Black Bear/Grizzly at Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club

Bear Trap Dunes, nestled near the Delaware shore, delivers a golfing experience as distinct as its coastal setting. The Black Bear and Grizzly courses offer two unique tests of golf carved from the region's sandy soil and windswept grasses.

Designed in the modern era, the layout bears the signature of Rick Jacobson, who masterfully sculpted these 18 holes to interplay with the native vegetation. The Grizzly, with its generous fairways, lulls golfers into a false sense of security before demanding strategic approaches to well-guarded greens. Black Bear, the slightly more formidable sibling, features tighter corridors and a premium on accurate tee shots. Locals whisper tales of fierce matches played here between rival beach communities, often decided on the challenging par-3s that demand precise club selection in the ever-present coastal breeze.

While not a stage for major championships, Bear Trap Dunes holds a special place in the hearts of local golfers. The club is known for its relaxed atmosphere and unpretentious membership, drawn from the surrounding beach towns and vacation communities. It's a place where golf is enjoyed for the simple pleasure of the game, not for the sake of pedigree. And after a round, players congregate at the clubhouse, swapping stories and savoring the club's legendary crab cakes – a local delicacy and a fitting reward after navigating the challenges of Bear Trap Dunes.