Not Bluffing

For a "great getaway" you'll "enjoy this beautiful resort course." "Dramatic elevation changes are unusual for courses in Louisiana." You'll find "unbelievable views," "lots of water" and maybe a "few gators lurking about the ponds." "Proves the theory of if you build it, they will come."

These are all Golf Digest reader comments about the 4.5-star Bluffs Country Club & Resort in St. Francisville, La., about 50 minutes from Baton Rouge.

The Bluffs, sad to say, closed its doors Sunday. Here's a report in the Advocate in Baton Rouge. The article quotes owner Jim Tanner in a letter to club members on Saturday: "Due to the current state of the economy, the lack of real estate sales and the continued overhead at the country club, I have found that it will not be possible at this time to continue operating the club."

A spokesman for a group of members says they're hoping to buy the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay-designed course and run it themselves. One potential stumbling block, according to the paper: Tanner has said he wants $22 million for the course and surrounding acreage. With 200 to 250 members, that's going to be a tough one to finance.

-- P.F.