Bear’s Paw Country Club
The gated Bear’s Paw Country Club community lies east of downtown Naples, surrounded by luxury homes and condominiums. It features Jack Nicklaus’s first Florida Signature 18‑hole golf course, renovated and maintained to championship standards. Membership is limited to around 300 residents, ensuring easy course access and low density living. Real estate options include villas, condos, and single‑family homes, each typically equipped with a golf cart. The community borders the Gordon River, offering peaceful natural waterfront access.
At the club, members enjoy a full array of amenities beyond golf. The clubhouse offers casual and fine dining spaces with indoor and outdoor terraces overlooking the course. A modern fitness center provides equipment, classes, and personal training options. Recreational facilities include two Har‑Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and two bocce courts. Waterfront offerings include boat docks, fishing pier, kayak and canoe access to the Gulf.
Description of Bear’s Paw Golf Course
Bear’s Paw Country Club golf course is a private 18‑hole, par‑72 layout designed by Nicklaus, Morrish, Pearson. Rated around 73.5 to 74.1 with slope between 134 and 142 depending on tee. The course stretches approximately 6,874 yards from men’s championship tees. Both fairways and greens feature Bermuda grass, delivering consistent year‑round playing surfaces. Course conditions are typically excellent, with tight tree‑lined fairways and strategic water hazards.
There are numerous bunkers and water carries shaping strategy across many holes. Unique greens feature subtle breaks and elevated designs. Signature hole number 14 is a demanding 205‑yard par‑3 over water to narrow, bunker‑guarded green. Other standout holes include long par‑4 ninth with water left and par‑5 thirteenth flanked by water and bunkers. The layout challenges all skill levels, rewarding accuracy and thoughtful play.
Bear’s Paw Country Club Greens Fees and Membership Costs
Public guests pay approximately $155 for 18 holes Monday through Thursday. Junior play (age 18 and under) costs about $80. Power cart rental per player runs about $27.50. Twilight rates (after 4:30 pm) cost roughly $125 and include cart. Member‑guest rates are discounted, excluding junior and cart fees.
Full golf membership initiation fees range between $100,000 and $150,000. Annual golf dues typically fall around $10,000 to $15,000. Social golf initiation approximates $20,000, with annual social dues around $10,000. Bundled residential property buyers often pay initiation plus dues, combining community and club access. Membership numbers are capped at roughly 297 to 352 members.
Golfing Staff and Members
Bear’s Paw hosts a small, tight-knit membership, but no publicly known celebrity golfers reside there. The head golf professional is Wayne Jardin, PGA coach since 2004. Assistant professionals include Alex Jimenez and Fabiana Cavalier supporting instruction and play. Superintendent Coleman Torgersen and Director William Anderson manage course conditioning. General Manager and COO Sean Redding oversees overall club operations.
Bear’s Paw features the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Florida, opened in 1980 with Jay Morrish collaboration. It remains consistently maintained to high standards under experienced golf staff. Membership is capped under 400, preserving exclusivity and upkeep quality. The club emphasizes continuous improvement aligning with Nicklaus design philosophy. Lessons, cart services, and seasonal events further enhance member experiences.