Black Bear
Course at a glance
Black Bear is an 18-hole golf course in Franklin, New Jersey (07416). The course was designed by Jack Kurlander and opened in 1996. From the Black tees, Black Bear plays to 6,669 yards at par 72. The course offers 6 sets of tees ranging from 4,785 to 6,669 yards, giving players of every ability a comfortable length. It carries a slope rating of 129 and a course rating of 72.4, modestly above the 113 World Handicap System baseline and playable for most handicaps. That ranks it harder than roughly 35% of rated golf courses in New Jersey. It is a public course open to daily-fee play. Walking is permitted. A full driving range is available for warm-up and practice. The course is conditioned with bent grass greens and winter rye fairways. Hazards include 61-70 bunkers and water hazards in play. Tee times at Black Bear are booked through the course's official website or pro shop; Stymie does not show live tee-time inventory.
About Black Bear
Black Bear is a 18-hole golf course located in Franklin, New Jersey (07416). The course was designed by Jack Kurlander and established in 1996. From the Black tees, the course plays to 6,669 yards with a par of 72. The Black tees carry a slope rating of 129 and a course rating of 72.4.
Walking is permitted.
With a slope rating of 132, Black Bear is more accessible than most courses in New Jersey. It is a good choice for mid-handicappers and golfers looking for a round that does not punish every missed shot.
The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,785 to 6,669 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.
Golf in New Jersey typically runs from May through October. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with lower humidity and fewer crowds. Book early for prime weekend morning tee times during peak summer months.
Par
72
Length
6,669
Slope
129
Rating
72.4
Course Difficulty Analysis
132
This Course
135
NJ Average
113
US Average
Based on 260 rated courses in New Jersey
Scorecard
| Hole | Slp | CR | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 129 | 72.4 | 384 | 506 | 445 | 406 | 195 | 566 | 204 | 343 | 441 | 3490 | 382 | 148 | 385 | 555 | 164 | 275 | 496 | 385 | 389 | 3179 | 6,669 |
Blue | 126 | 70.7 | 369 | 484 | 422 | 396 | 185 | 535 | 193 | 311 | 420 | 3315 | 360 | 143 | 370 | 528 | 154 | 255 | 480 | 357 | 372 | 3019 | 6,334 |
WhiteWomen's | 132 | 74.3 | 349 | 451 | 394 | 386 | 158 | 500 | 142 | 295 | 400 | 3075 | 335 | 123 | 350 | 496 | 137 | 230 | 455 | 340 | 342 | 2808 | 5,883 |
WhiteMen's | 123 | 68.6 | 345 | 451 | 394 | 386 | 158 | 500 | 142 | 295 | 400 | 3071 | 335 | 123 | 350 | 496 | 137 | 230 | 455 | 340 | 342 | 2808 | 5,879 |
Gold | 109 | 63.9 | 320 | 386 | 371 | 315 | 133 | 441 | 135 | 256 | 307 | 2664 | 281 | 118 | 346 | 368 | 114 | 230 | 384 | 275 | 302 | 2418 | 5,082 |
Red | 120 | 67.8 | 240 | 382 | 329 | 310 | 120 | 437 | 122 | 251 | 305 | 2496 | 266 | 103 | 335 | 366 | 111 | 164 | 380 | 267 | 297 | 2289 | 4,785 |
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 | ||
| HCP | 9 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 8 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 6 | 10 |
Which Tees Should I Play?
Black Bear offers 6 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round. Not sure? Use the tee recommendation calculator with your driver distance.
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating | Hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 6,669 | 129 | 72.4 | 5-15 |
Blue | 6,334 | 126 | 70.7 | 5-15 |
White | 5,883 | 132 | 74.3 | 12-22 |
White | 5,879 | 123 | 68.6 | 12-22 |
Gold | 5,082 | 109 | 63.9 | 20-30 |
Red | 4,785 | 120 | 67.8 | 25+ |
Amenities at Black Bear
Black Bear features a full driving range, a pro shop. The driving range is available for warmup or practice.
How to Book a Tee Time
Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory for Black Bear. Use the official course website or phone number below to confirm availability and book. You can also book directly through the facility website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Bear a public or private golf course?
Black Bear is a public golf course located in Franklin, NJ. The course is open to the public for daily fee play.
How many holes does Black Bear have?
Black Bear is a 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1996. The course was designed by Jack Kurlander.
What is the yardage at Black Bear?
From the White tees, Black Bear plays to 5,883 yards (par 72). The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,785 to 6,669 yards.
What is the slope rating at Black Bear?
The Black tees at Black Bear have a slope rating of 129 and a course rating of 72.4. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is above average difficulty.
Can you walk Black Bear?
Yes, walking is allowed at Black Bear. Golf carts are also available.
How do I book a tee time at Black Bear?
Visit the official course website at https://www.crystalgolfresort.com/golf/courses/black-bear/ or call +1 855 977 6473 to confirm current availability and book. Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory; alerts are in development.
What amenities does Black Bear offer?
Black Bear offers a driving range, a pro shop.
Where is Black Bear located?
Black Bear is located at 138 NJ 23 in Franklin, NJ 07416. You can reach them at +1 855 977 6473.
What is the difficulty level at Black Bear?
Black Bear is classified as above average difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 132. It plays harder than 35% of golf courses in New Jersey. The average slope rating in New Jersey is 135. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.
Which tees should I play at Black Bear?
Black Bear offers 6 tee sets. Black tees (6,669 yards, slope 129) are recommended for mid-low handicap golfers. Red tees (4,785 yards, slope 120) are recommended for beginners and casual golfers. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.
What is the best tee for beginners at Black Bear?
Beginners at Black Bear should play the Red tees, which play 4,785 yards with a slope of 120. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.
What is the course handicap for a 15 Handicap Index at Black Bear?
A golfer with a 15.0 Handicap Index playing the White tees (slope 123, rating 68.6) at Black Bear has a course handicap of 13, using the World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Course handicap is the number of handicap strokes received from that tee — it is not a prediction of what a golfer will score. Enter your handicap index on Stymie to see your course handicap for every tee.
How long does a round take at Black Bear?
A typical round at Black Bear takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Weekday rounds tend to be faster than weekend morning tee times.