Pros:
+ Adds another quality course to the Greater Bangor area
+ All of the basics and amenities are covered:
• Baskets catch well, despite looking a bit on the older side (not sure what kind they are) but they get the job done.
• Tees are wood platforms covered in some sort of outdoor fabric to prevent slipping. They aren't overly large but they're level and get the job done.
• Tee signs are basic but large enough you can't miss them. #, distance & par - gettin' the job done. Next tee/directional signs aid navigation, though the next tee is usually in sight of the basket you just played.
• Benches, trash cans, brooms at each hole. There's a pro shop stocked with discs, drinks and snacks as well as a restroom in the ample parking lot. Additional Port-O-John available at 10 & 13.
+ Plays a loop, no crossing fairways, available elevation is used well. There's also decent variety in shots needed. The course doesn't really favor BH or FH.
+ The short, wooded nature of the course presents a challenge to anyone trying to work on distance control as well as anyone who is used to relying on poke-and-pray when presented with anything other than long bombers. There are clear lines out there, and it's always satisfying when you hit em.
+ Maintenance is top-notch for such a wooded course - any rough you may find isn't generally thick & the grounds are practically paved in wood chips, making the walk that much easier.
Cons:
- Obviously anyone looking for chances to air it out will be disappointed
- When busy it might feel a bit cramped. 12/18 holes are shorter than 300', next tees are often within spitting distance of previous baskets and fairways, while not crossing, can get veerrrrrry adjacent.
- The interstate is the soundtrack of the course
- $8/round might seem steep to some (more on that below)
Other Thoughts:
DR's Bear course in Orono is the little brother to the Lynx & Bobcat courses on the other side of Bangor in Orrington. Right off the interstate, it's a short, tight 18 that plays pretty quickly - I played solo in 45 minutes. It has all of the amenities you've come to know and love. Like DR Orrington, it's a walk in the woods among tall trees & well-clear/manicured fairways; it's obvious that a lot of work has gone into the place.
I find myself a bit conflicted about the Bear. It's got the same great signature as the other DR courses - lots of TLC, fantastic amenities & a fun walk thru the woods. The shortness & wooded nature of the course presents its own unique challenges & if I lived in the area I'd be stoked. That said, there are those who might find it a bit cramped, overly short and therefore not worth $8/round.
In regards to that $8 - it might seem steep for the 18 holes at the Bear, that's a matter of opinion, but if you can make a day of it instead, it makes way more sense to pay $12 for a day pass that way you can also head over to Orrington and play the courses there if you want. That's 63 holes for $12.
I found the Bear to be a fun course with its own flavor when compared to its big brother courses on the other side of town. Newbies will get a chance to hone skills and more advanced players will enjoy the ace run temptations that abound.