Michigan Golf Journal March 2020

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story: UP Golf natural terrain is what I’m most proud of at Sage Run.” The main feature of the property is a long, sloping ridge that’s an outcome of past glacier movement in the region. It runs through the heart of the property and is very prominent as it has vast hill climbs over 120 feet high. It is clearly the focal point for the golf design and can be very intimidating the first time it’s experienced. Uphill challenges are most prominent on the par 3 holes of No. 5 and No. 14, plus the 16 th par 4. In each case you might see the top of the flag from the tee – if you’re lucky. Yet the balance of routing includes mostly level or downhill plays – especially Nos. 6, 15 and 18 with highly elevated tees inviting golfers to ‘let it fly’ and watch the ball hang in air for a gloriously long time before dropping to the earth below. 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 comfortable 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 three days, pick teams, determine the games, and watch games on more than 30 huge TVs and enjoyed great food and drink. Whether you are a group of guys looking for a great buddy trip destination, women looking for a great golf and spa destination, or just golfers looking to escape the stress of the big city and experience a fun golf vacation among the scenic beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, plan a trip to the Island Resort. Visit www. islandresortgolf.com. MGJ Sage Run