Bear Trace at Harrison Bay
8919 Harrison Bay Road
Harrison, Tennessee 37341
1-877-611-BEAR (2327)
423-326-0885
(View course rates)

The second Bear Trace course to open, Harrison Bay is destined to become a true classic in this collection designed by Jack Nicklaus. Located approximately 20 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga, the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is surrounded by both water and heavily-wooded land, making an ideal setting for the course.

Referred to as "the best natural piece of land for a golf course," the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay features Bermuda fairways lined with soaring pine and hardwood trees. Although water touches 12 fairways, there is more than sufficient room to hit safely. Most greens are open in front, which makes the course more user-friendly for high-handicap players and allows run-up shots. Fairway and green side bunkers are designed in the traditional Nicklaus fashion and add notable character to the overall integrity of the course. Like other courses in the collection, the emphasis on playability is clearly evident. The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay stretches from 7,140 yards (gold tees) to just under 5,300 yards (red tees).

For further information about the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, call 877-611-2327.

Accommodations

Harrison Bay State Park offers 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups and a limited number that can accomodate RV's up to 65 ft. The park's group camp consists of 24 rustic cabins that can accommodate up to 144 persons.

Accolades

One of the 100 Best Bargain Courses in the United States (Maximum Golf, 2000)
Rated in the 100 Best Fairways for Women (Golf for Women, 2000)
Honorable Mention Top 10 You Can Play (Golf Magazine, 2000)
America's Best Public Courses (Golf Week, 2002)
Top 100 under $100 to Play (T&L Golf, 2002)
Number 3 Public Course in Tennessee (Golfweek, 2003)
Number 2 Public Course in Tennessee (Golfweek, 2004)

The Bear Trace Golf Course at Harrison Bay has been designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by Audubon International. The course is the seventh in Tennessee and the second within the Tennessee State Parks system to receive this honor. The course at Paris Landing State Park has also achieved this certification. Only 674 golf courses worldwide have been designated as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.

Paul L. Carter, course superintendent, led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and has been recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. The environmental program he helped to initiate already has garnered positive results for both staff and golfers at the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. Members, guests and staff have a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of the golf course and better understand how our actions – both direct and indirect – impact wildlife, waterways and other aspects of the environment.

To achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, a golf course must demonstrate that it meets specific criteria in the areas of environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management; outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; water conservation; and water quality management. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which is endorsed by the U.S. Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses throughout North and Central America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia have achieved certification through this program.