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Do or Dye Golf Comes to Central Florida - Black Bear Golf Club
A Perfect Place For Those Who Eat, Drink and Sleep Golf
By David Blondell
Boasting what many consider as 18 of the most unique holes in the area, Black Bear Golf Club is a solid, straightforward test of your golfing mettle. Built as a classic Scottish or Irish links course by renowned architect P.B. Dye in the gently rolling hills of Lake County (in Eustis, only 30 minutes northwest of Orlando), Black Bear is a true "Golfer's Club" for those who eat, drink and sleep golf.
The winding road up to the clubhouse reveals a golf course that has the hilly, mounded, relatively treeless look of the great links courses of the world. Moreover, with the plentiful array of deep grass and gaping sand bunkers that face you on most every shot, a flat stance is the exception here if you stray from the fairway. Throw in a good, howling wind that typifies these great tracks, and you've got all you can handle. But there's more, lad.
Once negotiated, the greens should provide a nice, easy break, right? Sorry- Black Bear's greens range from big to gigantic, and from merely difficult to knee-knockingly tough. They are kept fast, putt true, and feature both extreme contours and artistic subtleties, although unlike classic links greens - which are often impossible to hold - these do hold well and will reward accurate shots.
Indeed, Black Bear challenges the most talented player, yet is playable for the high handicapper. Opened in 1995, this 18-hole championship course has six sets of tees to accommodate any skill level and ensure a great golf experience, as the course measures from 5,000 to 7,000 yards.
And what makes Black Bear so unique? Dye carved the course into 80-100 feet of sugar sand to create dramatic elevation changes. There is virtually no rough, as all 175 acres are mowed to fairway height; the firm, hard-packed soil on which the course is built is given to tight lies and plenty of roll, and has a surprisingly authentic links feel to it. Black Bear is an inverted course - the recessed elevation creates a timeless look and a feeling of solitude for the golfer. There are only two small lakes on the course and no forced carries - Dye believes that forced carries do not challenge the low handicapper, and only penalize the high handicapper.
To tune up for this unique challenge and "Dare the Bear," high and low handicappers alike can also take comfort in the fact that Black Bear's practice facilities are among the best around. Featuring a double-ended driving range with excellent target areas, a 40,000 square-foot short game practice area and an enormous practice green, Black Bear also boasts an outstanding teaching facility. The Black Bear Golf Academy provides an excellent instructional program with state-of-the-art technology that is sure to improve your game and give you confidence.
True to its claim to be a perfect place for those who eat, drink and sleep golf, Black Bear's relaxing clubhouse features many amenities, including a fully-stocked proshop and delicious sandwiches from the bar & grill. You will be impressed by the quality of service that you will receive by Black Bear's professional staff, ensuring that your day here is fun and memorable. No tennis courts, no swimming pools ... just pure championship golf.
With all the great adventures that await you, Black Bear is truly a "Do or Dye" golf experience that you must try for yourself!
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For more information, reservations or tee times, please call toll free, 866-342-4782
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