The Bluffs at The Bluffs on Thompson Creek

The Bluffs on Thompson Creek sits in the rolling hills of West Feliciana Parish near St. Francisville, Louisiana, a landscape markedly different from the flat terrain typical of much of the state. Designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in the late 1990s, the course takes advantage of the area's distinctive topography, with significant elevation changes and wooded corridors carved through mature hardwoods and pines. The property overlooks Thompson Creek and features bluff-lined holes that provide views across the surrounding countryside.

Palmer's routing makes full use of the natural contours, with several holes playing along ridgelines and others descending into valleys. The design incorporates strategic bunkering and water features, including creeks that come into play on multiple holes. The layout demands accuracy off the tee, as the tree-lined fairways reward proper positioning and penalize errant shots. Approach shots often play to elevated or sloped greens that require careful club selection given the terrain.

The course serves as the centerpiece of a residential community and operates as a semi-private facility. St. Francisville itself is known for its antebellum architecture and historic plantations, and the course attracts both local members and visiting golfers exploring the region. The Bluffs has hosted various regional amateur events and remains one of the more notable Palmer designs in Louisiana, offering a playing experience distinct from the state's coastal and lowland courses.