Top Ten Reasons Black Bear Golf Course Continues to Improve
By Greg Johnson –
In 2024, Black Bear Golf Course was voted the most improved course in the country by the GolfPass online audience. In 2025, the improvements are continuing under now second-year owners, Olivia and Rob Smith.
The Gaylord Golf Mecca checked in with Olivia this week and compiled a list of the top 10 things this family operation has improved. Read on to find out why Black Bear has become a valued member of the 17 courses that make up the Mecca.
1.
The reputation of Black Bear has skyrocketed from online reviews. Olivia points out that they were just above a 2.0 average when they took over operations and have now moved above 4.0.
2.
Course conditions have improved with the key ingredients of fertilizer, water and mowing, as well as elbow grease. They realized course conditions were a major concern when they took over. So, they replaced 700-900 sprinkler heads and improved the irrigation system. Olivia said conditioning has improved 100 percent, and she is not exaggerating.
3.
Rounds played quadrupled from 2023 to 2024. So far this season, they are running almost double what they did one year ago. Word has spread that Black Bear is back as a quality golf experience. The numbers prove it.
4.
A new cart fleet has contributed greatly to the experience. Remember, this is a course where you play the 19th hole first, sort of as a warm-up, and then you play the full 18. It’s on beautiful Northern Michigan rolling terrain, so a good cart is needed by most golfers.
5.
The course is not only a Mecca cooperative marketing member, but now a Golf Association of Michigan member, too. Your scores on 1-18 can be posted for your USGA Handicaps.
6.
The new Black Bear Bourbon Bar and the Black Bear Bar & Grill have made the course a dining destination, too. Steak and bourbon go well with a summer golf round in Northern Michigan, and Black Bear offers it in top-notch fashion. They are open year-round, too.
7.
The clubhouse had a facelift, and the pro shop was revamped as well. Things look new and improved on the property. It’s clear the Smith family has a passion for making it a wonderful place to golf, dine and have fun. Even the parking lot was improved with lighting and more.
8.
It’s not just food year-round at Black Bear, either. Two Foresight Falcons Simulators have been installed and are staying busy. On a recent day when golfers arrived to find out the tee sheet was loaded, they opted for the simulators. Olivia says they gave great feedback, too.
9.
The price is right at Black Bear Golf Course. It remains one of the more affordable and especially well-conditioned courses in Northern Michigan.
10.
If that is not enough, they have added live entertainment for the grill and bar patrons on Thursday nights. Olivia said they want Black Bear to be more than just a place to play golf. They want all aspects of it to be fun, relaxing and a beautiful place to spend some time. Consider it still improving because that is what they do around here.
