Bluff's Golf Course — Local services in Arcadia

Update 04/24: Wife and I played this last Sunday after our usual winter layoff (prices & crowds). It's a one hour drive from our house, but gives us a nice full-size course to play occasionally (we favor a par 60 course closer in) at an attractive price. We got off pretty early and ahead of the mid-morning golfers. Course in pretty good shape, front nine better than back especially the greens, but we haven't gotten into rainy season yet. Staff always friendly and helpful.

Played last weekend with my wife; first time here for her second for me. We live in North Port, hour drive away. Wife really liked the course and we both shot some of the best rounds we've ever had (wife went par-par-bogey-birdie on the par 5s, which is unheard of for her). Fairways in decent shape, tee boxes and greens still growing in for the summer. Very attractive rates, making it worth the drive.

One disappointment that caused me to drop it to 4 stars this time out; for an off-season Sunday morning, the round was ponderously slow even allowing for the fact we were a two-some and there were four-somes on the course. We expect that, but the problem was there was a group of FIVE that was two groups ahead of us and they weren't the fastest players on earth to boot. The group ahead of us managed to get past them at the turn, but we weren't given the opportunity to play through until the 15th. Standing around to wait to hit on every shot was really annoying.

We'll be back and I assume the group of 5 was just an anomaly, but at the very least they should have been instructed to let faster groups play through (unless this was 2 groups that had joined on their own unbeknownst to...

Seemed like a nice course, so we got a tee time on Tuesday morning. My wife and I got there with 1/2 hour to spare (so we could putt on the practice green, etc.). Upon checking in at the pro shop, we were told that we had to tee off early, or else wait for a women's league. When I said we would like to practice putting a little, the starter said, "well then, you'll be after the group of women". So then, since they offered no help, we had to figure out where the carts are kept and where the first tee was located and quickly got on the tee. Just as my wife was ready to hit ball, the starter drove up and asked if we wanted wait and play with a couple of guys. We said "no thanks" and teed off. (The greens were tiny, had weeds and could hardly be called 'greens'.) When we were finished, we discussed the confusion at the start with 2 gentlemen in the pro shop, explaining that we HAD A TEE TIME but were rushed to get off early. Then John spoke up and said "its not usually like this, we had a group of women that wanted to play, and I said sure, come on out whenever" [sic] When I said "bad call" he said "I'M THE GENERAL MANAGER" - When I said "then you're the one who should hear about this" he responded with "if that's the way you feel, you shouldn't come back". So, instead of apologizing for the confusion, he was basically saying 'I'm the boss here, if you don't like it , then leave!'

Needless to say, we won't be back, and if you expect the place to be well-maintained and professionally managed, you'll be surprised...

Look, this isn't your private Country Club type course. This is a privately run PUBLIC golf course. Fairways aren't perfect, greens aren't perfect. HOWEVER, the course is great fun to play!

For the very reasonable prices, that harken back to the prices that we paid to play golf ANYWHERE in the 80's and 90's, this place is a REAL BARGAIN!

From the moment that you check in with the Manager you feel the comfort and inclusive environment that makes you feel right at home. The manager is a great, friendly and outgoing guy. He loves to talk about the course and how the pricing was devised and why the fees are so very affordable. You cant tell that he enjoys what he is doing and he loves working there. Great job!

The course is very easy to get to when traveling on Route 17. Easy drive from Bonita Springs area. The check in was great, enjoyed talking with the manager. There really isn't a Clubhouse, rather it is more of a big snack bar offering the usual golf course fare of sandwiches, hot dogs, beer, sodas etc. The prices on the menu also harken back to the early 90,s. EVERYTHING IS A BARGAIN!

I find it hard to believe, but pleasantly surprised, that anyone can play this course for $38 or less, depending on the season, including carts!

Listen if you are ever in the area of this course you really should take the time to stop by and enjoy. You will not be...