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Arcadia, Michigan

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - The South Course

Golf Digest Top 100 Public·#14

A Golden Age masterpiece reimagined on pristine Michigan farmland—where strategic brilliance meets modern firm-and-fast playing conditions.

About the Course

The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs is a tribute to the strategic sophistication of C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, two godfathers of American golf course design. Opened in 2018 on a sun-baked, 311-acre sandy parcel just one mile south of its sister course, architect Dana Fry channeled the genius of Chicago Golf Club into something entirely new—not a copy, but an inspired interpretation that captures the intellectual rigor of the Golden Age. What you'll find is refreshingly different from the dramatic lakeside theater of the original Bluffs Course. Here, the challenge comes from the bunkers: ribbon-like traps with bold grass faces that seem to swallow fairways whole, squared-off greens averaging over 9,400 square feet, and corridors of strategic choice that reward creative thinking. The wind is ever-present, the turf is firm and fast, and the ground game is not just an option—it's your best friend. Walk-friendly routing, mildly undulating land, and a clubhouse that offers panoramic views make this an intellectually demanding yet utterly playable experience for golfers of all skill levels. You'll find yourself contemplating angles and options hole after hole, a refreshing departure from power-golf courses elsewhere.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Two distinct championship courses on one property—play 36 holes of radically different architectural philosophies in a single trip, from links-style lake drama to strategic Golden Age design
  • ✦Walkable routing on beautifully routing ground with no trees, allowing you to experience clean, angular architecture reminiscent of the world's greatest private clubs that most golfers never access
  • ✦Strategic depth that improves with repeat play—complex green complexes, false fronts, and bunker placement reward creative shotmaking and course management over pure distance
  • ✦Firm-and-fast conditioning with large, contoured greens (9,400+ sq. ft.) that encourage multiple play styles including the traditional ground game
  • ✦On-site lodging options from boutique lodges to spacious cottages with Lake Michigan views, perfect for multi-day golf immersion trips with your group
Courses on Property
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The Bluffs Course18 holes · Par 72

Links-style seaside course with 3,000 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, dramatic dunes, and wind-swept native grasses

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The South Course18 holes · Par 72

Golden Age-inspired design with geometric bunkering, large squared greens, and strategic routing across sandy terrain

⛳
The Dozen12 holes · Par 42

Executive short course with 6 par-3s and 6 par-4s featuring generous landing areas and thought-provoking bunker placement

✦
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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$75–$215/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
June through September offers warm weather, all facilities open, and perfect playing conditions. October brings crisp fall weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for groups seeking both comfort and solitude. May and November offer lower accommodation rates and decent weather, though the course may have variable conditioning. The resort is open mid-April through mid-November; avoid December through March when most lodging closes. Peak tourist season is June-August with higher rates; shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer the best value and pleasant weather.
ParklandDesertChampionshipResortCaddies AvailableWalking OnlyBucket ListHidden GemHistoric
Stay on Property
The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs features 15 comfortably appointed guest rooms with king beds and one suite in the beautiful Nantucket coastal estate-style clubhouse. The Bluffs Lodge offers 21 rooms with two queen beds, private balconies overlooking Lake Michigan or the golf course, fitness center, and coffee station. The Cottages at Arcadia Bluffs provide spacious 1,900 sq. ft. four-bedroom, four-bath gated cottages with Great Rooms, fireplaces, wet bars, kitchenettes, and covered patios overlooking Lake Michigan. All lodging features world-class service and access to on-site dining.

The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs features 15 comfortably appointed guest rooms with king beds and one suite in the beautiful Nantucket coastal estate-style clubhouse. The Bluffs Lodge offers 21 rooms with two queen beds, private balconies overlooking Lake Michigan or the golf course, fitness center, and coffee station. The Cottages at Arcadia Bluffs provide spacious 1,900 sq. ft. four-bedroom, four-bath gated cottages with Great Rooms, fireplaces, wet bars, kitchenettes, and covered patios overlooking Lake Michigan. All lodging features world-class service and access to on-site dining.

Nearby Lodging