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Course Report
The course features three separate nines, each with its own unique dune, wetland, and hazard features, providing a constantly changing challenge and scenery throughout a round.
About
Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View, Delaware is a 27-hole Rick Jacobson design set on natural coastal sand dunes, just three miles from Bethany Beach. Renowned for winding bentgrass fairways, oversized greens, and strategic hazards, it consistently ranks among Delaware's top public plays and features three distinct nines: Grizzly, Kodiak, and Black Bear.
Caddie Tip
Visually intimidating hazards abound, so commit to your aiming point and trust the width of the landing areas. Playing conservatively off the tee and favoring the safer side of fairways will help you avoid the course’s deep sand and wetland trouble spots.
The Main Challenge
Bear Trap Dunes’ toughest challenge comes from visually intimidating hazards—expansive waste areas, native grasses, and water—combined with frequently bending fairways that demand careful planning and club selection. Wind off the coast adds an extra strategic layer, especially on approaches and tee shots on exposed holes.
The Good
Golfers love Bear Trap Dunes for its scenic coastal setting with natural dunes, well-maintained fairways, and variety between its three nines. It’s widely praised for a strong layout that offers both challenge and playability, with oversized greens, strategic bunkering, and a peaceful atmosphere that's just a few minutes from the beach.
The Not So Good
Some players report that, during peak season, pace of play can become slow due to course popularity. A few note that the course can hold water after heavy rain, making certain low-lying holes soggy, and wish for a wider variety of tee time availability during summer weekends.
Signature Hole:
#
18
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Clubhouse
The clubhouse features a large lounge, open-air restaurant, locker rooms, event space, and pro shop stocked with the latest gear and apparel. Hospitality is a highlight, with attentive staff and food and beverage service available before and after your round.
Practice Facilities
Bear Trap Dunes offers a full driving range, short game area, and putting green for pre-round warmup and practice. Range balls are available, and the facilities are suitable for both serious practice and casual warmups before play.
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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