Golf enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting development in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! The Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI, is embarking on a $19 million capital investment project that will introduce a brand new nine-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art golf shop, and an expanded convention center. This ambitious project promises to enhance the region’s golfing and event hosting capabilities, making it an even more attractive destination for visitors.
Introducing the Cedar Course
The highlight of this expansion is the new nine-hole Cedar Course, designed by the renowned golf course architect Paul Albanese. Known for his work on Sweetgrass and Sage Run, Albanese is bringing his expertise to create a course inspired by the golden age of golf architecture. The Cedar Course will feature natural landscapes and popular green complexes, providing golfers with a unique and strategic playing experience.
“We are very busy in the summer and often booked on both of our other courses in the morning,” says Tony Mancilla, General Manager of Island Resort & Casino. “We decided to add nine holes to accommodate our guests looking for early morning tee times before they head home. We are not adding to Sage Run but making these nine holes their own course.”
Named "Cedar" (Kishki in Potawatomi), the course pays homage to one of the four sacred medicines known for its protective and purifying properties. The design incorporates elements reminiscent of C.B. Macdonald's National Golf Links and famous overseas links like Prestwick.
“We are taking some great concepts from the golden age of course architecture in the early 1900s and incorporating them into the Cedar Course,” says Albanese. “The course will feature some of the game’s most popular green templates like the Punchbowl, Double Plateau, and even a Juniper hole like the famous 6th hole at Augusta National. Many Midwesterners have not experienced this kind of architecture, so we wanted to give them a flavor of what it would be like to play overseas or from that era.”
The Cedar Course will also offer a variety of hole lengths, including short par-4s inspired by famous holes like No. 10 at Riviera and church pew bunkers like those at Oakmont. The course will be routed through rolling land adjacent to the front nine of Sage Run, providing a balanced blend of challenge and beauty.
Sweetgrass Enhancements
In addition to the Cedar Course, the existing Sweetgrass golf course will see the addition of a new golf shop. Overlooking the scenic 9th and 18th holes, the new 3,000-square-foot shop will include an upper deck with a full-service pro shop, covered outdoor terraces, a full-service bar, and locker rooms with guest showers. This new facility promises to elevate the golfing experience at Sweetgrass, offering convenience and luxury to players.
Expanded Convention Center
The resort’s convention center will also undergo significant expansion, adding 16,900 square feet of modern event space. The new facility will feature high-volume ceilings, state-of-the-art audio and visual accommodations, a high-capacity kitchen, multiple event bars, and outdoor courtyards. This expansion will enhance the resort’s ability to host large events, including weddings, business conventions, and special gatherings.
“The new facility is designed to better accommodate larger events, including business conventions,” says Mancilla. “By offering expanded meeting space conveniently located between Lower Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, we will meet the increased demand from regional groups. Many of these groups are looking to have multiple-day events during the week. We are in the unique position to also provide hotel accommodations sufficient for these large conventions.”
Stay Updated with Metro Detroit Golfers
As this exciting project progresses, we encourage everyone to stay updated through Metro Detroit Golfers and join our community of over 55,000 Michigan golfers. We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments and share more details as the new Cedar Course and expanded facilities at Island Resort & Casino take shape.