When Island Resort & Casino set out to design its new Cedar Course (Kishki), the goal wasn’t just to build nine more holes—it was to give golfers in the Upper Peninsula a taste of the most iconic holes in the game.
“We wanted to give people an experience in northern Michigan of golf holes that they may never get to go play,” said course designer Paul Albanese. “A lot of people may not get to go play Riviera or Augusta. So, we wanted to give them a flavor for what that would feel like.”
And that’s exactly what Cedar Course will deliver.
✦ Golf’s Greatest Holes—Recreated, Not Replicated
Using aerial imagery and golden-age design templates, the team carefully modeled each hole to capture the strategy and spirit of world-renowned layouts. Among the standout inspirations:
- Hole 1: Bottle Hole
Inspired by C.B. Macdonald’s design concept, this hole features two separate fairways, forcing players to commit to a line off the tee. - Hole 5: Eden
A nod to the famous par-3 at St. Andrews, with a green complex that tests distance control and precision. - Hole 6: Juniper
Based on Augusta National’s sixth hole, this par-3 brings elevation changes and bold bunkering to the U.P. - Hole 8: Short Par-4 Like Riviera No. 10
One of the most famous short par-4s in golf, Riviera’s 10th is recreated with a layout designed to tempt players into aggressive choices. - Hole 9: Punchbowl Green
A classic golden-age feature, this green funnels shots down into the center, rewarding creativity and run-up play.
While no replica can match the original, Cedar’s interpretation focuses on playable strategy, architectural nuance, and accessibility for golfers who may never visit those storied clubs.
✦ Why This Matters
Cedar Course isn’t just expanding Island’s golf offerings—it’s redefining what public-access golf can feel like in the Midwest. These template-inspired designs add variety, charm, and historical depth to each round, helping players connect to golf’s roots while playing in Michigan’s natural beauty.
