Jump to content

Arcadia Bluffs - Michigan Golf


Recommended Posts

I live 1 1/2 hours away from this course and I'm asked about it during my business travels. While I think it is a beautiful course, the greems are the MOST circus like I've ever seen. It is NOT fun to try and not 3 put every green ( I'm an 8 Hdcp) while just paying to keep you ball on the green with chips and approach shots.

 

I activly discourage any and all from playing this course and to proceed at their own risk. am I the ONLY GUY that feels like this about this course???? Wit the many other stellar courses to play, it is often a negative experience for guys that were so excited to play this course...

 

Thoughts?

 

Kevin K.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 51
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Since you live nearby I can understand the frustration. For myself it's a destination course and always a treat to get there, so there are things I'm willing to deal with, like the greens, since I don't see many like it otherwise. To me the entire course is a challenge depending on the wind conditions and the green speeds, so I go into it knowing I can either do well or get kicked around for a couple hours. If it were in the regular rotation I could see myself getting annoyed with it. That said I actually prefer the greens there to Harbor Shores.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Played there this summer, I didn't thing the greens were "circus" greens at all. Nicely contoured, no crazy severe slopes that I can think of. I remember there being a couple greens that would be considered to have false fronts but that's about it. I really enjoyed the course and the greens were spectacular when we were there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I play it 3-4 times a year, I’m an 8 as well. There was ONE time I played it where the greens were borderline unfair. Pins as close to edges as legal, right on/around ridges or false front and it’d been sunny/hot for a week. I play with some pretty good short game guys and there were definitely some chips done after a putt that day. Hardest round I ever had there. Next closest was a 29* day in MAY that had 30-45mph gusts coming off Lake Michigan. I was hitting driver/3-wood into par 4’s and just getting there where I’d usually driver/8-9i. Hit a 2i on a par 3 (giving the wind 40yds)!

 

In general though, no, I consider the greens challenging but not circus-like (ok maybe #4!). There’s a lot of tiered greens for sure. It’s an amazing course that everyone should have on their bucket list. Conditions can definitely vary your enjoyment. There’s usually going to be some wind!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I didn't think they were unfair or that tricky at all. Just my opinion, I thought the tee shots were tricky if anything. But the greens seemed pretty basic but some challenge.

 

Streamsong black is the closest to "circus" greens I can think of. But even then, it is a challenge and part of the fun. Comparing those 2 Arcadia is mild.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just don't see it. I've played there maybe 6 times and have nothing but love for it. The only green I find a bit silly is #9, but only if they put the pin in front. Yea, they are big with 3 levels, but they roll true and you can score there. The sum total of the resort, from service, views and conditions make it a winner in my book. I hope guys don't play it. Makes it easier for me to get a tee time ;-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

;;;the greens are the MOST circus like I've ever seen.

 

Thoughts?

 

Kevin K.

 

"Thoughts": My initial thought is that you may not have seen a wide variety of courses. Where else have you played? What courses would be next on your list of courses that have "circus like" greens?

 

The greens at Arcadia would not keep me from returning or recommending it, although the green fee might.

 

Have you played The Old Course or North Berwick? in the U.S have you played Kingsley or the Loop which aren't too far from Arcadia. How about Pinehurst #2, Old Macdonald or Streamsong? If so I'd be curious about what you thought about the greens at any of those courses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

;;;the greens are the MOST circus like I've ever seen.

 

Thoughts?

 

Kevin K.

 

"Thoughts": My initial thought is that you may not have seen a wide variety of courses. Where else have you played? What courses would be next on your list of courses that have "circus like" greens?

 

The greens at Arcadia would not keep me from returning or recommending it, although the green fee might.

 

Have you played The Old Course or North Berwick? in the U.S have you played Kingsley or the Loop which aren't too far from Arcadia. How about Pinehurst #2, Old Macdonald or Streamsong? If so I'd be curious about what you thought about the greens at any of those courses.

 

Old mac was my other thought but went with Streamsong Black instead. In my opinion very similar courses and greens that can make your head explode if you go in with the wrong mind set.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I live 1 1/2 hours away from this course and I'm asked about it during my business travels. While I think it is a beautiful course, the greems are the MOST circus like I've ever seen. It is NOT fun to try and not 3 put every green ( I'm an 8 Hdcp) while just paying to keep you ball on the green with chips and approach shots.

 

I activly discourage any and all from playing this course and to proceed at their own risk. am I the ONLY GUY that feels like this about this course???? Wit the many other stellar courses to play, it is often a negative experience for guys that were so excited to play this course...

 

Thoughts?

 

Kevin K.

 

I played it in 2017 as part of a week long seven course trip in that area. We all rated it either the best or second best of the bunch.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks OP for the warning but now this is on my bucket list based on the reviews of everyone else. Crazy how that happens!!!!

TaylorMade M3 w/HZRDUS Yellow stiff
TaylorMade M4 Tour 3 wood w/HZRDUS Red stiff
TaylorMade M3 2 hybrid (set to 19*) w/HZRDUS Black stiff
Srixon U65 4i Miyazaki Stiff
Srixon 765 5-PW Modus 120 Stiff
Cleveland RTX 3.0 50*, 54*, and 58* KBS 61
TaylorMade Spider Black

Gameball: Vice Pro Plus, Srixon Q Star Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's a link to a photo tour of Arcadia Bluffs

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/albums/72157685653209786

 

35621920366_fa25c309b5_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #3 from gold tee zoomed

 

 

35274237230_ccccfeafc6_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #10 approach

 

34820399484_aea9990e1e_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #11 par 5 second shot

 

35492513962_0783d82f15_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #12 from tee

 

35274232780_d17e8b5bd5_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #13 par 3 160 yards from gold tee in to wind

 

35492509802_9c9553250a_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #15 from tee

 

34820388764_56c50650dc_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #16 green

 

35492507412_5011d9b4cd_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #17 par 3 170 yards from blue tee

 

34820384194_0dc2b380f0_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #18 from tee

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hands down one of the best courses in the world, though it will never be rated that.

 

The greens are fantastic, you have to remeber this destination golf. People do not play here on a regular basis and are not super concerned what they shoot. They are here for an experience of playing absolute stunning visual golf course.

 

 

Pro Caddie & I teach golf

Driver: PXG 9* ; HZDRUS Handcrafted 63 6.0

Long Game: PXG 13*, PXG 16*; HZDRUS Handcrafted 83 6.5 (flip between the two)

Driving Iron: PXG 0311 4 iron bent 17.5*; ProForce VTS 100HX 

Hybrid: PXG Gen 1 19*; HZDRUS Handcrafted 100 6.5

Irons: NIKE CB 4-PW Raw finish ; Aldila RIP Tour SLT 115 Tour Stiff (.25 inch gapping)

Wedges: Titleist SM9 50*, 54*; True Temper DG S300 (36 inches)

L-Wedge: Custom 60*; KBS Tour Stiff (36 inches)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Design #5 35 inches: Super Stroke GP Tour

Ball: ProV1x

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll tell you what, give me the 70 degree, sunny, calm winded day that I played it on this past September right about now oh, and you wouldn't make me much happier offering me anything else. What a beautiful treat it is and was to play that course.

>Mavrik Max 12.5* 

>Mavrik 16.5* 4w

>Mavrik Max 4, 5, 6, 7 hybrids

>7--SW Dynacraft Prophet Muscle Blade Irons

>MD5 Jaws 58* W grind LW

>Odyssey Stroke Lab Double Wide Putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What is the deal with the short flags? In those photos, the flags look like they are about 3 ft tall. Does that throw off the visual of estimating yardages?

Yeah the short flags are really odd. It definitely throws off your depth perception. You get used to it after the first couple holes though.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What is the deal with the short flags? In those photos, the flags look like they are about 3 ft tall. Does that throw off the visual of estimating yardages?

 

I thought I was a mile out on the first hole because the flag looked so small in the distance... I shot it multiple times with the range finder and was so confused until I got up to it, then it made sense. Definitely threw me off at first though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What is the deal with the short flags? In those photos, the flags look like they are about 3 ft tall. Does that throw off the visual of estimating yardages?

 

I've been told it's because of the wind, so that the flags don't blow over. It does take some adjustment when you are eyeballing distances. Dakota Winds uses them as does the Tribute in Texas.

 

43848413532_d5f8c49fee_c.jpg

Dakota Winds #7 x George on green note short pins due to high winds

 

 

13969629887_d5a74906e7_c.jpg

The Tribute #18 view from rear right of green

 

 

 

35661475415_f81c15f1a7_c.jpg

Arcadia Bluffs #2 Larry missed an Ace by an inch740

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hands down one of the best courses in the world, though it will never be rated that.

 

The greens are fantastic, you have to remeber this destination golf. People do not play here on a regular basis and are not super concerned what they shoot. They are here for an experience of playing absolute stunning visual golf course.

 

It's far more than just playing a stunning visual golf course...I travel to play courses with greens like Arcadia because of the enjoyment on the greens. The slopes and speed require a creativity and touch that just isn't asked of me on my local muni/public courses. And, at least for me, putting is probably the most enjoyable part of the game. Nothing is more boring than a course with 18 flat greens, and Arcadia is FAR from that! Also, to anyone looking at this thread and planning to go play, be sure to play the new South course too! As an architecture nut, it was an absolute blast with a very strategic design. It also is a great walking course which, as a golfer who far prefers to walk my rounds, was a nice complement to the riding only nature of the Bluffs course.

Callaway Epic Speed TD LS 9* Fujikura Ventus Blue 6x
Callaway Epic Flash 15* and 21* ACCRA CS1 70 M5
Adams Super 9031 23* Nunchuk Xi
Newl Level 902 Forged 5-P Nippon Modus 125X
Cleveland RTX4 50 and New Level M-Type 54, 58 Nippon Modus 125
Byron Morgan 612
Shapland stand bag or PING Moonlite
Snell MTB X

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Need to get back to Arcadia. My one time play was memorable. Great design and conditioning, at least 10 years ago or so. The overall experience was top notch including the clubhouse and staff attitude.

 

Someone mentioned Harbor Shores. I have played there once or twice each of the last 4 years. Enjoyed it quite a bit until this year. I personally like the design alot but the course seems very overplayed. More unrepaired divots than I have ever seen on a good course...par three tees and fairways were a minefield. Condition of the greens was so-so. Pro shop staff acted tired. Course halfway house had almost nothing that was posted on the menu. Attendant was busy on her phone and clueless. Dirty counter and spiderwebs. It was a neat experience when new but has lost some of the key elements that made it special. Admittedly, this was on a hot tuesday afternoon in August.

 

I hope Arcadia has avoided the management shortcomings that I observed at Harbor Shores.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The OP reads like they were done wrong by a member of the staff. Very, very bad advice to "actively discourage" anyone from playing AB. Warn them that you think the greens are severely tricked up, ok, but don't dissuade them from one greatest, most unique golf experiences in the Midwest, if not the country.

 

The greens at AB are dramatic. Large and undulating. They are also challenging, fair, true, excellently maintained and add to the enjoyment of the experience. The three times I have played there, I did not find any of the pins unfair. Maybe I got lucky. While I can imagine locations where pins would be nearly impossible, the large greens also provide many relatively flat pinnable locations on each.

 

While still being able to maintain a sense of serenity, Arcadia Bluffs is also a bold and dramatic course and resort - from the clubhouse to the holes on the dunes high above Lake Michigan, to the mounding and the bunkers and seemingly endless number of gorgeous views. A collection of uninspired greens would be sorely out of place here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've played there twice a year, every year since I moved to the state in about a decade ago. The greens can be fast and challenging, but I would never call them unfair. I think you can get yourself in some bad spots that might make you frustrated, but thats about the prior shot in my opinion. Number 6, 9, and 10 all come to mind with putting yourself on the wrong side of a flag.

 

Now, if you just go to the short game area and look at that green, you will think somebody lost their mind, but I find the course to be nothing but fair.

 

For what its worth, I would call their shoulder season rates the best deal in America, even with the 2019 rate going up to $100 (was $75 just a few years back).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies
    • 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put and questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #1
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #2
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Ben Taylor - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Garrick Higgo - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Billy Horschel - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Justin Lower - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Lanto Griffin - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bud Cauley - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Corbin Burnes (2021 NL Cy Young) - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Charley Hoffman - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Nico Echavarria - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Victor Perez - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sami Valimaki - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ryo Hisatsune - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Jake Knapp's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      New Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Tyler Duncan's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sunjae Im's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ping's Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Vincent Whaley's custom Cameron - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Odyssey Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Super Stroke custom grips - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Zac Blair's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bettinardi Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       

       
      • 12 replies

×
×
  • Create New...