What Is the Concept Behind Bear's Best?

Bear's Best Las Vegas takes a completely original approach to course design. Jack Nicklaus selected 18 of his most iconic holes from courses he designed across the globe and rebuilt them in the foothills of Summerlin. Each hole is a faithful reproduction of the original, giving golfers the chance to play legendary layouts from courses they may never visit otherwise. The result is a "greatest hits" collection from one of golf's most celebrated architects, all within a single round.

Is Bear's Best Open to the Public?

Yes. Bear's Best operates as a premium public course, meaning anyone can book a tee time without a membership. This accessibility sets it apart from Summerlin's private clubs. Green fees reflect the caliber of the experience, positioning Bear's Best as a step above standard municipal courses while remaining available to all golfers. The course is popular with both residents and visitors, making advance reservations a smart move during peak season from October through April.

What Are the Playing Conditions Like?

The course sits near The Ridges, one of Summerlin's most exclusive residential areas, and the elevation provides sweeping views of Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas skyline. Desert landscaping frames each fairway, and the Nicklaus design philosophy emphasizes strategic options off the tee. Conditions are maintained to a high standard year round, benefiting from the dry desert climate that keeps fairways firm and greens fast. The layout plays at a challenging length from the back tees but offers multiple tee boxes to accommodate all skill levels.

How Does Bear's Best Compare to Other Summerlin Courses?

Among public options, Bear's Best occupies the premium tier. Angel Park Golf Club offers a more accessible price point with two Arnold Palmer courses, while Bear's Best delivers a more curated, boutique experience. For golfers seeking the prestige of a Nicklaus design without the commitment of a private club, Bear's Best fills that gap perfectly.

Bear's Best Golf Club Summerlin: Nicklaus Design

by Ryan Rose

Bear's Best Golf Club Summerlin: Nicklaus Design

Bear's Best Las Vegas was a Jack Nicklaus designed public course in Summerlin that recreated 18 of his favorite holes from courses around the world. It closed to public play on June 28, 2025 and is being rebuilt as Amara Golf Club at The Ridges, a private members club.

What Was the Concept Behind Bear's Best?

Bear's Best Las Vegas took a completely original approach to course design. Jack Nicklaus selected 18 of his most iconic holes from courses he designed across the globe and rebuilt them in the foothills of Summerlin. Each hole was a faithful reproduction of the original, giving golfers the chance to play legendary layouts from courses they may never visit otherwise. The course opened in 2001 at 11111 West Flamingo Road, played to a par 72 at 7,194 yards, and worked as a "greatest hits" collection from one of golf's most celebrated architects, all within a single round.

Is Bear's Best Still Open to the Public?

No. The last day of public play at Bear's Best was June 28, 2025. The course no longer takes public tee times, and there is no daily fee option there anymore. If you are looking for public golf in Summerlin, Angel Park Golf Club and Siena Golf Club are the courses to look at instead. Anyone who still sees old tee time listings for Bear's Best is looking at outdated information.

What Is Replacing Bear's Best?

Mulligan Holdings Inc., led by Andrew Pascal and Mike Mixer, bought the property for $30.5 million and is spending up to $300 million to turn it into Amara Golf Club at The Ridges. Amara is planned as a private members only club with club villas and custom homes on the site. Reported timing puts the club reopening in October 2026, with the residences following in 2027. The setting stays the same, near The Ridges with sweeping views of Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas skyline, but the access model changes from public to private.

How Does the Site Compare to Other Summerlin Courses?

With Bear's Best off the public list, Angel Park Golf Club carries the everyday public golf load in Summerlin with its two Arnold Palmer courses and a friendlier price point. TPC Summerlin, The Summit Club, and Red Rock Country Club remain the private names in the community. Amara is set to join that private group rather than compete for public rounds, which puts the old Bear's Best land in a different category than it held for the last two decades.

Local Market Insight

According to Ryan Rose of Rose Homes LV, homes near the former Bear's Best and The Ridges attract buyers who care about both golf and high end surroundings. The shift from a public course to a private club changes the pitch for that pocket of Summerlin. Buyers who wanted walk up tee times next door now look elsewhere for daily play, while buyers who want a private club at the end of the street are watching the Amara plans closely.