Taming the Beastly Second
The par-4 second is whispered about among local regulars for the way it can derail a card early. Its full stretch demands power and accuracy, instantly setting the tone for a 'real golf' day right out of the gate.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Black Bear Golf Club
Parker, Colorado
Established
1996
Architect
Jeff Brauer
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,014 – 7,143 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict
A Scenic, Demanding Public Gem
Black Bear Golf Club delivers a robust Colorado test, blending length and shot-making with an inviting public-access vibe. While it won’t draw national golf pilgrims, it shines as a regional go-to for challenge, variety, and genuine local character.
Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery72
Conditioning74
Shot Variety75
Walkability62
Green Complexity70
Wow Factor68
Design Quality71
Don't miss
Ask the staff for advice on clubbing the wind-blown par-3 eighth—the locals know its swirling gusts can make or break your front nine.
At a glance
Quick facts
Former name
Canterberry Golf Club
Notable recognition
Golf Digest Top 10 Best New Affordable Public 1997
Total par threes
4, including two over 200 yards
Located in
Parker, Colorado
Back tee rating/slope
73.7 / 142
Practice facility
Full driving range and putting green
Clubhouse
Recently remodeled with simulators
Amateur events hosted
CGA, Summit Cup, charity tournaments
The design
The architecture
Jeff Brauer’s layout at Black Bear Golf Club carves a classic, modern parkland route through rolling Colorado terrain, blending elevation changes and bold hole variety from the very start. The routing leverages the site’s natural undulation to craft memorable par 3s and rewarding, risk-reward par 5s. While not destination golf, Black Bear tests local shot-making mettle with a challenging but playable personality, punctuated by tough early holes and a late stretch that can swing any scorecard.
Jeff Brauer’s penchant for bold use of Colorado’s natural movement is evident across the routing, providing a course that feels both welcoming to locals and worthy of championship moments.
Defining features
- Sweeping elevation changes on several holes
- Four par 3s stretching from 165 to 230 yards
- A mix of long, tough par 4s and reachable par 5s
- Well-guarded, contoured greens
- Native grasses and strategic bunkering
- Tree-lined but open enough for wind to play a role
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Early Gauntlet
PAR
4
YARDAGE
456
This lengthy, muscular par 4 challenges players immediately after the opening hole, demanding both distance off the tee and a nervy long-iron or hybrid approach to a well-defended green. It stands as the round’s first separator, where making par can feel like a birdie.
Play it smart
Play for position center/right on the fairway to allow a full view into the green without flirting with the most penalizing landing zones.
Where it bites
Errant drives left bring trouble quickly, and even good tee balls can face tricky long approaches; bogey is a common outcome for the uncommitted.
Course management
Shots to think about
Challenging second on hole 2
Aim center-green, avoid the front bunkers, and accept a two-putt par.
Windy long par-3 eighth
Play for the middle, use enough club, and don't chase a back flag unless you’re certain.
Temptation on driveable 11th
Lay back with iron or hybrid—accuracy beats length and sets up a true birdie chance.
Aggressive play on par-5 13th
If in position, go for it—but lay up if the wind’s up or your angle is awkward.
Approach on 17
Favor the safe side to avoid short-siding and stay in the hunt for a solid close.
Second shot into 18
Club down and play for the heart of the green—avoid late-round mental errors.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Course maintenance has steadily improved with new irrigation and clubhouse upgrades; expect well-kept greens, though some fairways may still show seasonal wear.
Pace
Can be moderately busy, especially on weekends; pace typically around 4:30 for 18 holes.
Vibe
Locally oriented, friendly, and welcoming to public players without stuffiness.
Dress code
Golf attire preferred—collared shirts, golf bottoms; avoid denim and gym wear.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Arrive Early
Warm up on the expansive range and putting green—par saves start with a good feel for the greens.
02
Bring Extra Balls
The long par 3s and native grasses can claim tee shots—plan for a couple more than usual.
03
Check the Wind
Monitor wind conditions on arriving; holes 8 and 16 play especially tough when gusty.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1996
Opened as Canterberry Golf Club, designed by Jeff Brauer
- 1997
Recognized by Golf Digest as Top 10 Best New Affordable Public Courses in North America
- 2023
Hosted Colorado Golf Association championships
- 2026
Hosted Summit Cup junior Ryder Cup-style event
- 2026
Course condition upgrades and clubhouse remodel completed
Stories & legends
What makes it special
From Affordable to Acclaimed
In its first year, Black Bear—then Canterberry—earned national notice as a Top 10 'Best New Affordable Public Course.' That early high praise set the standard for what would become Parker's go-to championship public access track.
The Big Swing on 16
As rounds reach their closing stretch, the long par-3 sixteenth stands as a dramatic test. Members know it's where heroics are possible, but so is a costly late-round mistake.
A Course Revitalized
Following recent irrigation upgrades and a clubhouse overhaul, regulars rave that the course has never played better. The improvements have brought new life to Parker's flagship public round.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Opened as Canterberry and renamed Black Bear.
2
Once recognized among Golf Digest's best new affordable courses.
3
Features four par 3s, two of which stretch past 200 yards.
4
Has hosted Colorado amateur championships and unique junior 'Summit Cup' events.
5
Clubhouse renovations in 2026 included new indoor golf simulators.
Build the trip
If you're making a Denver-area golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Club at Pradera
Public
Dramatic routing, challenging companion to Black Bear.
Fossil Trace Golf Club
Public
Distinctive terrain and memorable public experience.
CommonGround Golf Course
Municipal
Strong value and highly regarded local design.
Colorado Golf Club
Private
One of Colorado's premier private tracks (if invited).
Stay in Parker, Cherry Creek, or southeast Denver for the ideal balance of lodging, dining, and central access to multiple courses.
Course DNA
If You Like Black Bear Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.3
The Woodcreek Club
Elgin, South CarolinaWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Woodcreek Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.1
Otterkill Golf & Country Club
Campbell Hall, New YorkWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Otterkill Golf & Country Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Coal Club
Brookwood, AlabamaWhy it matches: Coal Club is a natural next stop after Black Bear Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
The architect's other work
More from Jeff Brauer
The Quarry at Giants Ridge
Biwabik, MinnesotaDramatic, rugged, top-ranked Minnesota golf
The Legend at Giants Ridge
Biwabik, MinnesotaRugged North Woods golf with bold drama
Cowboys Golf Club
Grapevine, TexasSuper Bowl spirit meets championship golf
Community Sentiment
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