Post by beerswithtribe on Aug 25, 2019 6:02:40 GMT -5
Built on 240 acres that was a mix of apple and cherry orchards, and densely wooded sections in Northwest Michigan, construction of Arcadia Bluffs began in 1997 and was completed in 1999, with the clubhouse opening July 4th and the golf course to limited play on Labor Day. Although the land was spectacular by itself, many of the mounds and native areas were sculpted and shaped into their present form as the holes were routed by architect Warren Henderson. As the course began to emerge, it was clear that this was going to be a special place.
Throughout the years over half of the green complexes have been modified, offering a more enjoyable and playable course with an improved pace of play. Many of the original sod-walled bunkers have been converted into native bunkers, but those that remain are rebuilt every 3-5 years. A set of Senior Tees were added in 2016 offering playing distances of 5,200 to 7,400 yards with constant attention paid to making playing conditions better.
The Bluffs course sits among the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan, offering spectacular views for tee shots across the property. This is my first course design (be nice!) and was built using Manistee County LiDAR data. I play this course annually IRL, and much of the finishing touches are built using my own iPhone photos or memory. I wish I could capture the true beauty of the real clubhouse complex - and the sod-wall bunkers that I struggled to re-create in-game.
For TGC2019 and the TGCTours, the Bluffs will play a medium difficulty, 75.7 rating, and a 146 slope from the 7,300 yard Championship Black tees. Greens are multi-tiered, but will reward players who find the correct level with a fairly straightforward putt. As the West/ Southwest winds kick up coming across Lake Michigan, this course becomes much more difficult.
My next challenge will be the new sister course at Arcadia - The South Course, which seeks to emulate the Chicago Golf Club.
Cheers!
- twitch.tv/beerswithtribe
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/627/Arcadia_717-705_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/625/Arcadia_717-402_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/315/Findleys-Photo_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
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![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/264/FullSizeSunshine-Course_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
Throughout the years over half of the green complexes have been modified, offering a more enjoyable and playable course with an improved pace of play. Many of the original sod-walled bunkers have been converted into native bunkers, but those that remain are rebuilt every 3-5 years. A set of Senior Tees were added in 2016 offering playing distances of 5,200 to 7,400 yards with constant attention paid to making playing conditions better.
The Bluffs course sits among the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan, offering spectacular views for tee shots across the property. This is my first course design (be nice!) and was built using Manistee County LiDAR data. I play this course annually IRL, and much of the finishing touches are built using my own iPhone photos or memory. I wish I could capture the true beauty of the real clubhouse complex - and the sod-wall bunkers that I struggled to re-create in-game.
For TGC2019 and the TGCTours, the Bluffs will play a medium difficulty, 75.7 rating, and a 146 slope from the 7,300 yard Championship Black tees. Greens are multi-tiered, but will reward players who find the correct level with a fairly straightforward putt. As the West/ Southwest winds kick up coming across Lake Michigan, this course becomes much more difficult.
My next challenge will be the new sister course at Arcadia - The South Course, which seeks to emulate the Chicago Golf Club.
Cheers!
- twitch.tv/beerswithtribe
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/627/Arcadia_717-705_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/625/Arcadia_717-402_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/315/Findleys-Photo_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)
![](https://arcadiabluffs.com/uploads/general/264/FullSizeSunshine-Course_cc3dad06d091eca92dfb3f1beae22752.jpg)