Designed Great Bear Golf Club To Reopen With New, Local Ownership

Shawnee on Delaware, PA – November 8, 2012 – Great Bear Golf Club, formerly known as Great Bear Golf & Country Club, is now under new, local ownership. The new operator of the club also owns the nearby Shawnee course, an original Tillinghast design.

Great Bear, the area’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, opened to stellar reviews in 1997 and operated as a private club through 2011. New ownership of Great Bear is excited to create an extraordinary atmosphere for its members and is looking forward to its much-anticipated grand re-opening scheduled for the spring of 2013.

Just prior to the recent acquisition of Great Bear, a dinner and presentation at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, led by owner Charlie Kirkwood, was held for former members and the entire Great Bear Homeowners Association. With 140 in attendance, participants were encouraged to make candid comments and suggestions in an effort to solicit their ideas for the success of the club going forward.

According to Mr. Kirkwood, “The input from former members and Great Bear homeowners will be a great help to us in considering how to position the course. We were extremely encouraged to see the genuine enthusiasm expressed for Great Bear and the many valuable ideas shared. We look forward to the grand re-opening and to keeping our neighbors apprised of our plans and improvements as they develop along the way.”

“Through the first of the year, our focus will be on past members interested in returning to Great Bear and then reaching out to potential new members. The level of response and commitment to membership will dictate the direction of our marketing in the new year. Those interested are encouraged to log on to our website at www.GreatBearGC.com for details on membership, which will be available [ ].”

Kirkwood continued, “Our sales team will begin to market weddings, reunions and private parties. A calendar of events is also being developed for members’ programs, golf outings and social events.”

Improvements have already begun at Great Bear. The greens were recently aerated; bunker refurbishment is underway and a local company has been contracted to pave the entire parking lot and driveway.

About Great Bear Golf Club
18 Holes – Par 71 – 7,025 Yards – Tee to Green Bent Grass – Tee to Green Irrigation – No Parallel Fairways

“Integrating the three lakes, several streams, wetlands, small bridges and rolling terrain, Nicklaus has created a course that presents itself differently to golfers of varying skill. For the experienced player, the course offers interesting challenges and pro tees that will bring out your strongest game. Yet it’s also designed to be a course with the ultimate in playability, ensuring enjoyable round after round, revealing its intricacies and craftsmanship the more you play it. Great Bear is destined to be one of the Golden Bear’s great ones.” – www.Nicklaus.com

• Architecture Award 2007-2008 & Top 20 Courses in Pennsylvania – Golf Digest
• Americaʼs Best Courses – Golfweek
• Rated 4 Stars – GolfLink.com
• Top 100 US Women-Friendly Courses – Golf for Women
• Host to a Nationwide Tour Qualifier

Great Bear Golf Club Contact Information
Mr. Rob Howell – General Manager
Email: rhowell@greatbeargolf.com
Phone: (570) 223-2000 / Fax: (570) 223-8510
Postal Address: 1 Great Bear Way, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302-8275
Website: www.GreatBearGC.com
###