READER MARSHAL REVIEW

Bear’s Best: Enjoy
the Works of a Legend

By Vinnie the Vegas Hack

Bear's Best is a compilation of 18 of Nicklaus' favorite holes from courses he has designed all over the globe, brought together in one spectacular facility located only 20 minutes from Las Vegas boulevard. One of only two Nicklaus courses in the world that has the distinction of being a "Bear's Best," this facility will leave an impression that will have you coming back year after year. One caveat: Although the course is fantastic from beginning to end, it probably should be reserved for the better, more discriminating player who will appreciate the intricacies that Nicklaus designed courses are famous for achieving.

From the back tees, the courses measures 7,190 yards, and carries a hefty slope of 147. While not considered an easy round of golf, the average player may find some reprieve form the blue tees, which measure 6,664 yards, with a more comfortable slope of 130. This combination makes the course perfect for the group that consists of players with differing abilities.

The front nine is classic Nicklaus, featuring well-placed bunkering and shaped fairways that utilize the rather flat landscape. He spices it up a bit with bunkers around several greens that feature black sand -- definitely an unusual sight on a golf course. Don't be fooled, however; what the front nine's terrain lacks in undulation, Nicklaus definitely makes up for by forcing the player to think about approach shots into the well protected greens.

The back nine features more rolling terrain as it climbs into the hill area of the course. The 10th hole, a replication from PGA West, keeps the challenge coming with a long, deep grass bunker that forces the player to think about the tee-shot. Placement is key on this hole, and if you had a great front nine it will start to creep into your thought process. Nothing, however, challenges the player like the last hole of the day -- a long, lean par-4 with water and sand that run the entire length of the hole. We consider the 18th at Bear's Best to be one of the best finishing holes in Vegas, and it should cap a spectacular day at a spectacular facility.