May River and the Bear's Club - Which of these Nicklaus courses would you play?

[goldj]

I've just returned from spending several days at May River where I was very impressed by the courses and the green complexes in particular.  Although challenging and requiring the "right' shot to get close to the flag,  they provided golfers of all levels with a wide variety of access points and, in general, lots of alternatives. 

Playing May River got me thinking about the Bear's Club where, in my opinion, the green complexes are more difficult and the penalties for missing significantly greater.

If you had to play 10 rounds on just these courses, where would you play and why?

[Jay Mickle]

I played May River a couple of months ago and if I hadn't known that Nicklaus had designed it I would not have ascribed it to him. I was impressed with the shaping and the chipping areas provided. Far more holes moved right to left than the converse. I also recollect that I could run balls up onto many of the greens.
It has been quite some time since I played The Bear"s Club (pre GCA immersion) and I remember little other than a top notch practice area, a great birdie on 18 and a wonderful lunch overlooking the final hole.
I don't know how I would break up the rounds but I wouldn't be upset if I had to play 10 rounds at May River next year.

[Bill_McBride]

I haven't played a lot of Nicklaus courses.  Didn't like PGA West private, hated Grand Cypress, liked the Grand Bear in Mississippi okay.  I loved May River.  Interesting greens, lots of variety, pretty much the dead opposite of Grand Cypress North/South for those who have played there. 

[cary lichtenstein]

MayRiver 7 Bears 3

[Mac Plumart]

I haven't played May River yet, but is venture a guess that your split will be determined by your handicap.

Scratch or thereabouts, and I'd bet you'd love The Bears Club. It's too hard for me, so I'd probably prefer May River...which looks great.

[Tom_Doak]

That would be a pitcher's duel for me, and The Bear's Club would lose by shutout.  Both courses are difficult, but May River is more scenic and has a bit more sense of humor.

[jeffwarne]

I haven't played May rRver, but the pictures I've seen look very nice--that and I'm partial to Hilton Head area-and not at all to South Florida
I've played The Bear's-so I'll take May River


must say I always enjoyed Melrose on Daufuskie (don't know its current status)