HARRIS, Mich. (April 22, 2026) — Island Resort & Casino, one of the Midwest’s
premier golf destinations, announces that the new Cedar Course (Kishki), a nine-hole
layout, is set to open for preview play in July 2026, with a full opening slated for 2027.
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.
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.
BY-Lisa Magnin
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