Island Resort's Golf Expansion

Island Resort & Casino is setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in golf with the addition of the Cedar Course and a brand-new Sweetgrass Golf Shop. These updates promise to elevate the golfing experience, blending thoughtful design with cultural heritage and modern amenities.

Introducing the Cedar Course (Kishki)

Golfers seeking a fresh challenge will soon find it at the Cedar Course, a nine-hole addition designed by Paul Albanese, whose previous work on Sweetgrass and Sage Run has been widely celebrated. Nestled on the Sage Run site, the Cedar Course draws inspiration from the golden age of golf architecture. Its design incorporates iconic green complexes like the Punchbowl, Double Plateau, and Juniper, offering a taste of classic courses such as National Golf Links and Prestwick.

Tony Mancilla, General Manager of Island Resort & Casino, notes that the Cedar Course was conceived to meet rising demand. "Our mornings are often fully booked during peak season. This nine-hole course is perfect for guests looking for an early tee time before heading home."

The Cedar Course is not merely a physical extension; it's a cultural tribute. Its name, Kishki, meaning "cedar" in Potawatomi, honors one of the four sacred medicines revered for its protective and purifying properties. The course's logo will also incorporate tobacco, another sacred medicine, completing a trio of representations alongside Sweetgrass and Sage Run.

The terrain promises to be a standout feature. Mancilla describes the layout as rolling gently through a valley, offering a middle ground between the bold elevation changes of Sage Run and the smoother contours of Sweetgrass. Golfers can expect a course that balances beauty and strategy with a mix of hole lengths and unique features, such as short par-4s inspired by Riviera's 10th hole and church pew bunkers reminiscent of Oakmont.

Adding to its charm, Cedar will also feature a multi-hole complex with greens designed for short and mid-level par-3 shots, playable in multiple directions. Perfect for groups or a quick game, this addition offers a versatile, hour-long golf experience.

A New Era for Sweetgrass Golf Shop

While Cedar expands the resort's offerings, Sweetgrass is stepping up its game with a new golf shop. This 3,000-square-foot facility will overlook the scenic double green shared by the 9th and 18th holes. Designed with a Hardy Plank traditional aesthetic, the shop will include a full-service pro shop, locker rooms with guest showers, and a full-service bar.

Golfers can unwind on the upper deck or covered outdoor terraces, soaking in views of one of the Upper Peninsula's most celebrated courses. Mancilla sees this addition as an essential upgrade, solidifying Sweetgrass's position among the region's top golf destinations.

An Elevated Golf Destination

With these additions, Island Resort & Casino is shaping itself as a premier golf destination. The Cedar Course offers a thoughtfully designed experience steeped in history and culture, while the upgraded Sweetgrass Golf Shop enhances convenience and comfort for every visitor. Together, they promise to make every swing, every hole, and every visit unforgettable.

Whether you're chasing a quick nine holes before breakfast or enjoying the serenity of Sweetgrass's terraces, Island Resort is redefining what a great day on the course looks like.

To learn more about the Cedar Course, the new Sweetgrass Golf Shop, and the exciting $19 million capital investment in our resort, including expanded conference facilities, visit the Island Resort & Casino website's expansion page for full details on these transformative projects.