Set within a planned community just three miles inland of Bethany Beach Delaware lies the picturesque stylish links of Bear Trap Dunes.

The course opened 18 of 27-holes in 1999 and rounded out the three bears in 2001 with an additional nine holes. Each nine is affectionately named after bear types, (Kodiak, Grizzly and Black) and was designed by prominent course architect Rick Jacobson.

One of the first things you notice on the course is the amount of detail embodied by the surrounding landscape. The ideal backdrop is constructed from a multitude of sand dunes and ever present high heather fescue.

These two characteristics create a serene natural setting that creates visual separation from hole-to-hole and the surrounding planned community. The end product is a layout that evokes a true sea side links setting.

Each nine hole track embodies the perfect mix of playability and challenge to suit all levels of ability. All three nines are under 7,000 yards with approachable Par 4s and reachable in two par 5's. The course puts an emphasis on a shot making ability rather than length, it's a nice a diversion from the norm of modern course development.

The greens offer a wide variety of slope with some tricky collection areas awaiting any missed approach shot.

But the best defense the course has against the golfer is left entirely up to the cooperation of mother nature. The wind will dictate your entire approach requiring added forethought of club and shot selection.

But the most notable quality of the course are the variety of options in approach it gives the golfer. If you like to use strategy and think your way around a course then Bear Trap Dunes will always keep you guessing.

A good example is each Par 3 presents at least two natural defenses the golfer must consider before hitting your shot. One which you would expect is water; sometimes in front guarding one side of the green. The other defense mechanism are traps; strategically placed greenside and usually opposite of the water, your ability to judge carry distance and direction are important.

The design mixes a multitude of different deterrents to protect against over aggressive play.

Amigos Favorite Hole: With so many deserving holes to choose from at Bear Trap Dunes we decided to break away from the norm and choose a favorite Bear instead.

Of the three bears we favored Black Bear the most in our choice as favorite. The newest of the three bears is also arguably the most challenging.

Black Bear makes the golfer think strategically both at the tee and with approach shots. Choosing when to hit iron for position is sometimes a good call. The ability to minimize your miss hits will determine the difference between a standard wedge shot and a tricky chip.

Which shot do you feel more comfortable attempting?