The Cedar Course becomes the third course at the Upper Peninsula resort, joining the acclaimed Sweetgrass and Sage Run layouts.

Designed by golf course architect Paul Albanese, the Cedar Course is rooted in the principles of Golden Age golf architecture, blending strategic design with a natural, land-driven routing. Built across less rugged terrain adjacent to Sage Run, the course offers a different golf experience–less dramatic than Sage Run’s elevation shifts and more contoured than the gently rolling Sweetgrass–creating a dynamic and highly playable layout.

“This may be my favorite site of all three courses we’ve done up here,” said Albanese. “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.”

Inspired by iconic venues such as National Golf Links and Prestwick, Cedar incorporates classic design elements, including bold green complexes, strategic bunkering, and a variety of hole concepts that reward imagination and thoughtful shot-making. From the opening hole, “The Bottle,” which narrows as players advance from the tee to the standout par-5 sixth, featuring a Himalaya bunker, a Sahara-style landing area, and a boomerang green, the course delivers a compelling mix of strategy and visual appeal.

Courtesy photo

The drivable par-4 eighth — modeled after the famed 10th hole at Riviera Country Club — adds a risk-reward element, while templates such as Double Plateau and Punchbowl greens further reinforce the Golden Age inspiration throughout the round.

The addition of Cedar also addresses strong demand at Island Resort & Casino, where peak-season tee times on Sweetgrass and Sage Run are often fully booked.

“Over the past few years, the demand for golf has increased significantly, with our existing courses frequently at capacity,” said Tony Mancilla, general manager of Island Resort & Casino. “The addition of the Cedar Course allows us to better serve our guests, whether they’re looking for a quick round, an early tee time, or another reason to extend their stay. It’s a meaningful addition that enhances the flexibility and overall experience of our golf offering.”

The course also carries cultural significance. Its name, Kishki — meaning “cedar” in the Potawatomi language — refers to one of the four sacred medicines, symbolizing protection and purification. Together with Sweetgrass and Sage Run, the new layout completes a meaningful trilogy that reflects the land, heritage, and cultural storytelling of the property.

“With Cedar, we’re not just adding another course — we’re completing a vision,” Mancilla added. “It’s an experience that feels authentic, strategic, and lasting, and one that continues to elevate Island Resort & Casino as a premier golf destination in the Midwest.”

As one of the Midwest’s largest golf, casino, and entertainment resort destinations, now with 45 holes (Sweetgrass, Sage Run, and Cedar), the Island Resort & Casino also features over 400 rooms, including golf suites, a top-floor steakhouse restaurant, and a full-service spa. The Vegas-style casino also offers a poker room, table games, bingo, numerous dining options, and live entertainment. Fully customizable packages offer three, four, and five-night lodging options at Island Resort and Casino, including rounds of golf at Sweetgrass, Sage Run, Greywalls, and Timberstone.

More information may be found at islandresortgolf.com or 877-475-4733.