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
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs)
Arcadia, MI • Public
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club (Bluffs)
14710 Northwood Hwy
Arcadia, MI 49613-9716
United States
Telephone
Overview
Can a course ranked this high be a sleeper? The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs has been overshadowed by 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 Crystal Downs, a northern Michigan neighbor that every visitor wants to play, even though it’s private, and Arcadia is public. And even by 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:
Second 100 Greatest: Made its debut in 2025-'26.
2025-'26 ranking: 102nd.
100 Greatest: Ranked 2005-'24.
Highest ranking: 46th, 2007-'08.
Previous ranking: 92nd.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
Highest ranking: 10th, 2005-'12.
Previous ranking: 14th.
2025'26 ranking: 16th.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2011-'26. Ranked inside the top 5, 2003-'10.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 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
“Glorious views, shots, and design!"
Read More2025
Review
“Great aesthetics along the east side of Lake Michigan. Strong winds added to the challenge. Our "3 club wind" was said to be a mild day. Par 5 hole #5 has plenty of shot options and challenge even for laying up. Par 4 then 5... holes #10 and #11 have great aesthetics with sunken fairways that play tough into a prevailing wind down towards the water. Par 4 hole #12 alternates between split fairways/greens. Par 4 hole #14 was short but very tight and hitting a shorter club to keep it in the fairway was important. Par 3 hole #17 was in to a 3-4 club wind and the green sits elevated like a shelf with almost no margin for error."
Read More2025
Review
“Great aesthetics along the east side of Lake Michigan. Strong winds added to the challenge. Our "3 club wind" was said to be a mild day. Par 5 hole #5 has plenty of shot options and challenge even for laying up. Par 4 then 5... holes #10 and #11 have great aesthetics with sunken fairways that play tough into a prevailing wind down towards the water. Par 4 hole #12 alternates between split fairways/greens. Par 4 hole #14 was short but very tight and hitting a shorter club to keep it in the fairway was important. Par 3 hole #17 was in to a 3-4 club wind and the green sits elevated like a shelf with almost no margin for error."
Read More2025
Review
“Can't think of another more beautiful public course in America. Don't think it exists. Conditioning is EXCELLENT!"
Read More2025
Review
“This is a very along with pretty golf course. great variety of shot demands and targets relative to pin placements. A good golf course that can provide all levels of golfers a great and fun experience on the links."
Read More2025
Review
“+ Very playable + Beautiful look and feel although a bit manufactured"
Read More2025
Review
“An incredible public facility that is a must visit in Michigan. Between the views of Lake Michigan and the golf, it does not get any better."
Read More2025
Review
“The Bluffs Course at Arcadia Bluffs is a uniquely special course -- even for Northern Michigan. It plays completely different from its sister course (the South Course). There are expansive views of Lake Michigan from across the course. There are a number of risk/reward holes -- highlighted by the par 5 4th hole (which brings up a Cypress or Spyglass feel). The green complexes are special -- and can be both punishing and rewarding depending on where the pin is located."
Read More2025
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
