Black Bear Golf Club, TopTracer Range & Restaurant — Local services in Florida

If you’re looking for some of the best golf between Ocala and Daytona, there is no better choice than Black Bear in Eustis. Black Bear is a P.B. Dye design and from the looks of it, his father would be proud. What it lacks in Pete Dye trademark railroad tie bunkers and risk reward carry-the-water holes, it makes up for in fairway bunkers and difficult greenside bunkers many of them nestled into the surrounding mounds. In all, there are over 120 bunkers throughout the layout.

On several holes, finding the fairway off the tee can be easier than at most courses; the mounding and dunes on the peripheries tend to funnel the ball back into the middle. Approaching the green from the short grass is a definite benefit as you’ll need all the help you can get to hit some of the smallest greens in the area. It’s not uncommon to find a green that’s over 150 feet long but only 35 feet wide. Or vice versa. The dunes also serve to isolate each hole, giving you the feeling that your group is the only one on the course. Although this Bermuda rough may not look difficult in its brown, dormant state, it’s cut short and still provides the same challenge.

The greens at Black Bear are a story all to themselves. Collectively, they are probably the smallest greens I have played in Florida. That said, there are a couple that are about 150 feet long, but only 35 feet wide or deep! Like the rest of the course, there’s a lot of undulation in the greens, and they are typically quick.

The two finishing holes at Black Bear Golf Club not only define the course, they are two of the three hardest holes on the course. Number 17 plays 413 yards from the Black Tees. Hitting a good drive often catches the downslope in the middle of the fairway and leaves a manageable shot into a green that sits about 30 feet above the fairway. Anything left and short is likely to find one of the 4 sand traps that adorn the area.

Water comes into play on Number 18 and dominates the hole. From the Black Tees, anything hit longer than 265 yards is likely wet. The hole is 386 yards long with a bunker in the landing area on the right side. A good drive down the middle will still leave about 140 yards over water into an elevated, long, narrow green with a bunker back right. End your round with two pars or better and there’s a good chance you’re in the money!

Last Word: If your golf course has the name “Dye” associated with it, odds are you’re going to garner some special attention, and rightfully so. P.B. Dye has done an excellent job with Black Bear, taking full advantage of the sandy, rolling terrain. The elevation changes are significant for this part of the state and the elevated greens have you constantly thinking about club selection. There’s plenty of room off the tee which is good, because Black Bear is all about your approach shot. You’re often playing uphill and into odd-shaped greens, many of which are very long yet extremely narrow. There’s also a lot of undulation in them. If you’re going to post a low score at Black Bear, you’ll need to have one of your best days of chipping, pitching and putting.

In the event your highly competitive golf match is tied at the end of 18 holes, Black Bear offers a way to break the tie: The 19th Hole, a short shot over the water to settle the score once and for all. The course allows golfers of all abilities to have some fun and enjoy the challenge of playing a wide open but challenging tournament standard undulating links style layout.

For what you get, the greens fees are more than reasonable. In season rates are ridiculously low and off season or “shoulder” rates often include something “extra” such as a hat, polo or lunch. Rounds to Black Bear can also be purchased on many of the major...

We recently visited to celebrate our father’s birthday with a group of five. Unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing due to how we were treated by a staff member, Katie.

When we arrived, half of our group went to the bay while the other half, including myself, ordered nearly $50 worth of drinks at the bar. While we were still getting situated, Katie approached two members of our group regarding a Stanley cup filled only with water, saying it needed to be put away. Although we understand and respect company policies (and acknowledge the signage after the fact), the way this situation was handled was completely unacceptable.

Within a very short time frame — no more than 3–5 minutes — Katie approached us again, this time much more aggressively. This was the first interaction most of us had with her, and her tone made several of us feel uncomfortable. Our mom responded calmly, saying she would place the cup in her purse, and at that time Katie seemed satisfied and her attitude shifted positively. We genuinely thought the issue was resolved and continued on, still excited to celebrate and order food.

To make matters even more frustrating, as we were leaving later, we noticed several other groups bringing full coolers from the parking lot toward the bays and people drinking beer they clearly brought themselves. It was obvious that outside beverages were being brought in — yet nothing was said to them. Meanwhile, our group was singled out over a water bottle that we had already respectfully addressed. The inconsistency in how policies were enforced was shocking and made the entire situation feel extremely unfair and ridiculous.

Shortly after ordering, we realized a drink was missing. My mom went to the bar to ask — only to be told that our group was no longer being served due to the Stanley cup situation. This was especially frustrating because during the initial conversation, Katie never once indicated that it would escalate to that point. If this was going to be a dealbreaker, it should have been communicated clearly and respectfully in the moment — not left for us to find out by surprise 10 minutes later.

To be fair, I want to acknowledge the bright spot in this experience: another server Eunice. She was incredibly sweet, professional, and had a wonderful attitude despite the tension caused by the earlier situation. Eunice truly went out of her way to still make us feel welcome, and she deserves recognition for her positivity and great service.

Unfortunately, Katie’s passive-aggressive behavior continued. She even raised her voice at us, asking “Are you going to close your card before you all walk away?” — despite the fact that our group was still at our bay with plenty of balls left to hit. Her tone was accusatory and completely uncalled for.

Eventually, my father requested a refund and addressed Katie’s unprofessional attitude directly, but she refused to acknowledge any issue with how she handled the situation.

All in all, we are extremely disappointed. Every member of our group has experience working in customer service and the restaurant industry — we fully understand the importance of following rules, but we also know the importance of professionalism, communication, and respect. None of those standards were met here.

I genuinely regret having to leave this review, because we were excited to celebrate a special occasion and create memories. Instead, we left feeling disrespected, singled out, and...

First, I will start by saying that 1 star is too much for this horrendous first experience at the black bear golf club and I certainly won't be coming back. After years of playing golf, this is the first time I have had such a bad experience.

Second, the guy working in the pro shop (check-in) should learn some people skills. It doesn't take too much to say "good morning" to the customers approaching him at the register. Rather, he gave you the feeling that you were annoying him by speaking to him.

Third, it was brisk day outside and we (2 people, 1 cart) stopped at the turn for a hot drink and perhaps a small soup. We were greeted at the restaurant door asked if we were at the turn and quickly told we cannot stay long and were being pressured to get in and get back out on the course. Food purchases were limited to some pre-made burgers and hot dogs under a heat lamp ("grab and go"). After paying and using the restroom an owner literally told us to get out and continue playing, very rude. According to him, "We were stopping the flow of play and there were A LOT of people behind us" - Ridiculous. After this unprovoked interaction the management stated "I tried to warn you” as we walked out. There was hardly anyone on the course and we were ahead of the playing pace so I didn't really understand why we were forced out in under 10 minutes. There was also no starter / marshal, so rate of play and pairing was not being utilized. On the back nine there were 3 singles in a line. They seem to rely on just berating people in the club house to keep the rate of play. We still finished 45 minutes under the recommended pace, held up no one, and all after wasting a few precious minutes at the turn.

Lastly, I am tremendously disappointed, it's hard to believe they so casually treat people so poorly and the trend from the reviews has been confirmed. As for the course itself, it does present some challenges and the fairways were nice, but the greens were not good at all. They were full of gangly patches and riddled with unfixed divots and pin movements. Not worth the money they are asking and you won't be treated nicely. Spend your...