New Golf Course Coming to Tribal Casino on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Posted on: April 27, 2026, 03:13h.
Last updated on: April 26, 2026, 01:16h.
- The Island Resort & Casino in Michigan is opening a new golf course
- The Cedar Course will book tee times beginning in July
- The nine-hole track complements two 18-hole courses at the tribal casino
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known as a golfer’s paradise in the summer months, with many of the famed tracks located at tribal casino resorts.
The Island Resort & Casino in Harris is already recognized for its two 18-hole championship golf courses. The property, owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, is home to the award-winning Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Club.
Sweetgrass is ranked No. 9 on Golfweek’s list of public golf courses in Michigan. Sage run is No. 13.
Island Resort will soon open a third course. The Cedar Course a nine-hole track designed by Paul Albanese. The par-36, 3,445-yard back-tee layout is slated to book its first tee times in July.
Nine-Hole Appeal
Tony Mancilla, the general manager of the Island Resort & Casino, says the Cedar Course was inspired by the “golden age” of golf. The course emulates classic golf course architecture. Its signature hole will likely be the 9th, with a large bunker on the right side of the fairway that has church pews inspired by Oakmont.
Albanese, who also designed Sweetgrass and Sage Run, says Cedar might be his best work yet at the tribal casino.
This may be my favorite site of all three courses we’ve done up here,” Albanese said. “It just sets up really well for some great golf. Cedar gives players a chance to experience the strategy, creativity, and fun that defined the Golden Age, without it ever feeling forced.”
Nine-hole rounds are gaining favor in some golf circles. Resort golf can be notoriously slow, making a nine-hole round more attractive for guests with business or family commitments later in the day.
The Cedar Course will also attract morning rounds for those who are departing that day.
We are very busy in the summer and often booked on both of our other courses in the morning,” said Mancilla. “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,” Mancilla explained.
3-3-3 Layout
Cedar is unique in offering three par 3s, three par 4s, and three par 5s. The course pays homage to some of the world’s best holes, with the par-3 third a tribute to great short holes, like No. 8 at Troon and No. 7 at Pebble Beach.
The 8th at Cedar is a short par 4 that mimics the risk-reward of the drivable 10th at Riviera, often considered among the world’s best short par 4s.
Along with 45 holes of championship golf, Island Resort & Casino features 450 hotel rooms, an RV park, a spa, a saltwater pool, and seven restaurants and bars. As for the casino, there are 1,150 slots, more than a dozen table games, a bingo room, and a sportsbook.
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