Golf Heaven at Arcadia Bluffs
The last 4 years have seen our annual buddies trip head to the state of Michigan for some great golf. Our first 2 years of the trip at Forest Dunes was a great intro to elite resort golf and had us itching to make our way about an hour west to Arcadia. We took a couple years to get there but finally booked our year 5 trip to Arcadia Bluffs.
I have been fortunate to play some great golf courses in my travels (below is the list of my favorite public courses) so I had very high expectations going into the trip. Arcadia Bluffs exceeded these expectations and jumped to my #1 favorite course (and favorite walk). From the beauty of being able to walk on the shores of Lake Michigan to the pristine course conditions there are not many places I would rather be.
My Favorite Public Courses
Arcadia Bluffs: Bluffs Course
Sand Valley
Erin Hills
Mammoth Dunes
Forest Dunes Golf Club
The 8 of us stayed in one of the cottages on site which allowed us unbelievable sunset views directly overlooking the second green (we loved cheering on people playing). From the lodging, amenities and staff Arcadia goes toe-to-toe with some of the other elite resorts I have been to (Sea Island, Sand Valley, Erin Hills). There are 3 courses on property which allows groups to enjoy a few different course layouts and fun for everyone. Below is our itinerary for our stay.
Friday Morning: Arcadia South Course
Friday Afternoon: Arcadia Bluffs Course
Saturday Morning: The Dozen
Saturday Afternoon: Arcadia Bluffs Course
Sunday Morning: The Dozen
Arcadia Bluffs Course
Ranked as the #16 public course in the country. I actually think the course is underrated for the average golfer. For me this was the best and one of the most fun courses I have ever played. It is a very difficult course, it requires you to hit good shots each time you step up to the ball but not a course that will punish you if you miss by a few yards. I recommend requesting a Fore Caddie for your group to help navigate the greens (GPS available in the cart) and also allows you to walk some of the holes if you choose as the caddy drives the cart. I love walking golf courses and find it as one of the best ways to enjoy the round.
Arcadia South Course
Ranked as the #53 public course in the country this is a great compliment to the Bluffs Course. This links style course is wide open allowing you more room to miss some shots but will require a precise short game to score well. Located 5 minutes from the Bluffs Course it is a great course to play before the Bluffs Course to get you warmed. We played in a misty fog which really made the links course make it feel like we were in Ireland or Scotland.
The Dozen
As par 3 courses become more popular at resorts, Arcadia decided to do things a little differently and it paid off. Adding a 12 hole (all par 3’s & 4’s) allowed our group to have some fun while still being able to hit a lot of clubs in the bag. No hole on this course will overwhelm you and is the perfect course to play a scramble to team event in your group.
I have only played on the west coast once (Torrey Pines) and the walk there was very similar to Arcadia being on a high coastline next to a large body of water. I know all the west coast courses are great; but are also very hard to get to from the midwest.
If you are a golfer in the midwest you need to book your trip to Arcadia, it competes with the best courses in the country.
