Bear Creek - opinions?

[Password Is Taco]

I'm thinking about joining this course and will be seeing it for the first time tomorrow.

 

Wanted to get some general opinions about the course, practice facility and membership. I'm 27 and the price seems reasonable. My friend who used to play for Colorado School of Mines said the course is tough and the facility is pretty nice.

 

What do you guys think?

[TheKrushh]

How was it? I'm in a similar situation.\

[Password Is Taco]

I give the course 9.5/10. The only reason it's not a 10 is because it looks like it's a pretty tough walk. The course is pretty and very difficult - several blind and tight tee shots and extremely undulating greens. It's a course that will take 5-10 rounds to really get the hang of.

The practice facility is awesome. Pro V1 range balls, 2 short game areas (one with bunkers and one without), 2 putting greens and a 3 hole short course to refine your wedge game. Oh and lessons are free (included in membership).

The membership is a bunch of guys who just want to play golf and hang out. There are no tee times and no rules - just gentlemen's rules. We played the back nine in a group of 6 in 1 hour 50 minutes and we waved 2 groups through.

The place seems to be right up my ally - I signed up for the 5 month trial membership.

[DTown3011]

Out of curiosity what was the cost?

[XFelon]

Ya.. What was the 5 month trial cost..........?

[pseudoswede]

http://issuu.com/coloradoavidgolfer/docs/2014_private_club_guide_-_issuu_fli?e=2437584/7338483

Regular memberships are about $800/mo with $40,000 initiation fee.

[drn92]

[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1409793057' post='10060391']
http://issuu.com/coloradoavidgolfer/docs/2014_private_club_guide_-_issuu_fli?e=2437584/7338483

Regular memberships are about $800/mo with $40,000 initiation fee.
[/quote]

And that right there is why I will never join Bear Creek. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice course. But for that kind of money you can play a lot of golf at several public courses in the area. Fox Hollow right across the street is just as much fun to play, Fossil Trace is also as nice, and there are many more within 30 minutes.

drn92

[DTown3011]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1409887342' post='10067805']
[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1409793057' post='10060391']
[url="http://issuu.com/coloradoavidgolfer/docs/2014_private_club_guide_-_issuu_fli?e=2437584/7338483"]http://issuu.com/col...2437584/7338483[/url]

Regular memberships are about $800/mo with $40,000 initiation fee.
[/quote]

And that right there is why I will never join Bear Creek. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice course. But for that kind of money you can play a lot of golf at several public courses in the area. Fox Hollow right across the street is just as much fun to play, Fossil Trace is also as nice, and there are many more within 30 minutes.

drn92
[/quote]

That guide is not correct. I'm a member of Bear Creek and joined earlier this summer and can tell you it certainly wasn't $40K or $800/month dues. It blows Fox Hollow out of the water both on routing, course conditions, difficulty, and experience. 5 hour rounds at Fox Hollow all day long. Bear Creek has 230 members, ProV1 range balls, and the best practice facility on the front range. I can play 18 holes in 2 1/2 hours if I want. Feel free to PM me with any questions regarding Bear Creek or I'd be happy to host you out there to see for yourself.

[drn92]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1411486114' post='10169063']
[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1409887342' post='10067805']
[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1409793057' post='10060391']
[url="http://issuu.com/coloradoavidgolfer/docs/2014_private_club_guide_-_issuu_fli?e=2437584/7338483"]http://issuu.com/col...2437584/7338483[/url]

Regular memberships are about $800/mo with $40,000 initiation fee.
[/quote]

And that right there is why I will never join Bear Creek. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice course. But for that kind of money you can play a lot of golf at several public courses in the area. Fox Hollow right across the street is just as much fun to play, Fossil Trace is also as nice, and there are many more within 30 minutes.

drn92
[/quote]

That guide is not correct. I'm a member of Bear Creek and joined earlier this summer and can tell you it certainly wasn't $40K or $800/month dues. It blows Fox Hollow out of the water both on routing, course conditions, difficulty, and experience. 5 hour rounds at Fox Hollow all day long. Bear Creek has 230 members, ProV1 range balls, and the best practice facility on the front range. I can play 18 holes in 2 1/2 hours if I want. Feel free to PM me with any questions regarding Bear Creek or I'd be happy to host you out there to see for yourself.
[/quote]

While I certainly appreciate your offer, and mean you no disrespect, Bear Creek is not my favorite course along the front range. I played the course in the past, and while it is in good shape and the facilities are nice, I found the layout a little tricky and forced and was not a fan of the green complexes (I believe it is an early Palmer design, and his severely tiered greens are not my favorite). Even at half the cost, an investment of $20k, plus an additional $5k/year, is way more than I am willing to spend on golf. $5k a year is 100 rounds at most of the front range courses, and the $20k initiation fee is another 400 rounds. I am lucky to play 15-20x per year (and even luckier to maintain a single digit on that much golf) and also have a family that plays, so not being able to bring them along is also a "no go" in my book. For my money, I prefer Fox Hollow, Fossil Trace, Heritage at Westmoor, and the Air Force Academy.

I am sure you will enjoy your membership.

drn92

[DTown3011]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1411591580' post='10177145']
[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1411486114' post='10169063']
[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1409887342' post='10067805']
[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1409793057' post='10060391']
[url="http://issuu.com/coloradoavidgolfer/docs/2014_private_club_guide_-_issuu_fli?e=2437584/7338483"]http://issuu.com/col...2437584/7338483[/url]

Regular memberships are about $800/mo with $40,000 initiation fee.
[/quote]

And that right there is why I will never join Bear Creek. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice course. But for that kind of money you can play a lot of golf at several public courses in the area. Fox Hollow right across the street is just as much fun to play, Fossil Trace is also as nice, and there are many more within 30 minutes.

drn92
[/quote]

That guide is not correct. I'm a member of Bear Creek and joined earlier this summer and can tell you it certainly wasn't $40K or $800/month dues. It blows Fox Hollow out of the water both on routing, course conditions, difficulty, and experience. 5 hour rounds at Fox Hollow all day long. Bear Creek has 230 members, ProV1 range balls, and the best practice facility on the front range. I can play 18 holes in 2 1/2 hours if I want. Feel free to PM me with any questions regarding Bear Creek or I'd be happy to host you out there to see for yourself.
[/quote]

While I certainly appreciate your offer, and mean you no disrespect, Bear Creek is not my favorite course along the front range. I played the course in the past, and while it is in good shape and the facilities are nice, I found the layout a little tricky and forced and was not a fan of the green complexes (I believe it is an early Palmer design, and his severely tiered greens are not my favorite). Even at half the cost, an investment of $20k, plus an additional $5k/year, is way more than I am willing to spend on golf. $5k a year is 100 rounds at most of the front range courses, and the $20k initiation fee is another 400 rounds. I am lucky to play 15-20x per year (and even luckier to maintain a single digit on that much golf) and also have a family that plays, so not being able to bring them along is also a "no go" in my book. For my money, I prefer Fox Hollow, Fossil Trace, Heritage at Westmoor, and the Air Force Academy.

I am sure you will enjoy your membership.

drn92
[/quote]

No disrespect taken whatsoever! Bear Creek isn't for everyone and neither is private club golf. There are tons of great courses here on the front range - my home courses were Legacy Ridge and Heritage at Westmoor prior to joining BC. Frankly, I just got sick and tired of making tee times, shotty ranges, and 5+ hour rounds on weekends. That's ultimately the reason I joined BC. I never have to make a tee time. The course is always in fantastic shape. And I can come and go as I please within the company of other gentleman golfers!

That said, I agree the course is tricky. Very difficult. Everyone I take out there shoots 10 over their handicap easily their first time out. The greens are challenging and I agree the multiple tiers can be a bit much. That said, when I play elsewhere it makes every other course seem easier. So that's the positive from it.

Ultimately I didn't join Bear Creek through a math equation, because I'm sure I could have played public golf over a myriad of different courses for less. I joined for the experience. And so far, it's been an incredible one.

[ajsmith227]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1411753864' post='10189403']
[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1411591580' post='10177145']
[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1411486114' post='10169063']
[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1409887342' post='10067805']
[quote name='pseudoswede' timestamp='1409793057' post='10060391']
[url="http://issuu.com/coloradoavidgolfer/docs/2014_private_club_guide_-_issuu_fli?e=2437584/7338483"]http://issuu.com/col...2437584/7338483[/url]

Regular memberships are about $800/mo with $40,000 initiation fee.
[/quote]

And that right there is why I will never join Bear Creek. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice course. But for that kind of money you can play a lot of golf at several public courses in the area. Fox Hollow right across the street is just as much fun to play, Fossil Trace is also as nice, and there are many more within 30 minutes.

drn92
[/quote]

That guide is not correct. I'm a member of Bear Creek and joined earlier this summer and can tell you it certainly wasn't $40K or $800/month dues. It blows Fox Hollow out of the water both on routing, course conditions, difficulty, and experience. 5 hour rounds at Fox Hollow all day long. Bear Creek has 230 members, ProV1 range balls, and the best practice facility on the front range. I can play 18 holes in 2 1/2 hours if I want. Feel free to PM me with any questions regarding Bear Creek or I'd be happy to host you out there to see for yourself.
[/quote]

While I certainly appreciate your offer, and mean you no disrespect, Bear Creek is not my favorite course along the front range. I played the course in the past, and while it is in good shape and the facilities are nice, I found the layout a little tricky and forced and was not a fan of the green complexes (I believe it is an early Palmer design, and his severely tiered greens are not my favorite). Even at half the cost, an investment of $20k, plus an additional $5k/year, is way more than I am willing to spend on golf. $5k a year is 100 rounds at most of the front range courses, and the $20k initiation fee is another 400 rounds. I am lucky to play 15-20x per year (and even luckier to maintain a single digit on that much golf) and also have a family that plays, so not being able to bring them along is also a "no go" in my book. For my money, I prefer Fox Hollow, Fossil Trace, Heritage at Westmoor, and the Air Force Academy.

I am sure you will enjoy your membership.

drn92
[/quote]

No disrespect taken whatsoever! Bear Creek isn't for everyone and neither is private club golf. There are tons of great courses here on the front range - my home courses were Legacy Ridge and Heritage at Westmoor prior to joining BC. Frankly, I just got sick and tired of making tee times, shotty ranges, and 5+ hour rounds on weekends. That's ultimately the reason I joined BC. I never have to make a tee time. The course is always in fantastic shape. And I can come and go as I please within the company of other gentleman golfers!

That said, I agree the course is tricky. Very difficult. Everyone I take out there shoots 10 over their handicap easily their first time out. The greens are challenging and I agree the multiple tiers can be a bit much. That said, when I play elsewhere it makes every other course seem easier. So that's the positive from it.

Ultimately I didn't join Bear Creek through a math equation, because I'm sure I could have played public golf over a myriad of different courses for less. I joined for the experience. And so far, it's been an incredible one.
[/quote]

DTown3011,

Did you find any other clubs you might have considered? My wife and I are about your age and are looking to move to Denver soon.
Thanks for the write up on Bear Creek!

[drn92]

Bear Creek used to be men only, so iif you plan to play golf with your wife you may need to look elsewhere.

drn92

[ajsmith227]

[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1412638762' post='10245849']
Bear Creek used to be men only, so iif you plan to play golf with your wife you may need to look elsewhere.

drn92
[/quote]

That is still my understand at Bear Creek. My wife doesn't golf, for now, but was hoping to find a club in Denver with good golf, other amenities, and a social scene for the younger demos.

[drn92]

[quote name='ajsmith227' timestamp='1412693926' post='10249103']
[quote name='drn92' timestamp='1412638762' post='10245849']
Bear Creek used to be men only, so iif you plan to play golf with your wife you may need to look elsewhere.

drn92
[/quote]

That is still my understand at Bear Creek. My wife doesn't golf, for now, but was hoping to find a club in Denver with good golf, other amenities, and a social scene for the younger demos.
[/quote]

Pinehurst, Rolling Hills, and Red Rocks may be three other courses to check out on the west side of town. They will have a different vibe than Bear Creek and your wife will feel more welcome.

Drn92

[Password Is Taco]

Well I've been at Bear Creek for 6 months now and I aboslutely love the place. Converting my trial membership to full time and very happy to call that place my home course.

I'm 27, the trial membership was $1,000 and $400 a month plus whatever you rack up in cart, food and tournament costs. My usual monthly total was around 500-600 a month. If you're under 33 they prorate your initiation fee and the $1,000 gets taken off if you convert.

Great facility, great challenging course and awesome guys to hang out and play golf with.

[CSURam_06]

Taco, what is the full rate if you don't mind me asking. I'm 31 and looking at joining.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='CSURam_06' timestamp='1413847819' post='10322081']
Taco, what is the full rate if you don't mind me asking. I'm 31 and looking at joining.
[/quote]

I believe for you the initiation would be $12,000.

[denvergolf]

I used to be a member. I really enjoyed the course, the ease of use, relative lack of politics, and there used to be some good games in the mornings on the weekends.

[mlesser]

I have played Bear Creek a few times, whoever said this course is difficult is 100% right. You have to have your "A+" game I wouldn't join it myself as I wasn't a huge fan of the course and I shot 82, 78, 76 when I played it but for me for me the drive is just way too long. But, loved the fact that you do not have to worry about hacks out there and the pace of play is great.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='denvergolf' timestamp='1425692465' post='11093919']
I used to be a member. I really enjoyed the course, the ease of use, relative lack of politics, and there used to be some good games in the mornings on the weekends.
[/quote]

Agree on all points.

[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1425935618' post='11110365']
I have played Bear Creek a few times, whoever said this course is difficult is 100% right. You have to have your "A+" game I wouldn't join it myself as I wasn't a huge fan of the course and I shot 82, 78, 76 when I played it but for me for me the drive is just way too long. But, loved the fact that you do not have to worry about hacks out there and the pace of play is great.
[/quote]

Yup, it's tough as it's a target oriented golf course and you have to hit the right tiers on the greens. Puts a tremendous premium on distance control and ballstriking. The course actually plays well from a variety of the 7-8 tee boxes so I would suggest moving up a box the next time you play - I actually find the course to play much shorter than the yardage on the card.

[mlesser]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1425999785' post='11114661']
[quote name='denvergolf' timestamp='1425692465' post='11093919']
I used to be a member. I really enjoyed the course, the ease of use, relative lack of politics, and there used to be some good games in the mornings on the weekends.
[/quote]

Agree on all points.

[quote name='mlesser' timestamp='1425935618' post='11110365']
I have played Bear Creek a few times, whoever said this course is difficult is 100% right. You have to have your "A+" game I wouldn't join it myself as I wasn't a huge fan of the course and I shot 82, 78, 76 when I played it but for me for me the drive is just way too long. But, loved the fact that you do not have to worry about hacks out there and the pace of play is great.
[/quote]

Yup, it's tough as it's a target oriented golf course and you have to hit the right tiers on the greens. Puts a tremendous premium on distance control and ballstriking. The course actually plays well from a variety of the 7-8 tee boxes so I would suggest moving up a box the next time you play - I actually find the course to play much shorter than the yardage on the card.
[/quote]

I think I have had enough of Bear Creek, shot well, but honestly just didn't enjoy the course. There is a reason why the pace of play and the games out there are good. Because honestly that course is probably too much for anyone that is a double digit. Love that part, just don't love the course.

[coloradogolfer632]

anyone know if they have any sort of jr rate I'm 17.

[denvergolf]

It's definitely a course of managing your misses. There are just some spots based on pin locations that you just can't be (above a front hole location on 9 and 18 anyone) so you learn where to hit it. It doesn't take great ballstriking as much as being disciplined on where you pick your spots. 14 is a good example - the old head pro taught me it was best for me to bang driver up there and if I hit it in the creek, drop left because it's lateral and you still have a shot into the green. I'd still be there if lifestyle hadn't changed.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='denvergolf' timestamp='1426052465' post='11119855']
It's definitely a course of managing your misses. There are just some spots based on pin locations that you just can't be (above a front hole location on 9 and 18 anyone) so you learn where to hit it. It doesn't take great ballstriking as much as being disciplined on where you pick your spots. 14 is a good example - the old head pro taught me it was best for me to bang driver up there and if I hit it in the creek, drop left because it's lateral and you still have a shot into the green. I'd still be there if lifestyle hadn't changed.
[/quote]

Interesting on how to play 14. But with how narrow the chute gets over the bunkers, are you SUPER long or playing the up tees? From the tips, hitting driver really provides no advantage whatsoever unless you carry the bunkers in a 10 yard wide landing area and shoot the gap. I'd be in the creek left every time!!!

PS: I'll be out there Saturday!

[quote name='coloradogolfer632' timestamp='1426048268' post='11119595']
anyone know if they have any sort of jr rate I'm 17.
[/quote]

I'm sure they have a Junior membership or something similar, but the course is fully private so there isn't a Junior "rate" per say.

[denvergolf]

Back tees...hit over the bunker and its either really good or wet. If it's wet drop on the other side. Hit perfect you have 6 or 7 iron in. Pulled and you're dropping.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='denvergolf' timestamp='1426176730' post='11128779']
Back tees...hit over the bunker and its either really good or wet. If it's wet drop on the other side. Hit perfect you have 6 or 7 iron in. Pulled and you're dropping.
[/quote]

So with the drop on the other side (I assume the rough of hole 15) what is your typical distance in from over there? It's still 230 yards ++, no?

[denvergolf]

Yeah 200-230 straight up the gut. It doesn't seem logical but he swore by it, and that 3rd wedge shot is no picnic.

[DTown3011]

[quote name='denvergolf' timestamp='1426301549' post='11140097']
Yeah 200-230 straight up the gut. It doesn't seem logical but he swore by it, and that 3rd wedge shot is no picnic.
[/quote]

I couldn't bring myself to do it yesterday. I ended up hitting 3-wood over the bunker perfectly and having 230 into green from the middle of the fairway. Flared my hybrid into the creek short right, chipped up, and missed the putt for a 6. Damn hole.

Course is in great condition for this time of year and shocked there was nobody out there yesterday with 70* temps and perfect blue skies.