Black Bear at Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club

Black Bear is one of three courses at Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View, Delaware, designed by Rick Jacobson and opened in the early 2000s as part of the resort's expansion. The course sits in the coastal plain a few miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, where the flat to gently rolling terrain and sandy soils provide natural drainage and allow for firm playing conditions typical of the region. Jacobson routed the layout through corridors of native vegetation and incorporated waste areas and natural grasses that frame the fairways and greens, giving the course a links-inspired aesthetic common to Delaware's golf developments.

The design emphasizes strategic options from the tee and approach play into greens that feature moderate undulation and are often protected by bunkers and sandy surrounds. Several holes play along or across wetland areas that are native to the coastal landscape, adding both visual interest and strategic challenge. The course is walkable and generally more forgiving than some of its neighbors, making it accessible to a range of skill levels while still offering enough length and variety to engage better players.

Bear Trap Dunes operates as a public facility and serves both resort guests and daily-fee players, drawing golfers who visit the Delaware beaches and the broader Delmarva Peninsula golf market. The club's three courses share practice facilities and a clubhouse, and the property is known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on providing a straightforward, enjoyable round in a coastal setting.