Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club - Bluffs Course

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club opened in 1999 on a dramatic property more than 200 feet above Lake Michigan on Michigan's western coast. Designed by Warren Henderson in collaboration with instructor Rick Smith, the course was envisioned as a links layout rivaling the great seaside courses of the British Isles.

The spectacular setting drew immediate comparisons to Irish links courses, with sweeping Lake Michigan views from every hole. Some have dubbed it Whistling Straits East for its lakeside links character. Arcadia Bluffs has been consistently ranked among the best public courses in America.

The facility expanded in 2019 with the South Course by Dana Fry and Jason Straka, and later added The Dozen, a 12-hole short course. But the original Bluffs Course remains the marquee attraction and one of the most stunning golf experiences in the Midwest.

Arcadia Bluffs delivers a Scottish links experience perched more than 200 feet above Lake Michigan. Windswept fescue fairways, deep pot bunkers, and open terrain create a true links feel rare in the Midwest. Lake Michigan views are visible from every hole.

The course plays 7,300 yards from the back tees at par 72. Wind off Lake Michigan is a constant factor that can dramatically change the character of holes.

Wind off Lake Michigan is the primary challenge, blowing 20-30 mph and changing direction as the routing loops around the property. Bring your low shots and adjust club selection significantly on exposed holes.

The fescue rough is penal — keep the ball on the fairway. Pot bunkers are deep. A links ground game with bump-and-run approaches is very effective on firm, fast fairways.