The Island Resort & Casino announced the construction phase of much-anticipated Sweetgrass Golf Club is nearing completion. The 18-hole championship course will be the newest amenity at the popular, Vegas-style gaming destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Grow-in has commenced on virtually all the holes, while a couple holes are already grown-in. Sweetgrass is projected to open for play in July 2008.
The name Sweetgrass refers to an aromatic herb, a sacred plant, used in Indian peace and healing rituals, and is found along the course.
Golf-course architect Paul Albanese has worked previously on such notable projects as Timberstone in Iron Mountain, Mich., Mill Creek in Rochester, N.Y., Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, N.Y., Moose Ridge in South Lyon, Mich., Quail Ridge in Ada, Mich., and Traditions Golf Club in Edmond, Okla.
Albanese is frequently on-site with the construction crews led by industry veteran Dan Grassi fine-tuning a course that unfolds across gentle undulations, meadows and forested areas.
The course will play from approximately 7,300 to 5,000 yards and will feature multiple teeing areas to accommodate every player’s unique skill level.
Additionally, the design includes:
an islandgreen on the par-3 15th
a Biarritz green on the par-3 12th
holes named for and paying homage to Indian legend
fescue framing the wide fairways
sand bunkers and water hazards which strategically defend the course
historic bridges “rescued” from around the region which lend the course a unique feel
prevailing winds which add additional drama to the memorable design and round of golf
two waterfalls (between the 9th and 18th holes
beautifully crafted rockwork and cedar posts throughout the course
“We were given a beautiful piece of land by the Hannahville Indian Community on which to create Sweetgrass Golf Club,” says Architect Paul Albanese. “We expect Sweetgrass to instantly become the best course in the Upper Peninsula and one of the best new courses in North America upon opening.”
The Hannahville Indian Community is a band of the Potawatomi Nation. Albanese drew inspiration from the tribe’s heritage and incorporated it into the design of Sweetgrass. From bunkers named after tribal elders to areas reminiscent of long-forgotten fortress ruins, Sweetgrass offers legend and inspiration on every hole.
Known as the Keepers of the Fire, the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation also will honor legend by featuring a continuous flame next to the 10th tee box.
The island green – which jibed with the resort’s name and fit within the parameters of the land’s dictated design – also meshes with Potawatomi legend, which holds the turtle and its wisdom in high esteem. The challenging par-3 island green is surrounded by a bed of rock outcroppings.
“Paul did an excellent job of keeping the proud tradition and legend of the Potawatomi Tribe in mind while crafting this course,” says Kenneth Meshigaud, Chairman of the Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Council. “This design is a tribute to the people of this community and those who have come before us.”
In the course design, Albanese – a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and Director of Golf Course Architecture at the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland – also incorporated five steel bridges retired by nearby county departments of transportation. Originally in service in 1915, the longest and most visible bridge spans 105 feet and takes golfers to the island green.
The Upper Peninsula – or U.P. as the area is known – is renowned for its perfect summer golf weather and large stretches of lush, unspoiled beauty.
Island Resort & Casino is a rising star in the Midwest thanks to constantly re-inventing itself. Most recently the resort opened its second hotel tower – the Palm Tower – which offers many more rooms in several room styles including luxury suites.
For more information about Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Island Resort & Casino, please visit www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040.
