In Golf-Mad Michigan, the Upper Peninsula's Season Is Short but Sweet
In the realm of things that make you go "huh?" did you know that the mighty mitten and "cold weather" state of Michigan boasts the most public golf courses in the country? With two peninsulas situated in a superb green-grass-growing climate, the quality of golf is pretty much unsurpassed. Northern Michigan’s offerings are well-celebrated—with award-winning stars such as Boyne, Garland, Shanty Creek, Treetops and others—but how many golfers ever venture north of even those, beyond the impressive Big Mac Bridge to the unspoiled and vast Upper Peninsula? Land once considered worthless—though chock full of copper, iron, and timber—was the consolation prize in resolving a border dispute with Ohio after the obscure Toledo War in 1835-36.
Such a deal. Despite the short May-to-September summer season, this wild land is an outdoor haven for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, hiking, camping and more. But now, the other "deal" is golf, and in a most spectacular way.
Owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community of the federally-recognized Potawatomi Indian Tribe, Island Resort and Casino (technically in Harris but near Escanaba), fashioned "The Perfect 4-Some" which includes golf and lodging at one of the Midwest’s largest resort and entertainment destinations. A recent $30 million renovation now offers 450-plus guest rooms, including "golf suites" with course views. For RV fans, there’s an ample on-site RV park.
The 6th hole at Sweetgrass Golf Club.
Brian Walters Photography
But best of all, amidst this place of extraordinary beauty are the four stellar courses which make up this "perfect foursome." With breathtaking views and manicured playing conditions, two are conveniently onsite and the other two, well, you won’t mind the journey to get there.
Designed by Paul Albanese in 2007, the original Sweetgrass was named the 2022 National Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Association of America, edging out competitors Pinehurst and Streamsong. Various "Best Of" honors have also been bestowed by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golfweek. Home of the LPGA Epson Tour’s Island Resort Championship, this year’s event just wrapped up and has been fully embraced by the entire community since its inception in 2011.
General Manager Tony Mancilla is proud that the tournament is a favorite among aspiring women professionals and also of the positive impression upon area juniors. “The biggest thing is having the pros play and the kids watch them. They are young golfers trying to make their way and accomplish a huge goal ... and we’re right in the middle of it. Hopefully the little kids will think they can do it too.”
This very playable course sweeps through farmlands and across lakes and rivers, all lined with plentiful areas of local Native American "sweetgrass," an aromatic herb and sacred plant used in peace and healing rituals. Golfers can also learn about Hannahville’s rich history at each tee, with explanatory signs and symbols.
The easily hittable island green 15th provides anticipatory thrills, and the par-5 18th pays homage to the seven elders of the Hannahville community, via seven well-placed and visually appealing left bunkers. Combined with the adjacent par-5 9th hole’s shared green and pond, complete with cascading waterfall, you have two equally striking finishing holes.
The island 15th hole at Sweetgrass Golf Club.
Brian Walters Photography
Needing more golf options, Mancilla and the Tribal Council again commissioned Albanese in 2018 to create a sister course, Sage Run, which has already attracted major attention having hosted three Men’s NCAA Division I invitationals since 2019. Only eight miles north of the more level casino grounds, the contrast in topography is staggering. This layout meanders across a "drumlin’" mountainous ridge with severe elevation, especially two par-3s which play almost straight uphill. It’s a more difficult setting, but an exciting routing where scenic views mitigate that challenge.
Both courses offer multiple tee locations and generous green complexes for all levels of play. According to director of golf Dave Douglas, a fast-growing segment is couples golf, so the guys and gals can select tees measuring from 5,200 to almost 7,400 yards. Choose wisely: factoring in substantial elevations, wetlands and protected greens, Sage Run is not easy for anyone. Yet, while ramping up the difficulty, it remains enjoyable. One notable feature there is somewhat "freestyle" teeing areas on fairway turf. Only one marker is set, and you can pick your starting point. Why not? You’re there for fun.
In addition to the two onsite courses, and considering you’ve invested time in the vast UP, take advantage of the resort’s other courses offered in stay-and-play packages: Jerry Matthews’s award-winning "Best in State" Timber Stone GC, 40 minutes west in Iron Mountain, built on incredible terrain amidst towering pines, lush fairways, and a dramatic competitive ski hill at Pine Mountain Resort. Two stunning holes are two straight downhill finishing holes, the par-3 signature 17th and the par-5 18th, traversing rock walls and ponds. The Sitzmark Bar and Famers Restaurant offer delicious pub food—including Canadian staple poutine—Michigan craft beer, and cocktails. Famers also hosts the Michigan UP Sports Hall of Fame.
Heading east from the resort, don’t allow the 90-minute drive to Marquette dissuade you from visiting Greywalls, etched on the bluffs of Lake Superior. Highlights include the guided circuitous cart tour ever upward toward the first tee pinnacle where golfers are gifted with unparalleled views overlooking the legendary and impossibly deep-blue lake. Architect Mike DeVries fashioned 230 acres out of rocky outcroppings, hills, woods, and wetlands into yet another noted Michigan course, which is actually the second layout at Marquette Golf Club. Where else can you bounce a ball off of granite cliffs and still stay in play?
After golf and returning to Island Resort, there is much to do whether you crave more action or relaxation. Partake in sports betting, bingo, slots or entertainment, where top national and local musical and comedy acts perform either in the intimate 1,315-seat Showroom or Club 41. If leisure or rejuvenation is your preference, there’s Splash Island indoor pool and waterpark or the Driftwood Spa, which offers a variety of high-end services with access to a salt water pool, steam rooms and sauna. The Island Convention Center also provides the perfect setting for business meetings, weddings, or other special events.
You won’t go hungry: the new 5 Bridges Steak and Seafood House, 5 Bridges Pub, Firekeepers Restaurant, Mexican Express, Coral Reef Grille, McC’s Sports Bar and my favorite—the Coffee, Bakery and Custard Shop—will keep you well-fed.
A word to the wise: book early. Island Resort is popular and the simple reason is this: three- or four-day complete packages cost about the same as green fees at other top destinations. Here, a fully customizable package offers golf and lodging options from $365-$728 per person depending upon season and the number of nights, and includes special resort perks.
Air service is available to Escanaba, Green Bay, and Marquette. Although it’s a healthy 8-hour drive from Metro Detroit—including three hours west of the bridge—keep in mind that the drive itself is a dazzling one, once you arrive into the "north country" past Grayling.
Two other secrets: for lunch, try a traditional meat pie "pastie" from anywhere, or head east from the bridge toward St. Ignace and visit the developing Gateway City Garage project located at 107 McCann and State Street at the foot of Big Mac and across from the marina and Wawatam Lighthouse. A food truck parked in front of the antique Packard plant offers an incredible burger, The Highlander, made from special-order Scottish Highland beef, smoked brisket, bacon jam and bleu cheese sauce—and do add the truffle-oil infused Belgian fries dusted with parmesan and parsley. Proprietor Mike Lilliquist’s family has lived in the area forever and also offers waterfront rentals for travelers.
For more information about golf packages and more, call 800-682-6040 or visit www.islandresortandcasino.com
2023 prices are based per person, double occupancy with 4 rounds of golf and either a 3 or 4-night stay.
- Prime season: May 27-Sept. 17: from $460
- Fringe season: Open to May 26: from $405
- Late season: Sept. 18 to close: from $365; with late-season play, the UP’s spectacular fall color change is thrown in for free!