The South Course
Arcadia, MI, USA
The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs, carved dramatically into the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan near Arcadia, stakes its claim as an uncompromising test born from a modern sensibility. The Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates design eschews links-style pretense for a bolder, more visual experience, leveraging the property's dramatic elevation changes. Wide fairways belie strategic bunkering and undulating greens, favoring players who can shape the ball and manage the wind – a constant companion on this elevated terrain. Players are often heard remarking that it’s a pure golfing experience, one where a gentle miscalculation can lead to large penalty. Opened in 2018, The South Course stands apart from its older sibling, adopting a minimalist aesthetic with native grasses framing each hole, lending to the feeling it has always been there. Water hazards are scarce, replaced by strategic mounding and carefully placed bunkers that demand strategic thinking rather than brute force. While not yet a stage for major championships, it's quickly garnered attention from golf purists and those who like a challenge, and offers an alternative experience to other more historic courses that may have come before it. Unlike many clubs steeped in formality, Arcadia Bluffs enjoys a more relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps it's the vastness of the landscape, or the sheer challenge of the course, but there's a camaraderie amongst those who tackle The South. And though it may not be steeped in a century of tradition like many clubs, the clanking of glasses and chatter on the patio suggest new lore is being written here everyday, one round at a time.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #99
Best in USA
Public: #39
Best in MI
Public: #3
Golfers say this Macdonald and Raynor–inspired design delivers a strategic, old-school test with firm, fast conditions and massive, elevated greens that demand precise placement. Most praise the geometric bunkering, the variety of shots required, and conditioning that produces audible thuds when balls land on rock-hard putting surfaces. Reviewers note the course rewards thoughtful play over visual spectacle, with several calling it a favorite they'd happily play repeatedly, though one finds it merely average and another acknowledges it lacks the scenery of its famous sibling. The traditional routing and golden-age architecture earn enthusiastic marks from those who appreciate strategic, ground-game golf.
8.7
238 players
Love this course. CGC vibes
Fantastic experience. Very traditional feel, felt like golf the way it was meant to be played. Very strategic fairway bunkers requiring thought off the tee and large, elevated greens. Dont skip the south course if you’re in the area
It’s all right in front of you. Giant greens and it’s firm and fast. Played it in 35-40 degrees with some wind and it was still incredible
A great vision of a Macdonald and Raynor style course.
South over Bluffs everytime, outstanding conditions.
favorite course i’ve ever played, if i could give the layout more than 5 stars i would
holy shit. the greatest course my municipal ass has ever played. everything was in perfect condition, the greens sounded like a pool deck when a ball would land the course itself is tough but a fun challenge. be ready to use every club in the bag and punch out sideways
The less scenic brother but a course I wish I could play every day. The Raynor style greens and bunkering had me giddy the entire round. It’s a bit derivative but isn’t all golf? Only downside is the lack of scenery but the hole design and pureness of the course make up for that!
I found the course incredibly average.
The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs is the perfect compliment to the Bluffs course, offering a completely different style of golf and experience. Golden age architecture, especially MacDonald and Raynor style of golf architecture is my favorite and The South course is inspired by both MacDonald and Raynor. The course is very geometric with square bunkers and greens, it's so cool. I also love how firm it is, you really have to focus on where you want to land the ball. I can see how some people would think it's a little repetitive and doesn't offer views remotely close to the Bluffs course, but given 10 rounds between the two, I'm taking 6 at South, 4 at Bluffs.
Public courses closest to The South at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The South at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course has a Course Vaults score of 8.7 out of 10 based on 141 explicit golfer ratings.
Yes. The South at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The South is 72.
The South plays 7,412 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The South is 132.
The South is a 18-hole course.
