Bear
Creek's playing conditions have greatly improved over the years. The
most recent improvement is a new #7 green, adding 50 yards. The course
extends 6271 yards over two circuits. A creek lines the left-hand
side of #8. A bunker greets the ball of the long-ball hitter. The
creek follows along #9, while trees catch the right-hand side. A green-side
pond waits silently on the 2nd hole--a ball collector for some, a
thrilling hole-in-one for others.
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The
3rd hole, a 390-yard par 4 dogleg left starts at an elevated tee offering
opportunity to shortcut over trees or play safely in the fairway.
Bear Creek's 4th is a 538-yard par 5 with a long and wavy left-bending
fairway outlined on the right with budding trees and on the left with
a scraggly rough and a hill. A pond-like bunker fronts the right-front
edge of the bi-level, left-sloping 4th green. The top rated 5th hole
a 419-yard par 4, ventures off a panoramic elevated tee and concludes
at a left rear sloping green fronted by a depression. The newest addition
of tees on #17 & #18 require a straight shot through a tunnel
of trees.
Except for the sound of an occasional jet, this
pastoral venue is serene. The dual-tee set-up, which in the early
days used mats, now has grass tees. Many of Bear Creek's tees are
elevated. Nearly every hole affords views of the nearby Sawtooth Range
and Pasayten Wilderness area. Hole #5 and #7 give a picturesque view
of Mt. Gardner.
Local wildlife includes deer, bear,
moose, cougar, coyotes, and upland birds.
Many have had the pleasure of timing their walk up the #3 cart path
to spot a turtle burying her eggs. "The Methow Valley's Bear
Creek Golf Course close by Winthrop is quite possibly the best nine
hole golf course in the state. While you might be playing the same
greens on the back nine, you have to approach the holes with your
drive from teeing areas widely separated from the front side. It makes
for extremely interesting golf. Now, add hills, gullies and water
to the equation and you have a challenging track. All this plus spectacular
mountain scenery and generally favorable weather and Bear Creek adds
up to an unbeatable golfing experience. Just one thing more: The 1st
hole is the best opening hole one could ask for-- wide open and not
too long. It just says 'Go ahead and whack it friend, but I'll get
you on number 5.' " - Bob Cram