Black Bear Golf Club – 5 Things You Need to Know

Black Bear Golf Club is one of four Tom Jackson designs along the Grand Strand, and, located on Route 9, it’s an ideal layout to play on the way in or out of the area. The course opened in 1989 and is full of character (though a small part of it blew away with the top of the facility’s famous covered bridge in a hurricane!), but here is what you need to know before heading to a staple of the North Strand golf scene.

1. Something in a Name – A trip to Myrtle Beach conjures up images of great golf, sun, good times and … black bears? That’s right. Little known fact, Horry County is home to a thriving black bear population and they’ve been spotted on courses throughout the area, hence the unique name.

2. Hog Heaven – Black Bear has a tasty thank you to groups that visit the area through preferred package providers – a free pig pickin. Every Friday in the spring and fall, Black Bear has a pig roast, a party that has proven to be very popular with players. The hog is on the grill and players serve themselves. It’s a nice treat.

3. Follow the Straight Line – Black Bear is home to a collection of 23 finger lakes and ponds, providing the course with ample water. Though there is plenty of room to drown a ball, there are only two forced carries on the course. Players that hit it relatively straight, will leave with their golf bag still full of balls.

4.  Peace and Quiet – Seclusion ranks near the top of Black Bear’s many charms. The layout is devoid of all types of housing, enhancing Black Bear’s natural beauty and the staff’s ability to landscape the property.

5. You Might Remember When – Long-time Grand Strand golfers might remember Black Bear by its original name, Myrtle West.  The course assumed the name the Black Bear when new ownership took over in 2000.