The wait is over. Cedar Course (Kishki) is open for limited preview play, giving golfers a first look at Paul Albanese’s newest Golden Age-inspired design before its full opening in 2027.
The nine-hole course is offering preview rounds through October 4, 2026, at $45 per player. Tee times are limited, available online only and may be booked up to 14 days in advance through the Island Resort Golf booking system.
Golden Age Ideas, Routed for Cedar’s Land
Cedar is rooted in the design principles that made the Golden Age of golf architecture so enduring: strategic angles, bold greens, hazards that influence decisions and holes that can be played more than one way. Rather than forcing those ideas onto the property, Albanese used the natural contours of the site to shape the routing.
The course sits on gentler terrain adjacent to Sage Run. It does not have Sage Run’s largest elevation swings, but it carries more contour than the rolling ground at Sweetgrass. Cedar occupies its own place between the two—scenic, strategic and approachable, with enough movement to make the ground part of the game.
“This may be my favorite site of all three courses we’ve done up here,” Albanese said. “Cedar gives players a chance to experience the strategy, creativity and fun that defined the Golden Age—without it ever feeling forced.”
Five Design Features to Watch
Cedar borrows ideas from legendary venues such as National Golf Links, Prestwick and Riviera Country Club, then interprets them for the land and conditions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- 1 — The Bottle: The opening hole narrows as it moves toward the green, making position and angle important from the first swing.
- 3 — Double Plateau: A short hole with distinct putting levels that places a premium on finding the correct section of the green.
- 6 — Sahara and Boomerang: The par 5 features a Sahara-style bunker and a boomerang green inspired by Alister MacKenzie, creating different lines and recovery options.
- 8 — A Drivable Decision: Inspired by Riviera Country Club’s iconic 10th, this short par 4 tempts players to challenge the green while making the safer route a strategic choice of its own.
- 9 — Punchbowl and Church Pews: The finishing hole combines a receptive Punchbowl concept with distinctive Church Pew bunkering for a memorable close.
The familiar architectural references give knowledgeable golfers plenty to notice, but Cedar does not require a history lesson to enjoy. Its choices are visible, its concepts are playable and its nine-hole format makes it possible to experience a complete round in less time.
Why Kishki Matters
Cedar is more than the newest addition to the Island golf lineup. Kishki means “cedar” in Potawatomi. As one of the four sacred medicines, cedar represents protection and purification. Its name completes a trilogy with Sweetgrass and Sage Run that connects the resort’s courses to the heritage and cultural story of the property.
How to Play Cedar During the Preview Season
Cedar tee times must be booked online and separately from 2026 golf packages. Guests who already have a 2026 package may still add a Cedar round by reserving an available time through the online tee-time system. Cedar becomes part of Island’s golf package offerings in 2027.
Availability is intentionally limited during the preview season. Reserve a Cedar tee time online, explore the Cedar Course page and start planning your first look at Island Resort Golf’s newest course.
Cedar Preview Season Details
- Dates: August 7–October 4, 2026
- Preview rate: $45 per player
- Tee times: Online only and bookable up to 14 days in advance
- Availability: Limited
- Course: Nine-hole Cedar Course (Kishki), adjacent to Sage Run
- Package note: Book separately from 2026 packages; available within 2027 packages
