By Fred Altvater
My golf buddies and I have been fortunate to have experienced many of the top golf resorts in the Midwest and some of the top spots around the country over the years. For this trip, the group wanted to find a new destination to experience.
We have certain criteria that must be met, and each one factors heavily into the decision: Quality and quantity of golf, great lodging, plenty of dining options, and fun activities to do outside of golf.
I had been hearing about an emerging golf destination up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which has its reputation for beautifully-forested land, numerous waterfalls and thrilling elevations. The Island Resort & Casino is located outside of Escanaba, a small port city on the Little Bay de Noc on the western end of “The UP.” I’d heard the ‘Island’ was a long-time casino destination that added some special golf courses to attract new guests.
We gave it a try and I’m so glad we did.
My research found that in 2009, the resort built its first golf course, Sweetgrass, designed by Michigan-based architect, Paul Albanese. Sweetgrass ranks among Golfweek’s Best Courses and has earned recognition by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as a Best in State. Sweetgrass features an open layout with some of the game’s most exciting greens to putt. In addition, the course showcases some wonderful strategic holes including the famous island green No. 15, and spectacular duo par 5 holes running parallel and finishing the front and back nines – sharing the same, expansive green complex. 
A few years ago, the resort embarked on its latest golf development after demand for more golf had become evident among golfers. The Sage Run course, which was also designed by Albanese, provides a different and fun golf experience. The new course opened full time on May 31 this year.
Sage Run was built as part of an $8 million renovation including the addition of a full-service spa, renovation of the bingo hall and a new sports bar that would rival the nearest Buffalo Wild Wings with massive TVs and a thrilling sports-centric atmosphere – something our golf group cherishes on most evenings of our golf trips. The truth was, after the great golf combination of Sweetgrass and Sage Run, they had me at “sports bar.”
We utilized the new website (www.islandresortandcasino.com) and package offerings and made the call to book our group on a three-night, four-round golf package. On this trip we decided to stay on property, but golfers could also choose the “Perfect Foursome” package to include Greywalls in nearby Marquette, and Timberstone in Iron Mountain.
Flying into Escanaba through Chicago and Detroit was convenient, and it was an easy pick up at the airport. A few of us got in early and played some twilight golf on Sweetgrass, giving us a small advantage for our first round the next morning.
Our first day included a 36-hole golfing bonanza on Sweetgrass in the morning and then Sage Run in the afternoon. Sweetgrass is a fun prairie links style with wide fairways and some of the most fun greens you can 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 three days, pick teams, determine the games, and watch games on more than 30 huge TVs and enjoyed great food and drink.
Following 36 holes on day one, we slept in and had a nice breakfast at Firekeepers before heading back over to Sage Run for a mid-morning round. We mixed up some tees for this round moving forward and making some of the shorter holes, like 8 and 16, even more fun. These two short par 4s are a riot, especially 16, where you can drive it up over the hill. We did the same thing on 9 and 18 making the two par 5s reachable for most of the group. The view from 18 tee is the most scenic view on the course.
One of the great aspects of Sage Run is that the course can play over 7,000 yards for collegiate players, who will be playing in the first ever Island Resort Collegiate Championship September 1-2, and be a fun challenge from 6,100 yards like we played it at on this day, which was so much fun and what golf needs to be more like.
Following golf and lunch, we relaxed, enjoyed the casino, and a few of us snuck over to the new Drift Spa, which was most impressive. Following the much-needed therapeutic massage and great atmosphere, I realized that my wife and her friends would love the Island. It is a perfect destination for the women who take golf adventures or just want to combine spa and gaming with a golf getaway.
For dinner that evening we enjoyed the 5 Bridges Steak & Seafood House. I actually called the day before and reserved the private room in the back, which made for a wonderful evening of laughs and storytelling amongst friends.
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.
