Crystal Springs Resort Black Bear Course, Franklin, NJ

Beautiful course with some really fun holes. Perhaps a few too many blind spots on par-5s and some rough spots on the greens, but I played in November. Course was crowded and there was always another group coming up from behind, while we were handcuffed by the group ahead. Still, would recommend at least one round there if you get the chance.

The tee times are 9 minues apart, which causes slow play on the course. The greens have been in poor shape for the past two years. There are better options out there.

Not the best of the Crystal Springs resort, but still a very solid public track. The most affordable by far as you can get twilight with a cart for $25 in the summer months. Greens aren't amazing, fairways are usually very well maintained. I'd take this course over 95% of muni courses anyday.

I've played this course just once and doubt I will again. I played the last week of July 2010 and the greens were in absolutely TERRIBLE shape. Too many unrepaired ball marks, too many bare spots, too many burned out and trashed sections on ALL 18 greens. Several of the fairways had been trashed as well and the bunkers were hard as rocks with a very thin veneer of sand on the hardpack beneath. IN addition, the startes got us off 15 min. AFTER our starting time and as I played in twilight, did not finish in daylight (and this was July with DST in place). My only consolation was the Super Twilight rate of $25 w/cart. HAd I paid more I would have been furious as I don't think the course was worth the $25 I paid. The course is used for outings and the David Glenz Golf Academy and while the scenery is beautiful, the course's poor condition diminished the experience. There are too many other courses in the area, AVOID BLACK BEAR AT ALL COSTS or be prepared to THROW away your money and 4 hours + of your time.

I played the course in early April and thought it was maintained well for being so early in the season. Northern New Jersey got a lot of rain the week before we played, so some of the holes were pretty wet (i.e. #3 and #13). Overall I didn't think the course was overly difficult, but a fun play. To see my full review of Black Bear and other courses I have played in NJ go to:

www.golfcoursereviewgurus.com.