A woman’s perspective on Arcadia Bluffs
Guest Column by Jennifer Hammond
Fox 2 TV Sports Reporter
I was dabbing the sweat carefully away from my brow well before my foot even hit the pedal to pull up to the first tee, and it wasn’t just the piercing sunshine of another beautiful Northern Michigan summer day.
Granted it was more than 90 degrees during my most recent trip to the picturesque Bluffs course at Arcadia, but the thrill of playing one of the most intimidating and intriguing courses in the Midwest had my adrenaline pumping.
The description alone of the par-five, 355 yard (from the forward tees) opening hole evokes nervous energy for even the most experienced golfer, which I considered myself as I embarked on my third trip around the rolling fairways of the course that flirts along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Playing with a foursome of ladies raised the bar for all of us to rip our best shot off the first tee – with the starter watching on curiously. Great success; we all put our first ball into the gently bending fairway and we were on our way. 
There is plenty about this course that intimidates to be sure, however, if you are able to look past the threat of the cavernous bunkers staring you down on numerous occasions, it’s a course that ushers in confidence with large greens that are welcoming for strong iron play if you can keep your ball straight.
For two of the four women in our group this was their first time playing at Arcadia Bluffs and you can bet there were some nerves to begin with – especially for Diane, who as an experienced golfer managed to find the bunker on three of the first five holes. Undeterred, she maintained the smile on her face throughout the round and was equally blown away by the vistas and challenge that this one of kind pure Michigan course provided.
On this particular day, I had it all working with some well-placed and deep drives from start to finish that found neither sand nor heather – a rarity for me with a handicap of 25.1, down three points since May.
My shot of the day came on the beautiful par three 17th where I clubbed up and ripped a 150-yard tee shot with my driver to land just 12 feet below the hole. While I was disappointed not to sink the birdie putt, it was rewarding enough to escaped with a par on this unforgiving, uphill two-tiered green that is surrounded by heather.
By the time we completed our round, Jamie and I had both posted career best rounds of 94 (with no mulligans) and 95 respectively, while Diane and Pam vowed that we would return so they could break 100 the next time around. From the undulating fairways and blind tee shots to the slippery elevated greens, the Bluffs course is intimidating to be certain. Yet what saved all of us on this steamy, but calm Thursday was a positive demeanor and plenty of support for one another and yes, a few John Daly’s – thanks to David the starter for bringing four fresh ones out to us on 13 after the beverage cart had been put away for the day.
This is a course that provides more than 700 yards advantage on the front nine for women playing from the forward tees without diminishing the challenge and reward of playing smart. Grab your clubs and put together your favorite foursome and make the trek to scenic Arcadia where you’ll experience one of the most breathtaking and strategic rounds of golf in the state. It is an amazing place to visit and to spend a weekend away with the girls.
Cheers from the 19th hole!
