Long before tigers roamed the earth there were bears prowling and growling. This reference, of course, is to Tiger Woods and the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus. Well respected golf course designer, Mr. Nicklaus, carved a masterpiece in the sleepy golf and ski resort area of Breckenridge, Colorado. To the unassuming naked eye, this three-nined golf course initially camouflages what lays in store. There are three distinct options to play, so I picked the Beaver/Bear nines, which had the highest slope/ratings category of 73.3/150. Played at an elevation of 9300 plus feet, the holes meander up, around and down, offering breathtaking vistas, clean, almost pristine, air, with each hole adding to and defining a peaking effect that almost defines a 'survival of the fittest' scenario.

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This remarkable property is open for a relatively short season, normally from the month of May through mid-November. With majestic mountain ranges serving as a backdrop, one can get in a round of golf and jump on a ski lift (stamina permitted) to cap a full day of thrills and “spills.“

The eighth hole on the Beaver Course is of note because after warming up for seven holes, this devious par 5 lays in wait to either infuriate or exhilarate you. From a deceptively elevated tee, usually against the wind, your initial tee ball has foliage, trees and water to negotiate. The second shot requires an all you can muster shot, with trees and water flanking both side of the fairway.

What “bears“ repeating, is returning to play this “bear“ of a course. Tiger eat your heart out.

from Ladies Golf Journey - Oct/Nov 2003