Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club - Mountain

About
Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club boasts Victoria's only course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son, Steve. The Mountain Course is a modern classic that is nestled in the foothills of Mount Finlayson. The scenic layout features rolling fairways that tumble through dense forests and views of the surrounding mountains, Victoria City, and Pacific Ocean throughout the entire course. Strategically placed bunkers and dramatic elevation changes present a formidable test to even seasoned players. The design skillfully combines challenge with playability, making it accessible to a range of skill levels. In 2009 the club added a second Nicklaus golf course called the Valley, making it the only 36-hole Nicklaus-designed facility in Canada. With more generous fairways, larger greens, and fewer bunkers, it is considered a gentler version of the original Bear Course.
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
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Golden | 71 | 6820 yards | 73.5 | 152 |
Grizzly | 71 | 6377 yards | 71.2 | 145 |
Composite I | 71 | 6201 yards | 70.1 | 136 |
Black | 71 | 6008 yards | 69.3 | 132 |
Black (W) | 73 | 6008 yards | 75.1 | 147 |
Composite II | 71 | 5812 yards | 69.0 | 124 |
Composite II (W) | 73 | 5812 yards | 74.0 | 145 |
Spirit | 71 | 5524 yards | 67.0 | 124 |
Spirit (W) | 73 | 5524 yards | 72.5 | 137 |
Cinnamon | 69 | 4634 yards | 63.4 | 113 |
Cinnamon (W) | 71 | 4634 yards | 67.7 | 120 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Golden M: 73.5/152 | 540 | 375 | 395 | 194 | 368 | 432 | 173 | 483 | 437 | 3397 | 152 | 429 | 510 | 523 | 165 | 471 | 189 | 381 | 603 | 3423 | 6820 |
Grizzly M: 71.2/145 | 533 | 348 | 362 | 183 | 337 | 410 | 155 | 449 | 415 | 3192 | 135 | 407 | 495 | 509 | 126 | 432 | 177 | 343 | 561 | 3185 | 6377 |
Composite I M: 70.1/136 | 533 | 348 | 329 | 150 | 337 | 397 | 155 | 431 | 415 | 3095 | 128 | 407 | 495 | 480 | 116 | 399 | 177 | 343 | 561 | 3106 | 6201 |
Black M: 69.3/132 W: 75.1/147 | 523 | 313 | 329 | 150 | 328 | 397 | 148 | 431 | 400 | 3019 | 128 | 389 | 453 | 480 | 116 | 399 | 166 | 325 | 533 | 2989 | 6008 |
Composite II M: 69.0/124 W: 74.0/145 | 523 | 313 | 329 | 150 | 304 | 397 | 148 | 413 | 321 | 2898 | 128 | 389 | 453 | 464 | 116 | 399 | 166 | 289 | 510 | 2914 | 5812 |
Spirit M: 67.0/124 W: 72.5/137 | 420 | 295 | 329 | 150 | 304 | 283 | 148 | 413 | 321 | 2663 | 116 | 389 | 437 | 464 | 99 | 399 | 158 | 289 | 510 | 2861 | 5524 |
Handicap | 5 | 11 | 9 | 17 | 15 | 1 | 13 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 4 | |||
Par | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 71 |
Handicap (W) | 5 | 15 | 13 | 17 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 6 | 14 | 8 | 18 | 2 | 12 | 10 | 4 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
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Policies
Food & Beverage
Bar, Snacks, Restaurant, Beverage CartsAvailable Facilities
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Reviewer Photos
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Bunker conditions at bear mountain Photo submitted by Mango27 on 09/22/2022
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Photo submitted by u109887998 on 11/21/2019
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Photo submitted by huiesean on 04/04/2016
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Photo submitted by huiesean on 04/04/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 1, Par 5, 540 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 4, Par 3, 194 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 11, Par 3, 152 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 12, Par 4, 429 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 16, Par 3, 189 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 17, Par 4, 343 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
Terrible conditions
Bunkers are full of weeds
Greens are burnt yet super slow
Pace of play is slow
Your ball will plug in the fairway in the summer
Extremely expensive for no reason
Still a favorite
A yearly trip to Bear Mountain has become almost a tradition for my son and me. We usually play both the mountain and the valley courses, but our last trip they were sanding/aerating the valley course.
Despite the changes and development to the Mountain course since it's opening the course remains challenging and beautiful. In fact the 14th hole, looking out over Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is one of the most picturesque holes I have ever played.
There are a lot of elevation changes and you need to plan your shots. The greens have always been well maintained and played consistently when we have been there. The valley course is more forested than the mountain course at this point.
A bucket list experience
This is one of the most scenic and well designed courses I have ever played. Each hole presents a fun challenge and gives you a different exoperience. There are no shortage of tough shots but you never feel as though you dislike playing the course. Easpecially when you reach the back nine where you find one of the best views in all of golf and some really fun holes. A must play for any golf lover just be prepared to think out your shots.
The atmosphere arounbd the course is amazing and you will be treated like golf royalty. Can be a bit expensive but it is worth every penny once you take in the whole experience.
An Incredible Course Diminished by Over-Development
All the reviews of this course make it worthy to be on any golfer’s play list in BC. If it did not have so much housing developed and so much construction underway, it would be in the top 10 courses I have ever played. It is very challenging and exceptionally picturesque EXCEPT for what has become a distracting amount of housing and condo development. I wish it was more like the Valley Course from a developement point of view. Set your expectations accordingly. Bear Mountain is a great resort and I can’t say enough good things about the staff and accommodations.
Nice, but...
Not going to go on a long rant but I'll do a sort one.
With my experience and worldwide play, I would simply say that this course is overpriced and not in condition it needs to be for price. They are hopeful for an International audience and need it. The senior PGA is coming and they have significantly increased membership in prep for this. ($40k initiation fee!!)
Driving range was 6 mats as everything is still ongoing with construction, with what seems to be a decade plus on this hill. Very painful.
Nice views, good layout, but locals aren't paying the money and with increased housing and sales, I still see it being a tough go. Happy I've played it again but not making a point to come back.
I prefer the Valley course as well;) Everyone talks about this one but save some money and try the Valley.
Worth the ferry ride!
The tee boxes were not in good shape. Also the fairways were still wet. That day it was cart path only. But I could see in the summer this course being super pristine and playing tough. Keep it out of the thick rough! Jack made this course very challenging. I felt that hitting different clubs off the tee was a different change of pace from hitting driver 14 times. I was disappointed that it was early in the season so #10 did not have water surrounding the island green!
Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course
The two courses at Bear Mountain Golf Resort was the site for the 2013 Golf Town National Amateur Series Championship. Amateurs from across the country gathered here and were pretty impressed with the challenge both courses provided. Jack Nicklaus's design gives the golfer plenty of choices to play each hole. Those with the ability to manage their game accordingly and execute the right shot at the right time came out ahead. Great fun, spectacular views, 36 challenging holes make for one of the best golfing experiences on Vancouver Island.
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 1, Par 5, 540 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 4, Par 3, 194 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 11, Par 3, 152 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 12, Par 4, 429 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 16, Par 3, 189 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
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Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Mountain Course, Hole 17, Par 4, 343 yds Photo submitted by DYakimec on 03/15/2016
Great views with a great design
I loved this course for everything it had. I was only able to play one of the 18 hole courses but it showed me enough that I am hooked. A great course weaved through Bear Mountain provides a high degree of difficulty. That doesn't detract from the fun as it is designed well enough that despite the challenge each hole has a unique element that never always catches your eye and never frustrates you. The little par 3 island green is a fun little hole but the the real draw on this course the stretch of holes on the back nine that give you an amazing overhead view of Victoria and the harbour right out to the ocean. Also get great views of the mountains in Washington State. A must play for any golfer that want to enjoy a day that provides everything you could want from a golf course.
A bear of a golf course, heck of a ride
If you like elevated tees, big undulating greens, perfect conditioning and incredible views, this is your golf course. Around every bend there's plenty of eye candy on this Nicklaus Design gem overlooking the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. While most look forward to the signature par-3 14th with views that go for miles, the entire course is a roller coaster ride through the most mountainous golf course site on the island. No doubt, the 36 holes at Bear Mountain represent the best of British Columbia resort golf.
Great View and Awesome Food!
Went here with a group of 8 for annual tourney and it was great. We also played the valley course. Super nice staff, didnt felt rushed at all. Some tricky blind fairways but GPS is included so no issue. Cleaned your clubs when you were done. Very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. You gotta try the burgers in the restaurant up top.
Awesome views with fabulous golf
We went online to book a golf course and decided to choose this one as we had seen it when hiking to the top of Mount Finlayson.
It was even more spectacular when playing.
Each hole had challenges but also each hole had awesome scenery to view. The course was in great shape even the greens that they had aerated only a few days before.
We enjoyed every minute and the staff was great from the front desk to the back shop boys.
Would return there in an instant.
Bear Mountain is a great course with one of the best views anywhere
this is one of the best public courses in Victoria and it never gets boring playing this course. It is a challenge from every tee box no matter what level you are at. The course is always in great shape and is playable even in the winter months. I love playing here!!!
Bring plenty of Balls
Had an enjoyable day with another 2 some that joined us. The course has a lot of blind spots and seems like the fairway bunkers are set up to catch average golfers. Lots of Deer and pretty scenery.... Mark G
The best on Vancouver Island
It's been almost a decade since I got to tee it up on the Mountain course, but nothing has changed. This is still the best golf experience on Vancouver Island.
Nicklaus probably went a little bit overboard in making it too tough for the average player. The setting is so spectacular, who cares? You feel like you're playing on the rooftop of the world when you reach some of the greens high above Victoria. The par-3s really stand out. Nicklaus copied Pete Dye's do-or-die island green with a tiny target surrounded by water at no. 11.
If you really don't have the game for Mountain course, try the sister Valley course, which has wider fairways and plays more gently with your ego.
Great Course!
Enjoyed the course very much; has some real challenging holes! Over all condition is good.
Great course is good condition.
Beautiful setting, good pace, difficult narrow fairways in some places with uphill shots to the green. Stay out of the rough, tough to get out of. Expensive but worth it!
Great layout
The course was in great shape except being a little soggy. It make it tough on a 440 par four when your tee shot backs up. Other than that, the course offer 18 different holes. Had to wait for a family of deer to pass on one hole. The view from 14 green is amazing.
Great Play
Leave your ego at home and just enjoy the round and some of the best scenery in the world.
Best on the island
First rate course but course was empty hence the price should drop accordingly. Better to have a busy course at a lower rate, than an empty course at a high rate.
Course was in top condition and the round was very enjoyable.
Disappointed with the changes on the nineth hole. It was a great par five.
Signature hole - 14. What a view!
A must play course in Victoria. The hotel is beautiful, service was wonderful.