Bear’s Best Atlanta: What to Know About This Premier Johns Creek Golf Course

If you’re a golfer in the Atlanta area, Bear’s Best Atlanta in Johns Creek is one of the courses that comes up again and again. Designed as a “best of” collection of Jack Nicklaus holes from around the world, it offers a destination-style golf experience without leaving metro Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what Bear’s Best Atlanta is, how it fits into the local golf scene, what to expect in terms of layout, cost, and logistics, and practical tips for Atlanta residents and visitors planning a round.

Where Bear’s Best Atlanta Fits in the Metro Golf Scene

Bear’s Best Atlanta is located in Johns Creek, GA, roughly 25–35 miles north of central Atlanta, depending on where you’re coming from:

• From Downtown Atlanta / Midtown: plan on about 45–60 minutes by car in typical traffic.
• From Buckhead / Brookhaven: generally 35–50 minutes.
• From Alpharetta / Duluth / Peachtree Corners: often 15–25 minutes.

For many Atlanta golfers, Bear’s Best is considered:

• A “special occasion” course (for client outings, birthdays, or buddy trips).
• A favorite for tournaments and corporate events.
• A good option for visitors staying in North Fulton / Gwinnett who want a high-end public-access round.

It’s not a municipal “value” course; it’s more of a premium daily-fee / semi-private experience with country club-style conditioning.

Key Facts About Bear’s Best Atlanta

Below is a quick at-a-glance summary for planning:

Because rates and policies can change, it’s smart to confirm details directly with the club before you book.

What Makes Bear’s Best Atlanta Unique?

A “Greatest Hits” Jack Nicklaus Experience

Instead of a single, original layout, Bear’s Best Atlanta recreates signature Jack Nicklaus holes from famous courses he designed around the world. This gives you:

• Variety in visuals and strategy from hole to hole.
• A taste of desert-style, parkland, and links-influenced setups in one round.
• A course that feels different from traditional Metro Atlanta layouts.

Golfers often notice:

• Distinct bunkering and green complexes that reward precise approach shots.
• Elevated greens and run-off areas that demand short-game creativity.
• Well-framed tee shots with clear targets, but trouble if you miss too far offline.

Conditioning and Presentation

Bear’s Best typically aims to maintain:

• Consistently smooth greens that roll faster than many public tracks.
• Clean fairways and tee boxes, with a “country club” presentation.
• Well-maintained bunkers and defined rough.

For Atlanta residents used to crowded, worn municipal courses, this can feel like a step up in overall polish—especially in peak season.

Course Difficulty: Is Bear’s Best Right for You?

Bear’s Best Atlanta is challenging but fair by design. Here’s how it typically plays for different golfers:

For Experienced and Low-Handicap Golfers

• Back tees stretch the course to championship-level yardage.
• Demanding approach shots and complex greens test your full game.
• Strategic bunkers and water hazards reward careful planning.

If you’re a single-digit handicap in Atlanta, Bear’s Best is often on the short list for:

• Prep rounds before tournaments.
• Competitive weekend games with friends.
• Testing yourself on a “big” layout without joining a private club.

For Intermediate Golfers

• Multiple tee options keep the course playable without being overwhelming.
• Course management—knowing when to lay up, when to attack—is more important than raw power.
• You can still enjoy the visuals and design features from more forgiving yardages.

Many local golfers in the 10–20 handicap range find it challenging enough to be interesting, but not so punishing that it isn’t fun.

For Beginners and Casual Players

• Forward tees make the course shorter and more approachable.
• Still, hazards and forced carries can feel intimidating for newer players.
• If you’re just learning, you may want to:
  • Play with a more relaxed scoring mindset, or
  • Start on easier Atlanta-area courses before tackling Bear’s Best.

If you bring beginners or juniors, consider choosing off-peak times (late afternoons, slower weekdays) to avoid feeling rushed.

Typical Cost and Value for Atlanta Golfers

Exact green fees vary by:

• Day of the week (weekends usually higher).
• Time of day (prime morning vs. twilight rates).
• Season (spring and fall are usually peak golf seasons in Atlanta).

Bear’s Best Atlanta tends to:

• Sit above the price point of most county/municipal courses in the area.
• Be comparable to other upscale daily-fee courses in North Fulton and Gwinnett.
• Offer special rates at certain times (e.g., twilight or weekday deals).

For many Atlanta golfers, it’s a course to:

• Play occasionally as a treat.
• Use as a go-to when hosting out-of-town guests.
• Consider for membership or play packages if you live nearby and like the layout.

Always check current pricing and any resident or repeat-player options before you book.

Getting to Bear’s Best from Different Parts of Atlanta

Because metro Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, it’s smart to build in extra time. General guidance:

From In-Town Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward)

• Take I-85 North or GA-400 North, depending on your starting point.
• Connect toward Peachtree Parkway (GA-141) or local surface roads into Johns Creek.
• Plan: 45–60+ minutes in normal daytime traffic; more in rush hour.

💡 Tip: For early-morning tee times, leaving before the height of rush hour can make a big difference.

From Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee

• Typically GA-400 North to surface streets or Peachtree Industrial Blvd / GA-141 toward Johns Creek.
• Plan on 35–50 minutes, longer on weekday mornings.

From North Metro (Alpharetta, Duluth, Peachtree Corners)

• Shorter local drives via Medlock Bridge Road, Peachtree Parkway, or nearby connectors.
• Often 15–25 minutes, depending on your exact location.

Parking at the club is usually straightforward, with a standard lot adjacent to the clubhouse.

What to Expect on the Course: Layout and Pace of Play

Variety in Hole Design

Bear’s Best includes:

• Par 3s with visually striking carries and well-guarded greens.
• Par 4s ranging from short, strategic holes to long, demanding ones.
• Par 5s that can be reachable in two for longer hitters or three-shot holes for most.

You’ll notice:

• Elevation changes on some holes but nothing extreme by mountain-course standards.
• A mix of open driving holes and tighter, more tree-lined corridors.
• Water in play on certain holes that calls for precise tee shots or layups.

Pace of Play

Because it’s a popular choice in North Atlanta, the course can be busy, especially:

• Weekend mornings and early afternoons.
• Prime season (spring and fall, and nice-weather Saturdays).

To help keep pace reasonable:

• Tee times are spaced to manage groups.
• Marshals may monitor slow play during peak periods.

If you prefer a more relaxed round with fewer groups around you, consider:

• Late morning or early afternoon weekdays.
• Twilight tee times when evenings are long in the summer.

Practice Facilities and Warm-Up Options

For Atlanta golfers who like to practice as much as they play, Bear’s Best generally offers:

• A driving range suitable for full-swing warm-ups and practice sessions.
• A putting green for dialing in speed before your round.
• Areas to work on short-game shots (depending on the current setup).

This makes it a solid stop for:

• Serious pre-round warm-ups for a competitive game.
• Dedicated practice sessions even if you’re not playing 18 that day (check range policies and fees).

Food, Drink, and Clubhouse Experience

The clubhouse at Bear’s Best Atlanta typically includes:

• Locker rooms or changing areas.
• A pro shop with apparel, balls, and basic equipment needs.
• On-site dining or grill options, where you can grab:
  • Breakfast before morning tee times.
  • Lunch at the turn or after the round.
  • Beverages and snacks.

This setup works well if you’re hosting:

• A business round and want to meet or recap over food and drinks.
• A small group or golf outing that needs a central spot to gather.

If you’re planning a longer day (golf + meal + awards), it can be handy to confirm food service hours and options in advance.

Outings, Tournaments, and Events

Bear’s Best Atlanta is commonly used for:

• Corporate golf outings with clients or colleagues.
• Charity tournaments for Atlanta-based nonprofits and organizations.
• League days, group trips, and member events.

Features that make it appealing for events:

• Memorable, high-end layout that feels special for participants.
• Event spaces for registration, meals, awards, and presentations.
• Staff with experience handling shotgun starts, scoring, and logistics.

If you’re organizing an event:

• Have a target date, group size, and general budget in mind.
• Be flexible on time of day and day of week to improve availability.
• Ask about package options that combine golf, food, and scoring support.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Playing Bear’s Best for the First Time

A few practical pointers if you’re heading out for your first round:

• Book ahead
  Popular times fill up, especially on weekends during peak weather.

• Check the forecast carefully
  Atlanta’s summer heat, pop-up storms, and winter chill can all impact comfort and course conditions.

• Choose the right tees
  Err on the side of shorter: the course plays more demanding than the yardage might suggest, especially around the greens.

• Plan arrival time
  Build in extra buffer for I-85, GA-400, or GA-141 traffic, and aim to arrive 30–45 minutes early to warm up.

• Bring short-game focus
  Up-and-downs can save you a lot of strokes on this course; spending warm-up time on chipping and putting often pays off.

• Hydrate and protect from sun
  Atlanta summers can be hot and humid; sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential.

How Bear’s Best Compares to Other Atlanta Golf Options

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, you might be weighing Bear’s Best against:

• Municipal courses (like those run by the City of Atlanta or county systems)

  • Usually more affordable
  • Conditions can vary more with heavy local play

• Other upscale daily-fee courses in north metro

  • Similar price tiers
  • Each has its own design character; Bear’s Best stands out for the Jack Nicklaus “greatest hits” concept

• Private clubs in North Fulton, Forsyth, and Gwinnett

  • Require initiation and dues
  • Offer regular access and member events, but not ideal if you want to pay only when you play

For many Atlanta golfers, Bear’s Best ends up as:

• A reliable high-end option when they want a well-conditioned course without joining a club.
• A north-side favorite for client golf, special rounds, and tournaments.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the metro area and want a round that feels like a destination course without leaving town, Bear’s Best Atlanta in Johns Creek is one of the most notable public-access choices to put on your list.