
The Bluffs Course
The Bluffs on Thompson Creek

About this course
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.
Quick facts
- Location
- St. Francisville, LA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1988
- Designer
- Arnold Palmer
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,005 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.4/142
Getting there
The journey to The Bluffs on Thompson Creek begins at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, roughly forty minutes southwest of the property, though many guests arriving by private aircraft favor the intimate St. Francisville Airport just minutes from the gates. The drive north from Baton Rouge traces the Mississippi River corridor before peeling east into the gently rolling terrain of West Feliciana Parish, where the flat deltaic plain gives way to unexpected bluffs and hardwood forests. As the road narrows and the canopy deepens, the transition feels less like approaching a golf course and more like entering a private hunting reserve - until the first glimpse of emerald fairways carved into the ridgeline confirms you've arrived at one of the South's most dramatic and secluded layouts.
FAQ
Common questions about The Bluffs
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Bluffs was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Yes. The Bluffs is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Bluffs is 72.
The Bluffs plays 7,005 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Bluffs is 142.
The Bluffs is a 18-hole course.


