Bear's Best Las Vegas

Mr. Nicklaus had one thing in mind ith the concept for Bear’s Best – Las Vegas. Take 18 signature holes that he’s designed from throughout the region and put them together to create a golfing experience like none other. The par-72 (rating/slope: 74.0/147), 7,194 yard layout features four sets of tees, allowing all levels of players an enjoyable and memorable golf experience. Another unique feature is the Forecaddie Program. Top shelf forecaddies give yardages, rake bunkers, tend flags, fix ball marks, keep play moving at a pleasant pace and best of all, read putts! These caddies know the course so well, you’ll save several strokes per round on the greens alone. Located on the West end of Flamingo Road, Bear’s Best – Las Vegas has also played host to the PGA Tour’s Michelin Championships.

Bear’s Best – Las Vegas has replica holes for Nicklaus designs from courses such as the PGA West Private Course in La Quinta, California; Las Campanas in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Bear Creek Country Club in Murrietta, California; Old Works Golf Club in Anaconda, Montana; Desert Mountain (Chiricahua and Geronimo Courses) in Scottsdale, Arizona; La Paloma in Tucson, Arizona and Castle Pines in Castle Pines, Colorado. From Mexico, you’ll recognize holes from Palmilla Golf Course, El Dorado Resort and Cabo Del Sol just to name a few.

Nicklaus layouts have a reputation for having generous fairways, allowing players to whale away with the “big dog.” To help matters a bit more at Bear’s Best – Las Vegas, there are several waste areas and rough to hold a slightly errant shot in play (unlike many course in the desert where these shots are lost amongst the cactus and other wildlife). You can bet if he gives you room off the tee, a premium is placed on the second shot. That is where “The Bear” really growls out here! The first hole, a par-4 measuring 413 yards (#6 at PGA West Private Course in La Quinta, California) will get your heart racing early. Water runs down the entire left side. Your second shot is to an elevated green fronted by three deep bunkers. After negotiating the 1st hole, a few more shots ahead you’ll reach a favorite of most players. Hole #4 is the first of the “short holes.” A par-3 playing 229 yards from the tips, it is as treacherous as it is breathtaking. A shot from an elevated tee, you’ll watch your ball descend to a green surrounded by a sea of black sand (#7 at Old Works Golf Club in Anaconda, Montana). What a site! The #1 handicap hole is the par-4 fifth. Playing 438 yards, the drive plays uphill between cavernous fairway bunkers. The approach is to a two-tiered green, running deep, but narrow. A high-faced bunker stares you in the face with profound swales backing the green. There are many other very picturesque tee shots such as #10 with a fairway split down the center by a bunker extending 266 yards out. #11 is another hole from Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, Montana. A fun, yet short par-4, there are many options from the tee. At 317 yards, it’s very tempting for the long hitter to take aim at an eagle possibility. The green is flanked by black sand bunkers, front right and back left. However, the best may have been saved for last. The #2 handicap hole is a replica of #18 at PGA West Private Course in La Quinta, California. This finishing hole is Godzilla with all teeth ready to bite! Measuring 463 yards, this dogleg right features a lake and a long sand bunker on the right stretching the entire length of the fairway to the green. The second shot will challenge you to hit a target armed by bunkers left and right with a green sloping back to front.

The condition and maintenance of the course is superb! Lush fairways and greens are outlined by sparkling white sand and ocean blue lakes. Also remember, it’s not just the “short grass” areas that determine the condition of a course. Even top touring pros miss the green on average 30% or more per round. Because of that, playing shots from the long grass or collection areas is very important. Many bailout areas will challenge your imagination, but the difficulty won’t be due to course condition. Even the course’s 75 bunkers are wonderfully maintained (which is not easy in the wind-swept desert).

The clubhouse plays as large as the course. Windows soar to the ceiling exposing amazing views of the driving range and the Red Rock Mountains in the background. One tilt of your head and you’ll see the sun light up the “strip” and illuminate the baby-blue sky. The Pro Shop offers all top-of-the-line merchandise (logo balls, shirts, caps, etc.). Equally, the selection is dazzling. All the top designers are presented. Jack’s Place Restaurant offers a variety of delectable menu selections. Open for breakfast and lunch, our renowned chefs turn ordinary meals into one-of-a-kind gourmet creations. It doesn’t stop there! Bear’s Best – Las Vegas is available to host your meeting, conference, wedding (and reception), banquet and much more. The Bear’s Pavilion can seat up to 180 guests comfortably. Can life get any better?

Jack Nicklaus. The greatest name in golf. A legend in his own time. Now you can experience his legacy in 18 holes of the best golf you’ll ever play.

Club Corp.

Founded in 1957, ClubCorp is based in Dallas, Texas and is the world leader in delivering premier golf, private club and resort experiences. Internationally, ClubCorp’s affiliates own or operate nearly 170 golf courses, country clubs, private businesses, sports clubs and resorts.

Among the company’s nationally recognized golf properties are Pinehurst in North Carolina (site of the 1999 and 2005 United States Open Championships), Firestone Country Club in Ohio (site of the 2003-2005 World Golf Championship and current host to the Bridgestone Invitational), The Homestead in Virginia (America’s first resort founded in 1766) and Mission Hills Country Club in California (site of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, an LPGA Major Championship).

The company’s 18,000 employees serve the nearly 200,000 member households and 200,000 guests who visit ClubCorp properties each year.