
Great Bear Course
Great Bear Golf Club



About this course
Great Bear Golf Club sits in the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania, designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1997. The course occupies rolling, heavily wooded terrain characteristic of the Poconos, with significant elevation changes throughout the property. Nicklaus routed the layout through dense forest corridors, creating a series of holes that demand accuracy off the tee and careful course management. The design emphasizes strategic shot-making over pure length, though the course plays to a substantial yardage from the back tees. Fairways are typically framed by mature hardwoods and conifers, and several holes incorporate natural rock outcroppings and wetland areas native to the region. The greens are contoured in Nicklaus's characteristic style, with multiple tiers and collection areas that reward precise approach play. Water comes into play on several holes, and the bunkering follows Nicklaus's design principles from this period, with deep, sculptured sand hazards positioned to challenge both tee shots and approaches. Great Bear operates as a semi-private facility, offering public access alongside member play. The course serves as one of the more prominent Nicklaus designs in the mid-Atlantic region and attracts golfers drawn to the Poconos for its combination of mountain scenery and resort amenities. The layout provides a test suited to better players while remaining accessible from forward tees for recreational golfers navigating the mountainous terrain.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in PA
Quick facts
- Location
- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1997
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 7,025 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.5/143
- Course Vaults score
- 7.4
Getting there
The journey to Great Bear Golf Club begins at Lehigh Valley International Airport, roughly forty-five minutes southeast, or Newark Liberty for those connecting from farther afield, adding another hour to the drive. The route west traces the Delaware Water Gap's dramatic ridgeline, where Interstate 80 carves through the Pocono plateau before yielding to quieter state roads that wind through dense hardwood forest and past glacial lakes. The final approach feels less like arrival at a golf course and more like discovery of a hidden retreat - Great Bear reveals itself gradually among the trees, its entrance understated, its seclusion complete, a fitting threshold for one of Jack Nicklaus's most private and formidable designs in the Northeast.

FAQ
Common questions about Great Bear
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Great Bear has a Course Vaults score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 11 logged golfers.
Great Bear was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. Great Bear is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Great Bear is 71.
Great Bear plays 7,025 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Great Bear is 143.



