Michigan Golf Journal July 2019

putt on including a Redan, Biarritz, Island, and a double- green. I proudly made it through with no three-putts. Sweetgrass is also part of the “Road to the LPGA” with its Symetra Tour Island Resort Championship featuring the future of LPGA professional golf. Michigan has long been known as one of the top states for golf and the scenic Upper Peninsula region has quickly joined the ranks as a top golf destination thanks in large part to the growth and expansion of golf at the Island Resort & Casino. When arriving at Sage Run, we couldn’t help but notice the land is 180 degrees in contrast from its sister course Sweetgrass. The course opens up in an open prairie lined with fescue for the first couple of holes before getting to my favorite hole No. 3 – a dogleg right par 5 that features rugged bunkering with a Pine Valley feel, playing to a great, small elevated green complex. The course then plays up a ridge that dissects the two sides of the golf course. Holes play up, down, and around the ridge providing a scenic variety of shots creating a fun thrill ride for our group. Albanese said Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, rated among the world’s top courses, served as his inspiration. Following golf, we had a great dinner at the 5 Bridges, where the create-your-own burger was perfect after a long day of golf. Following dinner, we hit the casino before heading back to the rooms, which are very well appointed and spacious. This casino did not disappoint with a new poker room, craps, blackjack, Spanish 21, three card poker, let-it-ride, roulette, and bingo. We all met in the McC’s Sports Bar to go over the itinerary for the next Continues on page 14 >> Michigan Golf Journal Get UP to the U.P.