGA standard greens all designed to give the ultimate in playability to every golf enthusiast.
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I have had the opportunity to play Northern Bear on many occasions as it is just ten minutes down the road from my old golf course, the Belvedere Golf and Country Club. I must say that the “Bear” is perhaps my favourite layout of golf holes in Alberta. Every hole is aesthetically pleasing to the eye when standing on the tee box and all are true golf holes without gimmicks or silly shots to be made. The 9th and 18th holes are marvellous par 4’s with greens protected by lakes and the spectacular clubhouse up on the hill right behind them. You really feel as though you are in a special place when walking down these fairways and knowing that Nicklaus himself walked them as well.
The 10th hole is a fun, risk / reward par 5 that a player can try to go for in two shots or play conservative and make the “easy” par. There are many more excellent holes, and I would have trouble singling out one hole over another as they are all challenging and fun to play. It is not often that a golfer can say that about a golf course as there are usually a few holes that do not suit your eye or that you really do not enjoy playing. When you play many golf courses, at the end of the round you can think back and have trouble remembering each golf hole but when you play the Bear, each hole seems to stick out and you remember the scenery and each shot you have made.
Though the Bear is a championship golf course, Nicklaus designs his courses for players of all skill levels. There are five sets of tee boxes ranging from 5,800 to 7,400 yards which will entice novices and experts alike. Holes appear intimidating from the tee box thanks in large part to some very well placed bunkers, but once you have hit your tee shot and are safely in the fairway you can look back and wonder what you were so nervous about. The greens are well bunkered and have many collection areas if a ball is not hit deep enough into a green. The course is demanding, but fair, and rewards a well hit golf shot.
The Northern Bear is not just about golf. The club is able to accommodate corporate tournaments and outings to suit any business’ needs. They are also able to host corporate retreats and meetings as well as weddings and other special events. The setting is beautiful, and as you enter the clubhouse, which overlooks the 9th and 18th holes, you are met by their signature waterfall in the lounge entrance. Real estate is also available with the Villas at Northern Bear. Visit the course profile page for Northern Bear Golf Club to see more course details.
Book your tee times for Northern Bear today and enjoy! Also, continue to check our Discount Tee Times for periodic reduced rates.
Until next time,
Jay Barrett
CPGA Head Professional
GolfPatio.com
