Northern Bear Golf Club

Northern Bear roars again and “Is the best it has been in a while”

 By Gord Montgomery, Senior Writer, Inside Golf

 While Northern Bear, located just outside Sherwood Park, may have lost their wonderful clubhouse back in early January of 2024 they never lost any part of their wonderful Jack Nicklaus-designed layout. After all, you may spend an hour or so in the clubhouse post-round but you spend more than four hours on the golf course itself.

To that end, Executive Professional Blair McDowell said that his track has maintained its quality in challenging players of all calibre, shown yearly by the fact they continue to host not only local club swingers but the ATB Classic on the PGA TOUR AMERICAS, sans clubhouse.

“It wasn’t significant playing-wise,” for green fee players, McDowell noted of the fire and the loss of the clubhouse, other than that loss impacted their food and beverage sales and wedding events. “For the golf, it was very similar to before. There was nothing that affected the golf course.”

To that end, the pro tour was pleased to swing into action again that summer, and beyond, showing the course held its own even during those stressful post-fire times. “That in itself says a lot about what’s important, the golf. Even when you have temporary structures, temporary facilities in play. The golf course is the most important thing. That’s one thing why they love coming here – the golf course is so good.”

While not dodging the question about the the past and Northern Bear having had some turf issues McDowell noted that now the course is in fine shape. So in 2025 Northern Bear is back waiting to challenge players of all levels, from those just getting into the game to those looking to make a living playing the game professionally.

“We do now have a golf course that is where we want it to be,” stated McDowell. “We’re now back to 100 per cent and we’re excited about that. It’s the best it has been in a while,” meaning you and your playing partners shouldn’t be hesitant in booking a tee time to take on this great layout. “Exactly. There should be no trepidation in wanting to come out and play,” said the pro.

While the course is back up to par, there is of course the lack of a clubhouse. But, the fine folks at the course have set up seven trailers to take care of pre- and post-game needs, including a pro shop, washrooms, and a food and beverage area, so while the off-course amenities at present may not be what the public was used to, the facilities are there to enjoy a post-game game breakdown over a libation or two.

Interestingly enough, McDowell said that plans are on the table for a new clubhouse and they are well underway.

“They’re in the final stages right now,” he noted. “We haven’t yet signed off on the final stages,” but he hinted when the shovels hit the ground to restore what was by far the most impressive clubhouse anywhere in the Edmonton area, things could soon be as they once were. “Actually, yeah. It will be same type of design or at least that’s what we’re hoping for.”

So, for the clubhouse as in the game itself, there is always hope that tomorrow will be a better day. But be assured of one thing – as you tee up your next round at Northern Bear there is no need to hope for a better day because every day on this top-notch layout is a great day.

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