Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs)
Arcadia, MI • Public
Photographed by Dom Furore at Arcadia Bluffs in Michigan.
Dom Furore
Nile Young Photography/Courtesy of Arcadia Bluffs GC
Nile Young Photography/Courtesy of Arcadia Bluffs GC
Photo courtesy of Arcadia Bluffs
Nile Young Photography/Courtesy of Arcadia Bluffs GC
Nile Young Photography/Courtesy of Arcadia Bluffs GC
Overview
Can a 100 Greatest course be a sleeper? The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs has been overshadowed by No. 21 Pacific Dunes ever since it finished second to it in the Best New Upscale Public Course race of 2001. And likewise it’s been second-fiddle to No. 14 Crystal Downs, a northern Michigan neighbor that every visitor wants to play, even though it’s private and Arcadia is public. And even by No. 26 Whistling Straits, the imitation links on the opposite side of Lake Michigan that Arcadia Bluffs resembles, although the sand dunes at Arcadia are natural, not manmade. More recently, the Bluffs faces competition from within, the newly-opened sister layout, the South Course at Arcadia Bluffs, designed by Dana Fry in the style of C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2005.
2023-'24 ranking: 92nd.
Previous ranking: 83rd.
Highest ranking: 46th, 2007-'08.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
2023-'24 ranking (and previous): 14th.
Highest ranking: 10th, 2005-'12.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2011-'24. Ranked inside the top 5, 2003-'10.
Current ranking: 3rd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Excellent visually impressive golf course overlooking Lake Michigan. Course offers a links style of play amongst rolling dunes running up and down towards and away from Lake Michigan. Overall, course was in good condition and played firm and fast. Large deep faced bunkers provided good target lines and created challenges when making approach shots to relatively large-tiered greens. Majestic views were available on the majority of holes adding to the enjoyment of playing this course."
Read More2024
Review
“An amazing set of holes. Easy to get caught up with the views. Although there is a lot of terrain, the holes are pretty much right in front of you. A must play."
Read More2024
Review
“Magnificent course that you must play once. That might be all you want to play it after it takes your foursome 5 1/2 hours plus to play. Pace of play can be worse than Pebble Beach. Enjoy this beauty but go into the round knowing the pace will be snail like. Have a drink on the veranda after the round. Wonderful."
Read More2024
Review
“Outstanding golf experience. Great views right on Lake Michigan. Very challenging yet fair golf course. Accommodations and food were wonderful right next to the golf course. I highly recommend playing Arcadia Bluffs, Bluffs course. While you are there also play the Arcadia Bluffs, South Course, though it is flat and not on the lake, but more reminiscent of Chicago Golf Club."
Read More2023
Review
“This place surprised me. Really fun course to play. Large diverse greens makes it hard to have a repeat experience and the wind can really make for some exciting shots. I would prefer a trip here over Whistling Straits or Sand Valley. Pace of play wasn't ideal."
Read More2023
Review
“Great layout and wonderful views of Lake Michigan. Severe elevation changes but fairways are wide and balls are kicked back into the fairways. A bucket list course if you're going to northern Michigan. Green fees are high."
Read More2023
Review
“Fun, strategy and adventure await golfers at Bluffs. Has great variety of hole lengths and direction. Greens great variety in sizes and shapes. Some spectacular holes on the back with 10-14 being a great stretch of holes."
Read More2023
Review
“A Stunning golf course in a dramatic setting on Lake Michigan. Worth the trip to Northern Michigan."
Read More2023
Review
“Very well maintained playing surfaces. Views are the best. Some very unique holes for the US."
Read More2023
Review
“Course is nice, I guess they are getting proud of it though as they keep raising the rates. Plenty of other nice courses in the area to play, but I guess the views of Lake Michigan demand an extra $200. Tough course, usually in good shape in June, great shape first week in July, then just good shape the rest of summer. For what they charge, one would think the course would be immaculate all summer long, but not the case. Probably the best finishing hole in the northern Michigan area, with a fantastic 19th hole. Great hang."
Read More2022
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