Franklin, New Jersey · Northern & Central New Jersey

Black Bear Golf Club

Jack Kurlander's 1996 layout over rolling hills: 65 bunkers, a 204-yard par 3 with water at the 7th, and a 275-yard par 4 at 15 for the long hitters.

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About Black Bear Golf Club

Black Bear opened in July 1996, designed by Jack Kurlander, the developer behind it, with David Glenz. It's a par 72 of 6,673 yards from the black tees over rolling ground, and it goes down to 4,785 from the reds, so it suits most groups. The course counts 65 bunkers, and 13 of the 18 holes are tree-lined, with seven of the nine doglegs turning left. Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data.

Water comes into play on only two holes, the 2nd and the 7th, and the 7th is the one to know: a 204-yard par 3 from the tips with a drop area, per the scorecard, if your tee shot gets wet. Late in the round the 15th is a 275-yard par 4 from the back, short enough to think about. On the 10th, the range is out of bounds.

The practice setup is the other draw. Black Bear has a lighted, double-ended range and the resort's David Leadbetter Golf Academy, plus a chipping area and putting greens, and there's a restaurant and bar in the clubhouse. Zagat rated it "very good to excellent", though the resort doesn't give a year.

It's one of 75 courses Yoink watches in the Northern & Central New Jersey area, and the closest alternative is Cascades Golf Club, about 3 miles away — handy when your first choice is booked solid.

What it's like to play Black Bear Golf Club

There's real elevation change: some holes rise or fall about 102 feet from tee to green.

Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data (ODbL).

Booking a tee time at Black Bear Golf Club

Black Bear books through Crystal Springs Resort, online or at 833-279-0694, up to 14 days ahead. Rewards members get 21 days and Premier members 30. The pro shop is 973-864-8891.

How to get a tee time at Black Bear Golf Club

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If Black Bear Golf Club looks full for the day you want, it usually isn't for long: groups drop, rounds get moved and times reopen at all hours.

Yoink checks the sheet for you. Set a watch for the date, window and group size you want, and you'll get a push notification as soon as a spot opens — then book it directly with Black Bear Golf Club.

  1. Pick Black Bear Golf Club in Yoink.
  2. Choose your day, time window and number of players.
  3. Get an alert when a matching tee time opens — then book it directly with the course.
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Golf courses near Black Bear Golf Club

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Black Bear Golf Club FAQ

Where is Black Bear Golf Club?

Black Bear Golf Club is in Franklin, New Jersey, in the Northern & Central New Jersey area — about 3 miles from Cascades Golf Club.

When did Black Bear Golf Club open?

Black Bear Golf Club opened in July 1996.

Is Black Bear Golf Club open to the public?

Black Bear Golf Club is resort (Crystal Springs Resort), public tee times.

How many holes is Black Bear Golf Club, and what's par?

Black Bear Golf Club is an 18-hole regulation course: 18 holes, par 72, 6,652 yards.

How do I get a tee time at Black Bear Golf Club when it's booked up?

Set a watch for Black Bear Golf Club in Yoink with your date, time window and group size. Yoink monitors the course's tee sheet and alerts you the moment a matching time opens, including cancellations. You book directly with the course.

What golf courses are near Black Bear Golf Club?

Nearby options include Cascades Golf Club, Wild Turkey Golf Club and Ballyowen Golf Club. Yoink watches 75 courses in the Northern & Central New Jersey area.

Sources

Facts on this page come from these pages, checked 2026-09-29. Rates and booking rules change, so confirm with the course.

Never miss a tee time at Black Bear Golf Club

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