Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club — Attraction in Arcadia Township

⛳ Arcadia Bluffs - The Bluffs Course, Arcadia, MI: 👍👍👍👍👍

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Arcadia Bluffs - The Bluffs Course, one of Michigan’s most iconic and highly-rated golf courses. Established in 1999, this renowned links-style course is perched along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering stunning views and a world-class golfing experience. The Bluffs Course has earned its reputation as one of the top public courses in the country, thanks to its challenging layout, meticulous maintenance, and panoramic views.

COURSE QUALITY👍: The Bluffs Course is known for its challenging layout, with deep bunkers, tall fescue, undulating greens, and constant winds off Lake Michigan. Every hole offers a unique test, demanding precise shot-making and strategic play. Our group of two foursomes found it tough but thoroughly enjoyable, especially in the crisp fall morning. The course’s beauty, with Lake Michigan as a backdrop, makes each hole a memorable one. The fairways are well-maintained, and the greens roll fast and true, ensuring a premium golf experience.

SERVICE & HOSPITALITY👍: The staff at Arcadia Bluffs is exceptional, providing attentive and friendly service from start to finish. Despite being a bit rushed for breakfast, the staff went out of their way to accommodate our group and ensure we were prepared for our early tee time. Their warm hospitality added to the overall positive experience of staying and playing at this premier golf destination.

AMENITIES👍: Arcadia Bluffs offers top-notch amenities, from its impressive clubhouse to its luxurious accommodations. The pro shop is well-stocked with high-quality golf gear and apparel, and the practice facilities are excellent, including a driving range and putting green to fine-tune your game before hitting the course. The lodge, where we stayed, offers a comfortable and convenient overnight option, complete with stunning views of the course and lake. While it can be a bit pricey, the quality and convenience justify the cost.

PACE of PLAY👍: Even with the challenging design, the pace of play at The Bluffs Course was well-managed. Our group, despite the occasional tough shot and time spent in the deep bunkers or fescue, managed to complete the round in good time. The course layout allows for steady play, even on busy days, making it enjoyable for all golfers.

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY👍: Located along the stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs is a destination course that’s worth the trip. The scenic drive adds to the anticipation, and once there, the views are unmatched. The course is easily accessible from the lodge, making it convenient for those staying overnight.

In summary, Arcadia Bluffs - The Bluffs Course delivers an unforgettable golfing experience with its challenging design, exceptional service, and unbeatable scenery. It’s a must-play for golfers seeking a true test of skill in a spectacular setting. The high-quality accommodations, friendly staff, and attention to detail make it one of Michigan’s premier golf destinations. Highly...

As a golf enthusiast when I review a course I have played whether it be on google, tripadvisor, or any other rating system I review exactly what I am there for; golfing.

I played Arcadia Bluffs at the peak of the season this year and it had actually slipped my mind that my friends and I even played it this year. Which sparked this "6 month later" review.

As we talked about our golfing experience this past weekend at Arcadia it was exactly that; forgettable. The golf course was average compared to other courses throughout the region in the ~$200 range. It was maintained as expected when paying this price so we didn't have much to say about overall condition other than it was fine and it didn't effect gameplay. It is nice to see guests at a course pay attention to their divots on the fairway and fix balls marks on the green. That was a plus for us!

Difficultly of the course was average and if the wind wasn't around it would probably lose a few difficultly points. But Golf is about the natural elements of life so wind, weather and bugs are a mute point in any golf review.

They did a good job preserving what appears to be the natural contour of the landscape which is also a plus. Even if it was designed this way it doesn't appear to have been "sculpted". Which seemed to have created nice fairways.

The greens are on par with typical ~$200 clubs. No complaints and nothing that screams unique or one of a kind.

All in all, the golf (remember the GOLF) is average which is why I rated 3 stars.

I wasn't disappointed in my experience, actually, none of us were. We heard the hype and we decided to play. Will we replay in the future? We don't know.

We do visit Michigan often for golf as it is in our mind a "hidden gem" in the midwest. Plus it gets us out of the city! But I think we have our favorite Michigan course solidified with this trip! I wont name it and be disrespectful to Arcadia.

We have come to the conclusion that this is more of a site seeing experience than a golfing experience. If the golf was rated on the views it would be a 5 star course.

Our friends in Michigan constantly spoke so highly of the course and how spectacular it was and the views are coastal views. They are nice. But we, as golfers, go for golfing and not views. Regardless of the average golf play you cannot take anything away from the coastal location of this course it was very well placed.

If you haven't golfed it add it to your list of considerations for future seasons.

Hopefully my review helps.

**I forgot to add in one thing we did not like. Being rushed. We were keeping track of our pace of play and we were on par with normal pace yet their "ranger" seemed to hang around watching us. It was weird. That was probably the only...

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a curbside staff member who didn't share where the the parking lot was, where the pro shop was or share any protocol despite knowing it was our first time. I sensed he was quite apathetic.

Once we drove our golf 'car' (more on that later) all the way out to the remote - yes, remotely located parking lot; we got loaded up and ready to go.

Internet connectivity was unavailable most all of the day, so no music to listen to 😒

Heavy restrictions were enforced in terms of where golf cars could go. On many holes 'car' restrictions were such that you had to carry your bag in order to be able to select a club or be forced to walk up to 40+ yards round trip.

The golf cars had soft, cushy, overstuffed seats and monitor display with helpful course info. But the way the seat is formed made two people touch each other (unless possibly you're underweight). On the 8th hole I ordered my meal on the screen - a neat feature.

HOWEVER -

When we finished 9, I went to get my meal. It was NOT ready because of "faulty software". They offered to deliver, but i declined. I wanted a drink, but the bartender wasn't available either.

We only saw the drink cart on the 3rd hole...ONE TIME. That was a huge disappointment 😞

We could get snacks at ~ 7th & 15th holes...the choices were room temperature brats and hot dogs (I know, I had both). I got a Bloody Mary...not a mixed drink, rather it was served in a can and the server didn't even bother to tell us the can needs to be shaken before opening.

Oh, and the golf course...once you're done ogling the dramatic views and the melodramatic (gimmicky bunkers)...it was basically lipstick on a pig.

Throughout the back 9, maintenance and staff members routinely were buzzing by in their own carts creating distraction.

After 18 holes we were near the club house and there were three employees that begrudgingly wetted their towels..we just blew past them. Ordinarily I'm anxious to tip the hardworking youth...but they looked bored and somewhat bothered.

Finally, we went to eat in the restaurant. Luke, out server, was great. However, they didn't seat us and we were ignored for a short while until a lady pitched menus on our table and barked that we 'did not stop by her to be properly seated'.

Luke server was a saving grace. But despite his best effort, wrong food, delayed food and beer on tap that had run out. This is all amateur stuff - not what one would expect when you here...