Bear's Best, Jack Nicklaus design near Atlanta

The Bear's Best golf course near Atlanta already has a lot going for it. It's a Jack Nicklaus design, of course, a compilation of 18 of his favorite holes from his more than 200 layouts. But this is no mere replica course. This is top-notch golf entertainment, a big, challenging track where even the impressive million-dollar homes take a back seat to Nicklaus' showcase.

Elevation gives this upscale public course its architectural and strategic energy. You'll be hitting uphill and downhill pretty much all day, and rarely off an even lie. The course is so good as a whole that the holes' origins become secondary. Not surprisingly, there isn't a weak one in the bunch. Bear's Best requires a variety of shots and will keep you engaged throughout the round.

Bear's Best Atlanta

No. 1 at Bear's Best outside Atlanta is modeled on the 10th at St. Mellion in England.

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Rock bunker at Bear's Best

It's a one-penalty stroke if you land in the rock bunker at Bear's Best Atlanta.

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Bear's Best Atlanta - no. 4

No. 4 at Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best Atlanta - no. 5

No. 5 at Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best Atlanta

No. 6 at Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best, Atlanta area, Georgia

Jack Nicklaus picked 18 of his favorite holes for Bear's Best in Suwanee, Georgia.

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Bear's Best Atlanta

Green fees range from about $90 to about $110 at Bear's Best.

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Snake at Bear's Best Atlanta

Beware of snakes at Bear's Best.

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11th at Bear's Best Atlanta

The par-3 11th at Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best Atlanta

Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best Atlanta

Bear's Best runs is a little more than 7,000 yards from the back tees.

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Bear's Best Atlanta

Bear's Best carries a 140 slope rating from tips.

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Bear's Best Atlanta

No. 13 at Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best clubhouse

Las Vegas and the Atlanta area host the United States' two Bear's Best courses.

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Bear's Best Atlanta

Bear's Best is a beautifully maintained course.

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Bear's Best Atlanta

Bear's Best outside Atlanta

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Bear's Best Atlanta

17th hole at Bear's Best outside Atlanta

Tim McDonald/GolfPublisher.com