Northern Bear Golf Course

Northern Bear Golf Course sits in Sherwood Park, Alberta, just east of Edmonton — a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that opened in 2002. The course plays to a par 72 across 7,352 yards, placing it firmly in championship territory while remaining accessible to a wide range of players through five sets of tees spanning from 5,800 to 7,400 yards.

The layout is parkland in character, with tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee. Five lakes come into play throughout the round, adding both visual definition and strategic weight to approach shots and course management decisions. Bunkers are placed with the deliberate positioning typical of a Nicklaus design, requiring players to think through each hole rather than simply overpower it. The greens are built to USGA standards, offering consistent, true putting surfaces across all 18 holes. Nicklaus has noted that each hole was conceived as strong and distinct in its own right — a design philosophy that gives the round variety without leaning on any single showpiece.

Northern Bear suits players who want a genuine test of golf without being shut out by difficulty. The spread of tee options makes it a reasonable choice for mid-handicappers and recreational golfers, while the full yardage and strategic demands give low-handicappers and competitive players plenty to work with. For golfers basing themselves in the Edmonton area, Sherwood Park is a short drive and Northern Bear represents one of the more substantive design credentials in the region.