Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: A strong test from the tips but playable for all levels from the forward tees, Northern Bear can accommodate a wide range of players on a fair, but not stellar, course. Grade C+
Quick Facts
Designer: Jack Nicklaus 2002
Cost: $49 - $114 (cart included) Click for current rates
Phone Number: 780-922-2327
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Northern Bear Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 51055 Northern Bear Golf Course, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8C 1J6 – CANADA
Photos: See additional photos of Northern Bear Golf Club
What to Expect: Northern Bear is a Jack Nicklaus design southeast of Edmonton that is a host site on the PGA Tour Canada. The course is routed through a residential development with a modest amount of movement in the terrain and a handful of water hazards coming into play. When the course was designed, Jack was asked which hole would be considered the signature. He said, “The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th . . .” in an effort to indicate all the holes are good without focusing on any individual offering. While the holes are solid, the reality is that it is difficult to identify a signature hole simply because there isn’t a compelling enough hole to garner that much attention. Typical Nicklaus design features are found here, but the course isn't as engaging as most of his tracks due to the fairly uninspiring terrain and conditioning that is average at best. Where Northern Bear ultimately delivers is as one of the stoutest tests in Alberta measuring 7400 yards from the tips and being a worthy stop for the best players in Canada, but there are other options for those looking for compelling architecture and scenic settings.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7352 | 75.1 | 137 |
| Gold | 72 | 6984 | 73.2 | 131 |
| Blue | 72 | 6779 | 72.3 | 128 |
| Blue/White | 72 | 6369 | 70.6 | 123 |
| White | 72 | 6042 | 69.6 | 121 |
| White/Red | 72 | 5647 | 67.0 | 117 |
| Red (Ladies) | 72 | 5244 | 70.9 | 123 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 18th Hole – 454 Yard Par 4 – The final hole at Northern Bear is a dogleg left with the approach shot playing over water with the clubhouse creating the backdrop. Being a tour caliber course, this hole creates the precise level of challenge that the pros need to face to close out a tournament.
Best Par 3: 4th Hole – 163 Yards – A commonly designed one-shotter that plays over water, the 4th features a bailout area to the right though plenty of sand awaits those steering too far clear of the water. The back to front sloping green will punish you if you get above the hole.
Best Par 4: 12th Hole – 458 Yards – The 12th is a strong two-shotter with bunkering up the left side that protects from tee shots trying to cheat distance by challenging the corner. The approach shot plays to a green surrounded by a trio of bunkers and will require a well struck shot to find the putting surface in regulation.
Best Par 5: 10th Hole – 540 Yards – Slowly and steadily bending to the left, the 10th is all about the second shot. A pond sits on the left side 100 yards from the green and runs the remaining length of the hole. A draw into this green will be richly rewarded but shots that don't turn over can find one of the two bunkers on the right and deep.
Birdie Time: 16th Hole – 404 Yard Par 4 – One of the shorter par fours on the course, the 16th features two bunkers on the right side of the hole and water in front of the water. Despite the trouble, a tee shot that finds the fairway will leave players with a scoring club in their hand with a chance to knock an approach shot tight.
Bogey Beware: 9th Hole – 452 Yard Par 4 – The closing holes of each nine demand that players contend with water on the way home. On the 9th, a lake encompasses the entire right side with the fairway bending around it. The approach shot features a bunker on the right side as a cushion between the water while bailing left will result in a difficult up and down.
