tpluff
I <3 GAWLF
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course Review
Founded in 1999, Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, in Arcadia, MI, is universally considered the top ranked public golf course in Michigan and among the top ranked in the country. With its 3,100 feet worth of shoreline on Lake Michigan, 50 sod-walled bunkers, and incredible amenities, it is no wonder it gets that much deserved designation.
This seaside Irish links style course is immaculate, sprawling across 245 acres of wind-swept real estate. The Nantucket style clubhouse sits atop the golf course, providing a fantastic view of nearly every hole from the deck. It is unlike anything else in the United States. And as evidence to this, one of the coolest things about this course is that on the hour, a bagpiper comes out and plays a traditional tune. A truly unique experience all around that only Arcadia Bluffs can offer.
Logistics of Arcadia Bluffs
The golf course is located just over an hour southwest of Traverse City and just under two and a half hours north of Grand Rapids. Although there is more than 1 way to get there from either of those areas, it is as secluded as it gets which is really the only negative about this golf course. Buddies trips are common though, with an ample amount of fantastic golf courses within driving distance and the location doesn’t seem to scare the plethora of patrons that attend each day that fill up full tee sheets.
Practice Area: B+
The practice areas at Arcadia Bluffs were very solid, consisting of a full length driving range, a fantastic short game area, and a well located practice green. A shuttle, if your cart is unavailable, will be more than happy to take you up the driveway to the warm-up area. The driving range had placards in the ground denoting distances to flags on greens and posts throughout the range as well as mobile boards up adjusting for that days tee location. Free range balls are included with the purchase of a round. The short game area is very well design with ample room to get a good taste of what the course has to offer with greenside bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. That being said, it is still relatively tame compared to what the course is actually like (LordByron modeling how high the lips are on the greenside bunkers above). The putting green is located within the circle drive in front of the clubhouse and we were recommended to practice putting on the short game area greens as opposed to that. We could see why as it had relatively little undulation and did not act like the greens on the course.
Course Conditions: A
Although this visit was made in early October, the course conditions were excellent. The greens rolled fast and true, but not as fast as what is seen during prime-season conditions. Tee boxes and fairways were in great shape and every bunker manicured. True to the links design, the usually long and lush fescue surrounding the course was knocked down late in the season, but during the summer it is a guaranteed lost ball penalty and a mess to deal with.
Layout: A+
This Warren Henderson and Rick Smith design on the shores of Lake Michigan is a flat out gem. Measuring 7,300 yards from the championship tees, 6,700 yards from the black tees, 6,250 yards from the white tees, and 5,100 yards from the forward tees, the course is playable for all skill levels and abilities. There are no forced carries that are of over 100 yards and everything is right in front of you on this design. Using the natural landscape, including natural sand bunkers and stadium-style hills, it is often difficult to see other holes from the one you are on. One particular hole, and probably the signature hole of the course is #12, a par 4 right on the edge of the bluffs on the shores of the lake, absolutely stunning.
It is recommended you take an extra ball up to this tee box. After your group takes their tee shots, turn 90* to the left and tee up a shot out into Lake Michigan and see how far you can get it. At approximately 200 feet above the level of the water and boats always out there, it is a truly unique experience.
Pace of Play: B
Typical pace of play at Arcadia Bluffs is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Our foursome on a pretty busy tee sheet of 120 players got around the course 20 minutes over pace. That being said didn’t have to wait for a group on a single tee box and never got pushed by anybody. It didn’t seem like we were slow either as we enjoyed the spectacular scenery and weather. Throughout the round we saw marshals and course staff, always greeting us warmly and staying out of our way.
Price: A-
Playing Arcadia Bluffs carries with it a premium price tag, but it is completely worth it in my opinion for a top tier public course in the entire United States. Between the superior conditions, customer service, and scenery on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, it really is a value at any time of the year. The 2015 rates were as follows:
Arcadia Bluffs also provides the opportunity to employ caddies for your pleasure. The prices are very competitive and, although I did not use one, have heard great things about them and how they improve the quality of a round. The 2015 rates were $50 per bag plus gratuity for a caddie, and forecaddie fees were $40 plus gratuity.
Amenities: A-
For on course options, there is a beverage cart during busy times that goes around the course. Additionally, there is a halfway house that offers freshly grilled hot dogs and a variety of other on-the-go foods for mid-round replenishment. Fully plumbed, private restrooms are also present around the course every few holes.
Off the course, Arcadia Bluffs offers a couple great amenities including two fantastic dining experiences and two different lodging options to stay-and-play golfers.
The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs (bottom left) is located on the second level of the clubhouse. It features 15 guest rooms, each with a private walk-out porch that offer either a lake view or a sunrise view.
The Cottages at Arcadia Bluffs (top and bottom right) are located in the northeast portion of the property alongside the par 3 second hole. At 1,900 square foot including four bedrooms and baths, they offer great space and privacy for groups and afford for discounted rounds of golf. Breakfast is also included with the rental.
The Dining Room (top left) is open to the public and offers a more formal experience and great view of the course. With ample wine options and a great variety of the finest foods on the menu, it is great for men and women alike.
The Lakeview Room offers a more casual atmosphere than the dining room and a simpler menu. As the name suggests, it provides a full panoramic view of the course and Lake Michigan on an uncovered deck. It also includes a private lounge for small groups.
Overall Grade: A
Arcadia Bluffs is a flat out must play for fans of great golf with great scenery. While the location may be very isolated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, it is that seclusion that makes it all the more special that a gem like this is located where it is. It is great for buddies trips with lodging and tons of other great golf within an hour or so from here.
[View of clubhouse from 18 during day and twilight hours]
Founded in 1999, Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, in Arcadia, MI, is universally considered the top ranked public golf course in Michigan and among the top ranked in the country. With its 3,100 feet worth of shoreline on Lake Michigan, 50 sod-walled bunkers, and incredible amenities, it is no wonder it gets that much deserved designation.
This seaside Irish links style course is immaculate, sprawling across 245 acres of wind-swept real estate. The Nantucket style clubhouse sits atop the golf course, providing a fantastic view of nearly every hole from the deck. It is unlike anything else in the United States. And as evidence to this, one of the coolest things about this course is that on the hour, a bagpiper comes out and plays a traditional tune. A truly unique experience all around that only Arcadia Bluffs can offer.
Logistics of Arcadia Bluffs
The golf course is located just over an hour southwest of Traverse City and just under two and a half hours north of Grand Rapids. Although there is more than 1 way to get there from either of those areas, it is as secluded as it gets which is really the only negative about this golf course. Buddies trips are common though, with an ample amount of fantastic golf courses within driving distance and the location doesn’t seem to scare the plethora of patrons that attend each day that fill up full tee sheets.
Practice Area: B+
The practice areas at Arcadia Bluffs were very solid, consisting of a full length driving range, a fantastic short game area, and a well located practice green. A shuttle, if your cart is unavailable, will be more than happy to take you up the driveway to the warm-up area. The driving range had placards in the ground denoting distances to flags on greens and posts throughout the range as well as mobile boards up adjusting for that days tee location. Free range balls are included with the purchase of a round. The short game area is very well design with ample room to get a good taste of what the course has to offer with greenside bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. That being said, it is still relatively tame compared to what the course is actually like (LordByron modeling how high the lips are on the greenside bunkers above). The putting green is located within the circle drive in front of the clubhouse and we were recommended to practice putting on the short game area greens as opposed to that. We could see why as it had relatively little undulation and did not act like the greens on the course.
Course Conditions: A
Although this visit was made in early October, the course conditions were excellent. The greens rolled fast and true, but not as fast as what is seen during prime-season conditions. Tee boxes and fairways were in great shape and every bunker manicured. True to the links design, the usually long and lush fescue surrounding the course was knocked down late in the season, but during the summer it is a guaranteed lost ball penalty and a mess to deal with.
Layout: A+
This Warren Henderson and Rick Smith design on the shores of Lake Michigan is a flat out gem. Measuring 7,300 yards from the championship tees, 6,700 yards from the black tees, 6,250 yards from the white tees, and 5,100 yards from the forward tees, the course is playable for all skill levels and abilities. There are no forced carries that are of over 100 yards and everything is right in front of you on this design. Using the natural landscape, including natural sand bunkers and stadium-style hills, it is often difficult to see other holes from the one you are on. One particular hole, and probably the signature hole of the course is #12, a par 4 right on the edge of the bluffs on the shores of the lake, absolutely stunning.
It is recommended you take an extra ball up to this tee box. After your group takes their tee shots, turn 90* to the left and tee up a shot out into Lake Michigan and see how far you can get it. At approximately 200 feet above the level of the water and boats always out there, it is a truly unique experience.
Pace of Play: B
Typical pace of play at Arcadia Bluffs is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Our foursome on a pretty busy tee sheet of 120 players got around the course 20 minutes over pace. That being said didn’t have to wait for a group on a single tee box and never got pushed by anybody. It didn’t seem like we were slow either as we enjoyed the spectacular scenery and weather. Throughout the round we saw marshals and course staff, always greeting us warmly and staying out of our way.
Price: A-
Playing Arcadia Bluffs carries with it a premium price tag, but it is completely worth it in my opinion for a top tier public course in the entire United States. Between the superior conditions, customer service, and scenery on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, it really is a value at any time of the year. The 2015 rates were as follows:
Dates | Standard | Twilight** 4pm/6:30pm | Replay |
April 1st through May 10[SUP]th[/SUP] | $75 | – | $75 |
May 11th through May 31[SUP]st[/SUP] | $130 | $110/na | $80* |
June 1st through Sept 27th*** | $185 | $110/$50 | $80* |
September 28th through October 11th | $100 | – | $80 |
October 12th through October 29[SUP]th[/SUP] | $75 | – | $75 |
Arcadia Bluffs also provides the opportunity to employ caddies for your pleasure. The prices are very competitive and, although I did not use one, have heard great things about them and how they improve the quality of a round. The 2015 rates were $50 per bag plus gratuity for a caddie, and forecaddie fees were $40 plus gratuity.
Amenities: A-
For on course options, there is a beverage cart during busy times that goes around the course. Additionally, there is a halfway house that offers freshly grilled hot dogs and a variety of other on-the-go foods for mid-round replenishment. Fully plumbed, private restrooms are also present around the course every few holes.
Off the course, Arcadia Bluffs offers a couple great amenities including two fantastic dining experiences and two different lodging options to stay-and-play golfers.
The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs (bottom left) is located on the second level of the clubhouse. It features 15 guest rooms, each with a private walk-out porch that offer either a lake view or a sunrise view.
The Cottages at Arcadia Bluffs (top and bottom right) are located in the northeast portion of the property alongside the par 3 second hole. At 1,900 square foot including four bedrooms and baths, they offer great space and privacy for groups and afford for discounted rounds of golf. Breakfast is also included with the rental.
The Dining Room (top left) is open to the public and offers a more formal experience and great view of the course. With ample wine options and a great variety of the finest foods on the menu, it is great for men and women alike.
The Lakeview Room offers a more casual atmosphere than the dining room and a simpler menu. As the name suggests, it provides a full panoramic view of the course and Lake Michigan on an uncovered deck. It also includes a private lounge for small groups.
Overall Grade: A
Arcadia Bluffs is a flat out must play for fans of great golf with great scenery. While the location may be very isolated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, it is that seclusion that makes it all the more special that a gem like this is located where it is. It is great for buddies trips with lodging and tons of other great golf within an hour or so from here.
[View of clubhouse from 18 during day and twilight hours]
Last edited: