Complexity Veiled by Simplicity

The inspiration for the South Course was born out of a desire to present the guests at Arcadia Bluffs with a golfing experience unlike that of any other golf destination in America. To present players with the opportunity to play a golf course that would stand as a testament to the challenges and emotions experienced only at a few select classic private courses from golf’s earliest days. The objective for the South Course would be to design a golf course by strategically positioning a collection of elements, serene in their appearance, ultimately creating a veil of simplicity over the complexity of the challenges that await. It is this aspect of enduring classic design that both confounds and excites golfers, leaving them with an elevated anticipation to return.

The 311-acre parcel was assembled just one mile south of the existing Arcadia Bluffs course that has enough topographic relief to allow for varying lies, contains sandy soils for firm and fast conditioning, is square in configuration to allow for a well-mixed variety of hole directions, and is walkable. The routing of the South Course is two distinct nine hole loops, each containing a balanced mix of north, south, east and west facing holes. Golfers will notice the distinct lack of trees on the course, making the ever present wind a consideration and affording long range views across the property.

Prominent features of the South Course include:

  • Rectangular tees with 90-degree corners
  • Large greens, averaging over 9,400 square feet, and quite often squared off in their shape in one or more of their corners and separated into different sections using swales, ridges, slopes and isolated bumps
  • A bold bunkering style defined by strong grass faces and ribbons of flat sand
  • Wide fairways and approaches offering optional lines of play
  • Firm and fast conditioning promoting the ground game option

The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs is a tribute to a bygone era in golf course design that few golfers today have ever experienced. With a focus on strategy, and the thought provoking use of angles, the goal is to capture the simplistic nature of the courses from the early days of golf in America. Therefore, we invite everyone to come and experience the challenges, the emotions and the beauty of the South Course – Complexity Veiled by Simplicity.

Director of Agronomy
Jim Bluck
Golf Course Superintendent
Zach Redman
PGA Director of Golf
Chris Sivier
PGA Head Golf Professional
Dustin Darling
South Course Dining Room
(231) 889 7707
South Course Address
13637 Northwood Hwy. Bear Lake, MI 49614
See 2023 Rates Book Tee Time

Score Card

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 IN TOT
Par 4 4 5 4 3 5 4 3 4 36 4 5 3 4 5 4 3 4 4 36 72
Champion 429 361 604 490 200 540 403 167 461 3655 444 593 189 447 553 376 246 417 492 3757 7412
Blue 403 329 571 461 190 505 369 148 430 3406 411 564 175 414 526 350 238 384 464 3526 6932
White 370 295 539 420 180 474 329 128 398 3133 381 530 150 385 491 314 215 353 428 3247 6380
Gold 335 260 504 393 162 437 297 108 366 2862 345 496 131 356 459 279 175 324 387 2952 5814
Red 305 227 474 368 137 406 264 95 339 2615 318 460 107 325 430 240 124 289 353 2646 5261
Handicap 9 17 3 1 7 13 11 15 5 14 4 16 2 10 18 8 12 6

Slope

Men Rating Slope
Champion 75.6 132
Blue 73.1 129
White 70.6 125
Gold 68.1 118
Red 64.8 109
Women Rating Slope
White 76.8 132
Gold 73.4 127
Red 69.6 118

The South Course Clubhouse

The 12,000 square foot Nantucket or Shingle Style Clubhouse is located directly behind the 18th green at the turn between the front and back nine, convenient for players to make a quick stop at The Snack Shop as they head to the tenth tee.

The two-level Clubhouse offers panoramic views of almost the entire property from the Dining Room and fully enclosed Sunroom. Similar to the Bluffs Course, a large “tent lawn” area is located between the 18th green and Clubhouse allowing guests to relax and enjoy a beverage in the signature Arcadia Adirondack chairs while watching players finish their rounds. The Snack Shop, located on the lower southwest corner of the Clubhouse, offers a walk-up window service for players at the turn as well as provide post-round beverage service before finding your seat on the tent lawn.

The Restaurant is centrally located on the second level, nearly 20 feet above the ground offering an incredible vista from almost every seat. Featuring a full-service bar in a casual, relaxing atmosphere the South Course menu will feature casually inspired items including BBQ Ribs, Tacos, and Burgers. The Restaurant will remain open year-round making it the perfect choice for your private family event, holiday party, or just getting together with friends and family to catch the games during the college and winter sports seasons. 

For Reservations & Tee Times - (800) 494-8666