Bear Creek GC- Bear Championship

One of two 18-hole courses at the Bear Creek Golf Complex, the Bear Course is the championship layout at one of the Phoenix area's favorite daily fee facilities. Designed by Nicklaus Design Group and architect Bill O'Leary, the Bear is an inland links-style course that plays to 6,825 yards from the back tees. The par-71 layout also has three other sets of tees, starting at just under 5,000 yards. In addition to the Bear Course, there's also the Club Course, an executive length layout also designed by Nicklaus and O'Leary. The Bear Course, however, is most challenging. With four sets of tees that start at 4,990 yards, it's certainly playable by everyone. But there are plenty of challenging holes. The no. 1 handicap hole is the 458-yard, par-4 ninth. It's obviously long, but it's also a dogleg right, which means the tee shot has to be long and accurate. Two of the par 3s are over 200 yards, including the 17th, which is 228 yards from the back tees. It's part of a really interesting finishing stretch, which includes a short, par-4 16th and 18th hole, a par-5 that plays more than 550 yards. In addition to the golf courses, Bear Creek Golf Complex also has a full practice and learning center that includes a driving range, short-game area, and practice putting greens. PGA Professionals are also available for lessons. And the clubhouse has a well-stocked golf shop as well the Bear's Den Bar & Grill, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining.