ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Bear Slide Golf Club was listed among the 75 most affordable courses in the USA by Golf Digest and boasts a rare combination of Scottish links and parkland styles within one round.
About
Bear Slide Golf Club, designed by Dean Refram, is a celebrated public course in Cicero, Indiana blending a Scottish links-style front nine with a traditional back nine that traverses Bear Slide Creek and showcases notable elevation changes. Regularly recognized by Golf Digest among Indiana's top public courses, it offers a distinctive and varied challenge for golfers of all abilities.
Caddie Tip
The front nine rewards golfers who play low, running shots due to its links style, while strategic position off the tee becomes crucial on the traditional back nine where Bear Slide Creek and mature trees come into play. Be mindful of changing wind directions and manage your club selections carefully, especially on approaches to elevated greens.
The Main Challenge
The biggest challenge at Bear Slide is mastering the contrast between the open, wind-affected links holes on the front nine and the tighter back nine where water hazards, mature trees, and elevation changes come into play. Tee shots must be carefully placed, and approach shots require precision to avoid tricky hazards and sloping greens.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise Bear Slide’s variety, particularly the contrast between the links-style front nine and the classic parkland back nine. The course is renowned for its quality conditions, playability for all skill levels, and beautiful, tree-lined holes with memorable elevation changes that define its enjoyable atmosphere.
The Not So Good
Some golfers note that pace of play can be inconsistent during busy weekends, and that certain areas of the back nine can become soggy after heavy rains. Improving on-course signage and tee box conditions in late summer could further enhance the overall experience.
Signature Hole:
#
9
Bear Slide’s par-4 ninth hole is a dogleg right with a water hazard off the tee, requiring an accurate drive to the left for a clear approach to a flat green.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features a pro shop stocked with apparel and equipment, locker rooms, and a bar/grill offering food and drink both before and after your round. Friendly staff, rental clubs, and event facilities add to the full-service golfer experience at Bear Slide.
Practice Facilities
Bear Slide offers a well-maintained driving range, a large putting green, and a chipping area. The practice amenities give players ample space to warm up and work on all aspects of their game, making it an excellent site for lessons and skill development before any round.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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