Bear Creek Golf Course

General Course Description

Bear Creek Golf Course is a 9-hole public executive course in Medford. Wedged between I-5 and Highway 99, Bear Creek Golf Course is a flat course with two par 4s (of 320 and 213 yards) and the rest par 3s. Lots of trees, a pond, and Bear Creek come into play. Significant improvements have been made to the conditions of the course since 2015.  Although mixed, the fairways are generally well maintained, and although there are some rough spots on the greens, they are much improved. Laid-back atmosphere. Very flat and an easy walk.

Course History

Built in 1960. Purchased by the present owner (related to the Coquille Tribe) in 2012. Beginning with the Tribe’s purchase of the adjoining Compass by Margaritaville hotel, improvements have been ramping up (including hiring a golf pro), with new irrigation system installed in 2022 and a total renovation of the clubhouse and practice facilities starting in 2022 (and probably completed in Spring 2023) .

Why It Is There

Not sure why it was built. It was a very inexpensive place to play (but conditions reflected that). As it is being upgraded (2022-23) green fees have gone up (and hopefully the guest experience will too). The course is pretty handy for the citizens of Medford.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Front of the greens are very irregular. Don’t try to run the ball up.

Did You Know

Verne Perry Jr., former owner and pro, was a PGA Vice President.

Good For Them

They have a no-chemical buffer zone around Bear Creek.

Why Play This Course

With the practice facilities, it is a nice place to go if you are just starting the game or if you want to practice your short game.

General

• Type: 9-hole executive public course
• Price: $$
• Phone/webpage: (541)773-1822/www.golfbearcreek.com
• Address:  2355 S. Pacific Highway, Medford, Oregon 97501
• Owner: I-5 Land Holdings, LLC (related to the Coquille Tribe)
• Designer: Shirley Stone
• Pros: Tyler Knight (PGA)
• Practice Facilities: Covered driving range on mats with limited flight balls; chipping and putting area (planned to open in 2023, several Toptracer bays and a new 12-hole putting course)
• Pro Shop: Minimal, with some equipment and no clothes (expansion planned for 2023)
• Food: Snacks, sodas, and beer with a patio next to driving range and putting green (full service restaurant and bar to open in 2023, with a new deck towards the parking lot)
• Bathrooms: Improved in pro shop, none on course
• Yardage Markers: Blue Spruce are 100 markers
• Clothing: Be dressed
• Walkable: Easy walk
• Spikes: Metal OK
• Shoe Cleaning: Brush and air hose
• Rentals: Pull carts and clubs
• Open all year