Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club: Bluffs Course
Arcadia, MI • Public
Panelists
173 Reviews
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: No. 92.
Previous ranking: 83rd.
Highest ranking: No. 46, 2007-'08.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003. Highest ranking: No. 10, 2005-'12.
2021-'22 ranking: No. 14.
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
“Beautiful place to play with a great deck to enjoy a meal."
Read More2022
Review
“Challange for players of all levels. Good course conditions. Can be very tough if weather gets unsettled."
Read More2022
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“Dramatic elevation changes hole to hole. Wonderful firm "
Read More2022
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“Beautiful setting with a bold design. Sometimes the amount of shaping detracts from the natural setting and design, though."
Read More2022
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“Set along the shore of Lake Michigan, most holes have gorgeous views of the big lake. Very forgiving off the tee, but huge undulating and fast greens make chipping and putting a big test. Make sure you have time to have a drink in the adirondack chairs overlooking 18 after your round."
Read More2022
Review
“An incredible public facility that is a must visit in Michigan."
Read More2021
Review
“Great mix of holes with elevation changes throughout the course. Really fun to play and experience."
Read More2020
Review
“A very scenic course but too many awkward fairways and green complexes make the Bluffs an overrated course."
Read More2019
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“One of the best in the U.S,"
Read More2019
Review
“A high end resort in northern west Michigan. The course is a links design right on Lake Michigan. If you are a good golfer, you will enjoy the challenge. The greens are huge and difficult to read. The views from the front porch at sunset with the bagpiper piping are awesome. It is pricey."
Read More2018
Review
“great course andmviews of Lake Michigan-good food-second coursejust being finished-very customer oriented"
Read More2018
Review
“This is a beautiful course but it is a bit disjointed in its routing. The holes along the coast are pretty special, but I have to admit it is not one of my favorite courses."
Read More2018
Review
“Whistling Straits (across Lake Michigan in Wisconsin) gets more love, but I might prefer Arcadia Bluffs because it's cheaper, a bit softer, more natural, and charming. There are few better places in the world of golf to have a post-round drink than overlooking Lake Michigan on an adirondack chairs."
Read More2018
Review
“Spectacular setting and a great course. Looks like the course has always been there, the architect just needed to find it. Nice views of Lake Michigan."
Read More2018
Review
“Has everything. Good conditioning, good routing, solid greens, great views, and great clubhouse with views of lake Michigan with a bagpiper at sundown."
Read More2018
Review
“Fabulous views and landscape. A great test that might be too difficult for mid-to-high handicappers."
Read More2018
Review
“Many dramatic holes and views."
Read More2018
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“Incredible Lake Michigan views, fair landing areas (although intimidating visually), and large greens with small traditional Scottish flags. Awesome clubhouse and Adirondack chairs for post round enjoyment."
Read More2018
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“Great setting, fun, quirky course."
Read More2018
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“Fun and quirky course on a beautiful site."
Read More2018
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“Course was in excellent shape. Wide fairways and massive greens make it very playable. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan from multiple vistas through the round."
Read More2018
Review
“A destination resort course on bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. Plan your buddy golf trip around it."
Read More2018
Review
“Always a treat to play a 100 Greatest Course. The Arcadia Bluffs dining menu is full of options to enjoy after the round. The golf is memorable, and the Arcadia Bluffs restaurant—overlooking the course and Lake Michigan—has views that are tough to beat."
Read More2018
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