Bear's Best Las Vegas

Bear\'s Best Las Vegas opened in 2002 as a completely unique concept in golf: Jack Nicklaus hand-picked 18 of his favorite holes from the 270+ courses he designed worldwide and recreated them on a single property in the Las Vegas desert. Each hole is a faithful replica of a specific Nicklaus design, giving players a "greatest hits" experience.

The course sold in 2024 for $30.5 million. It is one of only two Bear\'s Best facilities (the other is in Atlanta). The concept lets public golfers experience holes from exclusive private courses they would otherwise never play.

Each hole includes signage explaining which original course it replicates and the design philosophy behind it, making the round both a golf experience and an architecture tour.

Each hole replicates a specific famous Nicklaus design from around the world, with signage explaining the original course and design intent. Holes draw from PGA West, Castle Pines, Cabo del Sol, Old Works, and other iconic venues.

The routing flows surprisingly well for a compilation course. Desert landscaping frames each hole, and conditioning is typically very good for a public facility. It plays as a cohesive round rather than a disconnected collection.

The concept makes every hole an adventure — you\'re essentially touring the highlights of Nicklaus\'s career in a single round.

Study the tee markers and signage. Understanding which famous hole you\'re playing and its original strategic intent helps with course management.

The black-sand bunkers on holes 4 and 11 play identically to regular sand but are visually disorienting. Don\'t let the color affect your technique.

Desert target golf principles apply throughout: stay in the short grass and avoid the waste areas.

The desert elevation and dry air mean the ball flies farther. Adjust club selection accordingly.