The Island Resort & Casino, a prominent golf, casino, and entertainment destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is poised to elevate its offerings with the introduction of a new 9-hole golf course. This expansion is a response to the increasing demand for golf facilities at the resort, which already boasts two acclaimed 18-hole championship courses, Sage Run and Sweetgrass.
The Cedar Course, known as Kishki in Potawatomi, is currently under development near the existing Sage Run site. This new layout, forming part of a substantial $19 million capital investment project, will cater to the resort’s growing number of guests seeking early morning tee times. General Manager Tony Mancilla affirmed, “We decided to add nine holes to accommodate our guests looking for early morning tee times before they head home,” citing the high summer demand that often results in fully booked morning slots on the resort’s existing courses.
Michigan, known as the state with the most public golf courses in the country, is an ideal location for such expansion, given its rich golfing culture. The landscape of the Cedar Course, designed by golf architect Paul Albanese, will be a tribute to the architectural concepts of the early 1900s, featuring iconic green templates inspired by renowned courses such as the National Golf Links in Long Island and Prestwick in Scotland.
The course will also incorporate distinctive features like church pew bunkers, reminiscent of those at Oakmont in Pittsburgh, and a short par 4 modelled after the 10th hole at Riviera in Los Angeles. Albanese aims to provide Midwestern golf enthusiasts with a taste of classic course architecture, reminiscent of overseas playing experiences or the bygone era of the sport.
Moreover, the Cedar Course will be strategically routed on gently rolling hills and elevated land, adding to the allure of the natural surroundings. The name “Cedar” (Kishki) is symbolic of the potent and purifying qualities associated with the eponymous plant in Potawatomi culture, with the course logo paying homage to another revered indigenous medicine, tobacco.
In addition to the 9-hole layout, the Cedar Course will feature a short course complex with multiple greens and teeing areas, allowing players to engage in short and mid-level par 3 shots in various directions. The resort is also investing in a new 3,000-square foot golf shop at Sweetgrass, offering stunning views of the 9th and 18th holes, a full-service bar, locker rooms, and covered outdoor terraces.
Overall, the Island Resort & Casino’s expansive new project is poised to elevate the golfing experience for both guests and avid enthusiasts. With the addition of the Cedar Course and the various capital investments, the resort is set to solidify its position as a premier destination for golf, entertainment, and leisure in the Midwest.