Bears Best Las Vegas is a collection of sensational holes selected by Jack Nicklaus from among his 390 courses throughout the world. Holes chosen from among Nicklaus’ most impressive designs include PGA West in Palm Springs, Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Castle Pines in Colorado, La Paloma in Tucson, Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas and others. By borrowing from the past to create a new course, Bears Best is a fascinating golf experience. Located in an upscale neighborhood in the community of Summerlin, Bears Best is a high-end daily fee course and a must-play for serious golfers.
Ranked #12 in Nevada, according to Golf Magazine’s 2016-17 ranking.
Many homes including spectacularly impressive designs surround each hole. On multiple holes, the Las Vegas Strip shines in the distance. The practice range grass area is small. Hence, our warmup was on mats. We enjoyed the firm and fast greens.
Opening with a strong Par4, Hole #1 incorporates water down the entire left side. Modeled after Hole #6 at PGA West Nicklaus Private course, you need to bring a good tee shot to start the round. Modeled after Hole #1 at the Palmilla Mountain course in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, a giant waste bunker runs along the entire left side of Hole #6 eventually crossing the fairway immediately in front of the green. Ample green-side and fairway bunkers challenge many shots, but the sand was often shallow and hard. They perch some impressive homes on the course, especially on the back nine.
Each hole marker shows the hole number and course modeled from Nicklaus’ private and public designs. Modeled after Hole #5 at the private Desert Mountain Chiricahua course in Scottsdale, see a distant view of the Las Vegas Strip from the teeing ground on the Par3 Hole #15. Modeled after Hole #18 of the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West in Palm Springs, Bear’s Best closes with an extended Par4 with a vast waste bunker along the entire right side bordering a water hazard.
At each tee, I reflected on whether I have ever played the modeled hole from Nicklaus? This made every hole uniquely satisfying.
Bears Best Las Vegas is a fun Nicklaus course and a delight to play.
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