Little Bear at Little Bear Golf Club

Little Bear Golf Club sits in Lewis Center, a suburb north of Columbus in central Ohio. The course was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, an Ohio native and accomplished architect whose portfolio includes numerous layouts across the Midwest and beyond. Hurdzan, who holds a doctorate in turfgrass science, is known for integrating environmental sensitivity with strategic design, often working within natural landforms rather than imposing dramatic earthmoving.

The property occupies gently rolling terrain typical of the region, with mature trees framing many holes and water features coming into play on several. The routing takes advantage of elevation changes that are modest but sufficient to create visual interest and varied shot values. Hurdzan's design philosophy emphasizes playability for a range of skill levels while rewarding thoughtful course management, and Little Bear reflects this approach with multiple tee options and strategic bunkering that encourages positioning over pure distance.

As a daily-fee facility serving the northern Columbus suburbs, Little Bear caters to both local residents and visiting golfers exploring the area's public golf options. The course operates within the competitive central Ohio golf market, where numerous Hurdzan designs have established a regional presence. Conditioning standards and pace of play reflect the demands of a busy public course, and the layout provides a straightforward test without the severe penalties or extreme length that characterize championship venues.