Great Bear was designed by Jack Nicklaus, who began visiting the Middle Smithfield Township site in 1994. Environmental violations repeatedly slowed construction. It opened in May 1997 as a private club named Great Bear Golf & Country Club. The course closed after the 2010 season amid financial problems, was sold at auction in 2012, and reopened under new ownership in spring 2013. It plays to 7,025 yards at par 71.