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Grand Traverse Resort - The Bear
Grand Traverse Resort - The Bear


Grand Traverse Resort - The Bear

100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd
Traverse City (Acme), MI 49610
Phone: 231-534-6000
Toll Free: 800-748-0303

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Description

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is renowned for many things, but we specialize in creating an incredible golf experience. For each of our three signature Michigan golf courses, we sought out the finest designers the industry has to offer. The Bear by was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Wolverine by Gary Player. Spruce Run by William Newcomb. Over the years, Golf Magazine has awarded us their coveted Silver Medal, and Golf Digest has rated our courses among their best. We're also proud to be certified as an Environmental Steward by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.

Welcome to The Bear, every bit the animal it was when Jack Nicklaus first unleashed the course on June 17, 1985. Celebrated as one of the toughest 18 holes in Michigan, The Bear was ranked as the 18th toughest course in America, according to Golf Digest. This beautiful course offers the best of Traverse City golf and regularly stands out as a top golf course in Michigan.

Nicklaus’ signature design features Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy roughs, moguls and mounds, and deep pot bunkers. With rolling land, trees, lakes, streams, fruit orchards, and a variety of wildlife, The Bear features a mixture of different elements golfers rarely see on one course. This is northern Michigan golf at its finest.

PROUD TO BEAR THE NAME

The Bear’s name is a tribute to its designer, Jack Nicklaus, whose trademark blonde hair earned him the nickname “the Golden Bear.” Born in 1940, Jack Nicklaus is a legend both as a player and a course designer. His competitive career spanned five decades, including 18 professional major championship titles. He is the only player in history to have won each of the game’s majors at least three times, and is the only player to have completed the career “Grand Slam” on both the regular and senior tours.

Membership Info Get A Golf Outing Quote Inquire About Wedding Info Inquire About Lessons



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Golf Course Info

  • Course: 54 Holes
  • Course Type: Resort
  • Architect: Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, William Newcomb
  • Head Pro: Tyler Jablonski

Golf Course Stats

Map


Driving Directions

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Green Fees and Rates

Call 231-534-6000 for rates and tee times.

Tee Times & Reservations

Book Online Tee Time


Reservations

Call 231-534-6000 For Reservation Policy

Memberships

Enjoy seven ways to play as a Member at Traverse City's most complete health and fitness club. Three levels of membership are available or sign on for a seasonal plan, including our Winter Sports Membership.

As northern Michigan's premier golf, tennis, fitness and social hub, The Club at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa attracts friendly, energetic residents from Traverse City and surrounding areas, as well as Resort property owners. Levels of Club membership include Village, Bear and Jr. Bear (for members under 40) plus 4-month summer and winter memberships. Each offers varying benefits that range from use of Resort amenities and special pricing for dining, Gallery shops, Resort accommodations, spa services, golf, fitness programs and more. Members also have the inside track to tennis reservations, fitness classes, the private beach club and our fully licensed childcare facility, the Cub House.

Membership inquiries can be directed to Kyle Oberstadt at 231-534-6586 or membership@gtresort.com.

Inquire About Membership Options

Golf Course Amenities

Lodging:
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Water Hazards:
Sand Bunkers:
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Leagues:
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Casino:
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No
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Yes
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Yes
Yes
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Yes
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Laser Link:
Rental Clubs:
Banquet Hall:
Bar:
Locker Rooms:
Yes
Yes
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Not Allowed
No
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Yes
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Greens:
Fairways:
Yardage:
Bent Grass
Bent Grass
Kirby Marking System

Golf Instruction and Lessons

Grand Traverse Golf Academy is a year-round, 2,000-square-foot Academy featuring three heated, indoor-outdoor hitting bays equipped with mirrors, motion-capture technology for swing analysis, and Callaway Club fitting.

During the winter months, the Academy serves as the Winter Golf Center offering lessons, open clinics, practice sessions and indoor league play on the GC2-powered Golf Simulator by Foresight Sports.

Golf Academy offerings include:
- Private Instruction
- On Course Instruction
- Public Clinics
- Corporate Clinics
- Team Builds
- Ladies-Only Clinics
- Junior Camps and Clinics
- Golf Academy Memberships

The Resort is also home to the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, which applies a practical, scientific approach to golf instruction, honed through years of research and providing golf lessons to many of the game's top professionals. Pelz's staff instructors are highly-trained teaching professionals, and the low student/teacher ratio allows instructors to concentrate solely on their students and students on their instruction in the short game.

For more information and to enroll, visit www.pelz.com

Inquire About Golf Lessons

Outing Information

The golf team at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa accommodates groups of all sizes, from a foursome on a buddy's trip to a much larger corporate event. They all work together - from Director of Golf, Tom McGee and his virtual army of greens keepers to the Resort's Golf and Spa Sales Managers for preplanning - excellent service and tournament caliber conditions are hallmarks of the quality golf experience at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

To arrange your group golf outing, contact our Golf and Spa Sales Managers:

Kris Ruckle
Kris assists conference groups already booked at the Resort as well as local, community organizations and social groups. Contact Kris at 231-534-6168 or via email at kruckle@gtresort.com.

Joann Hanafi
Joann assists groups of 12 or more specifically looking for golf and/or spa packages that include lodging. Contact Joann at 231-534-6178 or via email at jhanafi@gtresort.com.

Get A Golf Outing Quote


Events

Contact the golf course for upcoming events.

Wedding Information

wedding

Offering memorable on-site amenities and a trove of regional excursions, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is Michigan's premiere wedding destination. You'll experience a combination of wedding services and unrivaled amenities.

The expert hands of our spa professionals relax bride and attendants with lavish spa treatments and massages, and can fashion perfectly styled hair and makeup for the bridal party. Groomsmen and guests can enjoy a pre-wedding round of golf on one of our three championship golf courses, a tension-releasing game of tennis, or relaxing whirlpool.

86,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space gives you ultimate flexibility in selecting the venue for your special day, and our wedding staff is practiced at bringing your vision to life. While we can accommodate wedding parties as large as 500, intimate events for parties as small as 5 can be just as beautifully orchestrated. And in the case of inclement weather, all outdoor wedding events have alternative indoor function spaces reserved.

The Lobby offers engaged couples an inviting preview of amenities and personalized services offered by Special Events Manager, Liz Kondik and her dedicated on-site team in "I Do - A Wedding Destination Showcase."

Pristine beaches and exciting water sports are additional options that will make your wedding a memorable getaway for each and every wedding guest. Winter weddings have a special allure with our crackling fireplaces, snow-covered views, and elegant lodge atmosphere. Your wedding guests can also enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice-skating and other winter activities.

We've earned a national reputation as a premier wedding destination not only because of our select on-site amenities, but also because of our team's attention to detail and expertise in collaborating with various parties, including the bridal couple's parents, wedding planners, and outside vendors chosen by the bride and groom. This teamwork has funneled countless themes, visions, and exceptional photography to fruition.

A convenient, centrally located Midwest wedding location, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is easily accessible to all of your wedding guests, just ten minutes by Resort shuttle from Cherry Capital Airport.

Inquire About Wedding Information

Lodging Options

Hotel and Tower guestrooms as well as condominiums on-site

TripAdvisor.com Quote

Restaurant and Dining Options:

The Grille - casual lunch and dinner, located at the Clubhouse
Aerie Restaurant & Lounge - contemporary dining, located on the 16th floor of the Tower overlooking Grand Traverse Bay
Sweetwater American Bistro - family style, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Jack's Taproom - bar and lounge
The Lobby Bar - bar inside the Grand Lobby
The Marketplace - pre-made sandwiches, pastries and coffee.
The Afternine - located between 9 and 10 on The Bear

Onsite Spa Services

Whether you desire a few soothing hours or an all-encompassing spa vacation, the northern Michigan setting at Spa Grand Traverse stimulates renewal of the body, mind, and spirit. Our 7,000-square-foot escape occupies two floors and comprises a full range of amenities, including 23 treatment rooms, a salon, and a boutique.

Resort guests, Club members, and locals alike can savor the Spa's signature services featuring locally made products which you will find in massage, hydrotherapy, and nail care services.

Visit grandtraverseresort.com/spa for more information.

Videos

Video

Hole #18 The Bear Course at The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

One of the signature holes at The Bear Course at The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is the Par 4 18th Hole that plays around a large pond.



Video

Golf At Grand Traverse Resort And Spa

Take a quick tour of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. From aerial views to a peek inside Aerie Restaurant & Lounge there is beauty all around.



Video

Take A Tour Of Grand Traverse Resort And Spa

Take a quick tour of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. From aerial views to a peek inside Aerie Restaurant & Lounge there is beauty all around.



Articles

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Article

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to Host Inaugural Wolverine Weekend

Featuring Athletes, Alumni and Special Guests




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Article

Getting To Know: The Bear - Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

An Insightful Interview With Scott Hebert, Head Golf Professional & Director of Instruction




Course Reviews


Posted by golftrips on 01/22/2013

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This profile was last updated on 12/02/2023 and has been viewed 50,034 times.


Grand Traverse Resort - The Bear

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