Bears Best Atlanta Golf Course: What to Know Before You Play in Suwanee, GA

If you’re searching for one of the best public golf experiences near Atlanta, Bear’s Best Atlanta in Suwanee almost always comes up. Designed as a collection of Jack Nicklaus’ favorite holes from courses around the world, it offers a “bucket list” feel without leaving metro Atlanta.

Here’s a detailed, locally focused guide to help you decide if it’s right for your next round and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Is Bear’s Best Atlanta and How Far Is It from the City?

Bear’s Best Atlanta
5342 Aldeburgh Drive
Suwanee, GA 30024
Phone: (678) 714-2582

Bear’s Best is in Suwanee, in the Sugar Hill / Johns Creek / Cumming corridor of north metro Atlanta.

Approximate drive times (without heavy traffic):

  • From Midtown Atlanta: 35–45 minutes via I-85 N and GA-317 / Lawrenceville–Suwanee Rd
  • From Buckhead: 35–50 minutes depending on GA-400 or I-85
  • From Alpharetta / Johns Creek: 20–30 minutes
  • From Duluth: 15–20 minutes

For Atlanta residents, it’s a realistic half-day or full-day golf trip. For visitors staying in Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown, it’s one of the more accessible “destination-style” courses in the suburbs.

What Makes Bear’s Best Atlanta Stand Out?

Bear’s Best isn’t a typical single-design layout. It’s a collection of 18 replica holes inspired by Jack Nicklaus-designed courses around the world, including versions of holes from:

  • Muirfield Village (Ohio)
  • PGA National (Florida)
  • Sherwood Country Club (California)
  • Castle Pines (Colorado)
  • Gleneagles (Scotland–inspired design elements)

While not exact copies, the holes are styled after his most memorable designs, giving the course a “tour” of Nicklaus architecture without leaving Gwinnett County.

Key features locals and visitors often notice:

  • Resort-style conditioning: Fairways and greens are typically well maintained compared with many public options.
  • Scenic layout: Rolling terrain, tree-lined corridors, and a few dramatic tee shots create a “mountain golf” feel despite being in suburban Atlanta.
  • Playable but challenging: Wide fairways on many holes, but with plenty of bunkers and strategic trouble in true Nicklaus fashion.
  • Practice facilities: Full driving range, short game area, and putting greens make it a good place to warm up or practice even if you’re not playing 18.

Course Layout, Difficulty, and Who It’s Best For

Yardages & Setup

Bear’s Best Atlanta offers multiple tee boxes to fit different skill levels:

  • Back tees: Over 7,000 yards (for low-handicap and long hitters)
  • Forward/regular tees: Around 6,000–6,400 yards (for most recreational golfers)
  • Front/ladies and senior tees: Shorter, more manageable yardages

This flexibility helps mixed-skill groups have a good experience.

Is It Hard?

Difficulty highlights:

  • Nicklaus-style bunkering: Many fairways are framed or pinched by sand; approach shots often require precision.
  • Elevated greens with runoffs: Miss in the wrong spot and you’ll face tricky up-and-downs.
  • Water in play on selected holes: Not constant, but enough to keep you thinking about club selection.
  • Strategic doglegs: Driver is not always the automatic play.

For an Atlanta beginner, it may feel demanding but still playable from the forward tees, especially if you play it as a “learning experience” rather than chasing a low score.

For experienced players, Bear’s Best offers:

  • A good test of course management
  • Greens that reward solid approach shots and good lag putting
  • Enough length to keep it interesting from the back or middle tees

Atmosphere and Experience: What It Feels Like to Play Here

Overall Vibe

Bear’s Best Atlanta aims for a semi-private, club-like experience that’s still open to the public. You don’t have to be a member to play, though there are membership options for frequent local golfers.

Typical on-site experience:

  • Bag drop near the clubhouse
  • Modern clubhouse with check-in desk, restrooms, locker areas, and pro shop
  • Practice range and putting green close to the first tee
  • Cart-based play is the norm; walking may be limited depending on policies and conditions

The atmosphere usually falls somewhere between high-end daily fee course and resort course–more relaxed than a strict private club, but more polished than a basic muni.

Who You’ll See Out There

Regulars often include:

  • North metro business groups hosting client outings
  • League and association play from around Gwinnett / North Fulton
  • Weekend foursomes from across Atlanta making an event out of it
  • Occasional corporate or charity tournaments

On weekends, expect a steady pace of play and a social, group-oriented vibe. Weekdays often feel more relaxed and can be ideal if you prefer quieter rounds.

Typical Costs and Budget Tips

Prices change based on:

  • Day of week (weekends vs. weekdays)
  • Time of day (prime morning vs. afternoon or twilight)
  • Season (spring and fall in Atlanta are peak golf times)

As a general pattern in the Atlanta golf market:

  • Weekday rounds are usually noticeably cheaper than Saturday–Sunday mornings.
  • Twilight or late afternoon tee times can be a good way to play Bear’s Best at a lower rate, especially in longer daylight months.
  • Resident, member, or loyalty programs may be available for frequent players in the area.

If you’re comparing it to other north Atlanta public courses, Bear’s Best tends to be on the higher side of green fees, reflecting its conditioning and design concept. Many local golfers treat it as a “special occasion” course rather than a weekly regular unless they live close or join a membership program.

Facilities: Driving Range, Practice, and Clubhouse

Practice Facilities

Bear’s Best Atlanta is a good choice if you live in north metro Atlanta and want a place to practice, not just play:

  • Full driving range with multiple target greens
  • Short-game practice area suitable for chipping and pitching
  • Practice bunkers for sand work
  • Large putting green to simulate on-course speeds

Locals sometimes use the range after work, especially from Johns Creek, Suwanee, Duluth, and Cumming, since it’s relatively convenient from major surface roads.

Pro Shop and Services

Inside the clubhouse you’ll typically find:

  • Pro shop with balls, gloves, apparel, and basic gear
  • Check-in desk for tee times and range access
  • Staff who can help with:
    • Cart rentals
    • Scorecards and course advice
    • Information about lessons or instruction programs

Services such as club fittings or formal instruction are sometimes offered; if that’s important to you, call ahead to confirm availability and schedule.

Food, Drinks, and Event Spaces

On-Site Dining

Most Atlanta golfers find it convenient that Bear’s Best has on-site food and beverage options. While specific menus change, you can usually expect:

  • Quick-turn items: sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and snacks for before or after your round
  • Beverages: soft drinks, sports drinks, and alcoholic beverages where allowed
  • A bar or grill-style area that works well for post-round hangouts or watching a game

This makes Bear’s Best a common pick for group outings that want to combine golf with lunch, dinner, or awards.

Events and Outings

Bear’s Best Atlanta is often used for:

  • Corporate outings and client events from Atlanta companies
  • Charity tournaments
  • Wedding receptions and private parties in the event spaces

If you’re planning a group event, you can contact the main number at (678) 714-2582 and ask for event or outing coordination to get specifics on packages, food options, and group rates.

How to Book a Tee Time and Plan Your Visit

Booking Your Round

Common ways Atlanta golfers arrange play at Bear’s Best:

  1. Call directly:

    • Main phone: (678) 714-2582
    • Ask about:
      • Available tee times
      • Current rates and any specials
      • Cart and practice range policies

  2. Check for group bookings:

    • If you’re organizing 12 or more players, ask to speak with someone about group or outing rates.

  3. Ask about memberships:

    • If you live nearby (Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Johns Creek, Cumming) and plan to play frequently, it may be worth asking about any membership or loyalty options.

When to Go

Bear’s Best is playable year-round, but keep Atlanta’s seasonal patterns in mind:

  • Spring (March–May): Prime golf season; expect stronger demand and generally good conditions.
  • Summer (June–August): Hot and humid; early morning or late afternoon rounds are more comfortable.
  • Fall (September–November): Another very popular window with pleasant temperatures and scenic foliage.
  • Winter (December–February): Playable many days, but there can be cold snaps and occasional frost delays.

If you’re driving up from Intown Atlanta, allow extra time for:

  • Rush hour traffic on I-85, GA-400, and Peachtree Industrial Blvd
  • Occasional congestion around the Suwanee / Lawrenceville–Suwanee exits

Local Tips: Getting the Most Out of Bear’s Best Atlanta

Use these Atlanta-focused tips to improve your experience:

1. Choose the Right Tees

Atlanta golfers who only play a few times a year often enjoy the course more by moving up a tee box:

  • If you usually shoot over 90, consider the forward or middle tees rather than the longest sets.
  • Focus on keeping the ball in play; with Nicklaus-style bunkering, playing too far back can make the day feel like work.

2. Factor in Atlanta Heat and Humidity 🌤️

In summer, plan ahead:

  • Hydrate early: Bring or buy water and sports drinks before you start.
  • Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and maybe a small towel are wise.
  • Cart shade: A cart helps manage the heat, especially on hilly holes.

3. Warm Up Properly

With a full practice area, Bear’s Best rewards players who arrive early:

  • Hit a small bucket focusing on wedges and mid-irons.
  • Spend time on the putting green to understand green speed; this is one of the biggest score factors on a course like this.
  • If your round is early, consider a light snack or breakfast so you don’t run out of energy mid-round.

4. Plan Around Traffic

If you’re coming from:

  • Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:

    • Morning rush (approx. 7–9:30 a.m.) and evening rush (4–7 p.m.) can slow the drive significantly.
    • Aim for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon tee time if you can.

  • North metro suburbs (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth):

    • The drive is shorter but surface-street congestion around major intersections can still add time.

Leave at least 15–20 extra minutes beyond your navigation app estimate to allow for parking, check-in, and warm-up.

5. Consider It for Special Rounds

Many Atlanta golfers save Bear’s Best for:

  • Birthday or celebration rounds
  • Visiting friends or clients who want to see a higher-end public track
  • Trying a layout that feels different from the usual local muni rotation

If you’re hosting out-of-town golfers staying in Atlanta, Bear’s Best offers a memorable experience that showcases a more polished side of the city’s public golf scene.

Is Bear’s Best Atlanta the Right Course for You?

Bear’s Best Atlanta is a strong option if you:

  • Want a premium public golf experience without joining a full private club
  • Are willing to drive 30–45 minutes from central Atlanta
  • Appreciate well-maintained conditions and strategic design
  • Are planning a group outing, client event, or tournament in the Atlanta area

If you’re mainly looking for the cheapest quick round close to Downtown, there are other public courses closer in. But if you’re okay with the drive and want something that feels closer to a destination or resort course, Bear’s Best is one of the standout choices in the greater Atlanta area.

For the latest details on tee times, rates, and policies, call Bear’s Best Atlanta directly at (678) 714-2582 or speak with the pro shop when planning your visit from anywhere in the metro area.