Hole 17 at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 176 yds
- Stroke index
- 16
- Hazards
- 2 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 42 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 176 yards
The plan for No. 17
The 17th hole at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club stands as a deceptively challenging par 3 that has earned recognition as a favorite among golfers who experience this clifftop masterpiece. At 176 yards, this seemingly straightforward tee shot transforms into a formidable test when Lake Michigan's relentless winds come into play. What appears as a manageable mid-iron on calm days can quickly demand an extra club or two as prevailing winds from the left create havoc with ball flight. The uphill nature of the shot adds another layer of complexity, often playing longer than the yardage suggests. With no significant hazards to navigate, the primary challenge lies in club selection and wind judgment. This hole perfectly embodies Arcadia Bluffs' reputation for wind-swept golf, where Mother Nature serves as the course's most demanding defense.
Off the tee
Club selection is absolutely critical on this hole, as the combination of uphill elevation and typical headwind/crosswind from the left can add 20-30 yards to the effective playing distance. On calm days, a comfortable mid-iron might suffice, but expect to reach for a long iron or even hybrid when the Lake Michigan winds are howling. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target makes aggressive pin-hunting a risky proposition. Pay close attention to the flag and trees for wind direction, as conditions can change quickly near the lake.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par-3, your tee shot is your approach. The key is committing fully to your club selection after accounting for wind and elevation. The uphill nature of the shot means the ball will land softer, so don't be afraid to take dead aim at the flag if you've selected the right club. However, given the small green size, favor the center-to-back portion of the putting surface to avoid coming up short. A shot that carries to the back of the green is far preferable to one that finds the front fringe or short grass.
On the green
While specific green contours aren't detailed, the small size means most putts will be relatively manageable in length. Focus on speed control rather than trying to make every putt, as three-putting from 20 feet is more costly than two-putting from the same distance. The elevated, exposed nature of this green means wind can affect longer putts, so factor in any breeze when reading breaks and determining pace. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk-reward decision happens before you even select your club. The temptation is to take one less club and try to flight the ball lower into the wind, but this often leads to coming up short. The reward for proper club selection and committing to the shot is a legitimate birdie opportunity. Conservative play targeting the center of the green is usually the percentage play, especially when winds are strong. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-handicap players** should focus entirely on getting the ball somewhere on the putting surface. Take an extra club in windy conditions and aim for the largest part of the green. Don't worry about pin position - just find the green and move on. A bogey here isn't a round-killer. **Low-handicap players** can be more aggressive with pin positions when conditions allow, but should still respect the wind. These players have the skill to work the ball slightly against crosswinds and can take advantage of favorable pin positions. However, even scratch golfers should prioritize the center of the green when winds are strong, as the small target makes precision difficult even for accomplished players. The 17th at Arcadia Bluffs rewards patience and proper preparation over aggressive play, making it a true test of golf strategy and course management in one of Michigan's most scenic settings.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,016 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Course Record - Arcadia Bluffs
How did Hole 17 play?
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Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 176 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 176 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 17?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?
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Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 17?
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The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 17?
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This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.