Great Bear Golf Club ☆ Follow

Great Bear Golf Club in East Stroudsburg is northeast Pennsylvania's only Jack Nicklaus-designed course, which opened in 1997. The course features 18 holes with a par of 71, and measures 7,025 yards. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and David Heatwole. The layout is set within the Pocono region and features natural features including lakes and streams, rolling terrain, and abundant wetlands. Nicklaus added nearly 50 strategically placed bunkers throughout the design.

Great Bear is a fair test but Nicklaus incorporated playability into his design, giving it appeal for a wide range of skill levels. The course has a slope rating of 143 with a course rating of 73.5, indicating moderate difficulty. The course has been ranked as one of the best golf courses in Pennsylvania by both GolfWeek and Golf Digest. The finishing hole, an 18th hole par 5, features an island green that aggressive golfers can attack in two shots, with bunkers protecting both the tee shot options and a front bunker guarding the green surrounded by wetlands.