Michigan Golf Journal November 2020

Michigan Golf Journal U.P. Golf A recent fall trip to the Upper Peninsula highlighted gorgeous colors in Michigan’s fall foliage, a review of how the newest course in the U.P., Sage Run, is ‘growing in’ nicely in its third year of play, and a quick view of new hotel expansion construction taking place. A package deal offered annually is called The Perfect Foursome – but if you go, make it Five. The official package includes two nights lodging at Islan d Resort & Casino and four rounds of golf; one each at IRC’s Sage Run and award winning Sweetgrass, plus Greywalls and Timberstone golf courses; the latter three ranked in the top 15 in Michigan by GolfWeek . • Sweetgrass (rated No. 13): a prairie-links style Paul Albanese design at Island Resort Casino is also home to its annual Symetra Tour event. The rolling-plains layout incorporates rock formations, railroad-tie walls, iconic steel road bridges from around the U.P., an island green (No. 15) and waterfalls in the sides of the hill protecting the shared green of holes 9 and 18. The bridges are so classic and mammoth for a golf course there was talk early on of calling the golf course The Bridges. • Sage Run is a 180-degree experience from Sweetgrass as the holes traverse up and down, over and around a rocky ridge formed by ancient glacier ice movements. My recent trip there Perfect Foursome Awaits For Buddies Trips By Tom Lang Sweetgrass, Sage Run, Greywalls and Timberstone