Golf & Gaming in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan (The U.P.) is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts, offering a rugged, scenic landscape that sets the stage for some of the best golf in the Midwest. Known for its dense forests, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning lake views, the U.P. is an underrated golf destination that deserves a spot on your must-play list. At the heart of it all is Island Resort & Casino, a premier golf-and-gaming getaway where championship courses meet top-tier resort amenities, dining, and entertainment. With the Perfect 4-Some Golf Package featuring some of the finest layouts in the region, plus a world-class casino to keep the excitement going after your round, this is the ultimate destination for a golf trip that delivers both challenge and relaxation.

Where to Play: The Perfect 4-Some Golf Package

The Island Resort Golf Package showcases four standout courses, each with a unique style and set of challenges. The star of the show is Sweetgrass Golf Club, located right at Island Resort & Casino. Designed by Paul Albanese, this award-winning course features fast, undulating greens, fescue-lined fairways, and strategically placed bunkers that demand precision. It's also home to the Epson Tour's Island Resort Championship, where rising LPGA stars compete each summer. The signature hole, the island green par-3 15th, is a thrilling test of accuracy and nerve.

Just a short shuttle ride from the resort, Sage Run Golf Club provides a completely different challenge. Also designed by Albanese, Sage Run is a rugged, natural layout built around a drumlin - a long, sloping ridge left behind by glaciers. The course features dramatic elevation changes, wide fairways, and massive greens that force golfers to think strategically about every shot. If you're the type of golfer who loves risk-reward challenges and scenic vistas, Sage Run will not disappoint.

For those looking to explore beyond the resort, TimberStone Golf Course in Iron Mountain is about a 40-minute drive away and is well worth the trip. Designed by Jerry Matthews, TimberStone is carved into the U.P.'s dense forest, creating a mountain-style golf experience with jaw-dropping elevation changes. One of the most famous holes in the region is the par-3 17th, where tee shots drop over 100 feet from the back tee to the green below. It's a must-play course for those who appreciate dramatic scenery and a true test of shot-making.

If you're up for a bit of a road trip, Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club, about an hour from the resort, is one of the most unique and visually stunning courses in the Midwest. Set along the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, Greywalls blends rugged, rock-lined fairways with breathtaking water views. Designed by Mike DeVries, the course features natural rock outcroppings, rolling fairways, and tricky greens that require a creative approach to every shot. If you love bucket-list golf experiences, Greywalls is an unforgettable addition to your U.P. golf adventure.

Golf Package Info & Booking: Island Resort & Casino Golf

Things To Look Forward To in 2025 and Beyond

Island Resort & Casino has announced a $19 million expansion that will bring a brand-new nine-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art golf shop, and additional convention space to the resort. With demand for golf at an all-time high, this ambitious project ensures that Island Resort continues to grow while maintaining its reputation as a top Midwest golf getaway.

A New Nine-Hole Course: Cedar (Kishki) at Sage Run
The biggest addition to the resort's golf offerings is Cedar (Kishki), a new nine-hole course designed by Paul Albanese, the same architect behind Sweetgrass and Sage Run. The new course will be built on the Sage Run site but will operate independently, offering golfers another option-especially those looking to squeeze in a quick round before heading home.

Designed with a nod to golden age course architecture, Cedar will incorporate template green complexes inspired by legendary courses such as National Golf Links and Prestwick. Expect unique design elements like Punchbowl and Double Plateau greens, as well as a Juniper hole reminiscent of Augusta National's famous 6th. These classic features, rarely seen in the Midwest, will introduce golfers to a style of play more commonly found in overseas links courses.

The course's name, Cedar (Kishki in Potawatomi), pays tribute to one of the four sacred medicines in Potawatomi culture, known for its protective and purifying properties. This aligns with the names Sweetgrass and Sage Run, further strengthening the connection to Indigenous traditions and the land. The course logo will honor another sacred medicine, tobacco, as a nod to these deep cultural ties.

Cedar's layout will feature a mix of different-length holes, including short par-4s inspired by Riviera's iconic 10th, a short par-3, and church pew bunkers reminiscent of Oakmont. The course will be built on rolling land adjacent to Sage Run's front nine, offering a layout that is less severe than Sage Run but with more movement than Sweetgrass-a perfect balance between the resort's existing courses.

Sweetgrass Gets a New Golf Shop & Clubhouse Experience
In addition to the new course, Sweetgrass Golf Club is getting a significant upgrade. A brand-new golf shop will be built overlooking Sweetgrass's stunning double green on the 9th and 18th holes. The 3,000-square-foot facility will feature a full-service pro shop, an upper deck with views of the course, covered outdoor terraces, a full-service bar, and locker rooms with guest showers. This addition will enhance the overall golf experience at Sweetgrass, providing a modern, comfortable space for golfers before and after their rounds.

Where to Stay: Island Resort & Casino

After a long day on the course, Island Resort & Casino offers everything you need to unwind and enjoy the night. The resort features a variety of accommodations, from deluxe hotel rooms to spacious suites, all designed for comfort and convenience. The casino itself is a 24/7 entertainment venue, with over 1,200 slot machines, classic table games like blackjack and roulette, and a live poker room for those who want to test their luck beyond the golf course. If gaming isn't your thing, the resort also boasts live entertainment at Club Four One, where you can catch comedy acts, concerts, and performances throughout the year.

Dining at the resort is equally impressive. For a post-round beverage, 5 Bridges Bar serves craft beers from around Michigan and the Midwest, making it a perfect spot to recap the day's best shots (or worst misses). Looking for a fine dining experience post round, Horizons Steakhouse offers up mouth watering steaks and seafood. For a casual dining atmosphere, T. McC's Sports Bar offers great pub fare, like burgers and wings, and plenty of TVs to catch the latest sports and golf action. Meanwhile, Firekeeper's Restaurant provides a classic menu of comfort food favorites, perfect for refueling before another round.

Things to Do Along the Way

If you're looking to explore beyond the fairways and casino floor, Michigan's Upper Peninsula is packed with outdoor adventures and unique experiences. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located along Lake Superior, is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the region. Take a boat tour or kayak excursion to see the colorful cliffs, hidden caves, and waterfalls that make this area famous. If fishing is your thing, charter a boat on Little Bay de Noc, one of the Midwest's top spots for walleye fishing. For those who appreciate craft beer and spirits, the U.P. Beer & Distillery Trail offers stops at Upper Hand Brewery in Escanaba and Mackinac Island Rum Company, where you can sample locally made drinks and take in the U.P.'s laid-back charm.

Witness Women's Professional Golf: The Epson Tour

One of the highlights of the summer golf season at Island Resort & Casino is the Epson Tour's Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass Golf Club. This event brings some of the best up-and-coming women's golfers to the U.P. as they compete for a spot on the LPGA Tour. While the 2025 dates haven't been released yet, if you plan your trip around tournament week, you'll get a chance to watch the future stars of women's golf tackle the same course you just played. Nothing makes you appreciate the skill level of the pros quite like watching them go low on a course where you just struggled to break 90.

Even better? You don't just have to be a spectator - you can tee it up alongside an Epson Tour pro in the Island Resort Championship Pro-Am. Held the day before the tournament begins, this event offers amateur golfers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play a round with a professional in a fun and relaxed scramble format. Whether you bring your buddies, clients, or golf league crew, this is an incredible way to experience Sweetgrass Golf Club from the inside the ropes. For more information on securing a spot as an individual or entering a four-person team, contact Island Resort & Casino to organize your entry. It's not every day you get to play alongside a future LPGA star - so don't miss this unforgettable opportunity!

Getting There

Island Resort & Casino is conveniently located in the central Upper Peninsula, making it accessible for travelers coming from all directions. If you're flying in, Delta County Airport (ESC) in Escanaba is just 15 minutes away, while Marquette Sawyer International Airport (MQT) is about an hour's drive. For those coming from farther afield, Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a major regional airport about two hours away.

Driving Distances:
* Green Bay, WI - 2 hours
* Milwaukee, WI - 4.5 hours
* Chicago, IL - 6 hours
* Detroit, MI - 7 hours

Final Thoughts

If you're searching for an unforgettable golf trip that blends championship-caliber courses with resort-style luxury and casino excitement, Island Resort & Casino in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the perfect destination. Whether you're tackling the island green at Sweetgrass, navigating the rugged terrain of Sage Run, teeing off from the mountainous fairways of TimberStone, or taking in breathtaking Lake Superior views at Greywalls, you'll be playing some of the best golf in the Midwest. Add in casino gaming, live entertainment, and top-tier dining, and this trip is a guaranteed winner. Pack your clubs, roll the dice, and get ready for a golf getaway that's equal parts birdies and blackjack.