By Fred Altvater
Michigan’s UP is not just for fishing, hunting, hiking and boating. It is also the home of the ‘Perfect Foursome’ of golf courses with a little casino action thrown in for good measure.
This ‘Perfect Foursome’ of golf courses is comprised of Timberstone, at Pine Mountain Resort, Marquette Golf Club’s Greywalls, plus Sweetgrass and Sage Run at the Island Resort & Casino.
These four diverse courses are the perfect destination for any buddy’s golf trip, or girl’s golf getaway.
Sage Run
Paul Albanese created a routing that uses a large meadow then flows into a high ridge providing dramatic elevation changes and challenges galore.
The course is always in tournament condition and hosts the Island Resort Collegiate Championship featuring the top NCAA golfers and teams in the country.
Sweetgrass
Albanese also designed Sweetgrass, which annually hosts a Symetra Tour event. It traverses slightly rolling terrain and the designer’s use of bunkering and movement is worthy of architectural awards.
Several teeing options are available for every skill level and it is a perfect course for the ladies, as well as, junior golfers. It is always meticulously maintained to the highest standards and a joy to play.
Island Resort & Casino
In addition, Island Resort & Casino offer up every gaming option known to modern man and their newly renovated T. McC’s Sports Bar is equipped with Twin Spires online gaming to provide access to a wide spectrum of sports events and gaming options worldwide.
Don’t forget the spa and several excellent dining options are also available to soothe those achy muscles and provide sustenance for your next round.
Timberstone at Pine Mountain Resort
Pine Mountain Resort is best known for its Olympic ski jump, but it is also the home of the Timberstone Golf Course. Designer Jerry Matthews created a course that blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural setting. Tall trees line the fairways and with the natural rolling terrain, it makes for an enjoyable day on the course.
Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club
Sitting at elevation above Lake Superior on the northern shores of the UP, the views and Mike DeVries’ use of the grey stone cliffs define man’s ability to visualize and create such a beautiful golf experience. 
It seems nearly every tee box provides an elevated look down the fairway, framed by the large rocks and cliffs. This is truly a unique golfing experience and should be at the top of every Golfaholic’s Bucket List.
The Island Resort and Casino, like every golf resort, has experienced higher than normal activity over the past year, but they are planning for even more future growth. They are nearing completion of an additional 133 rooms to house golfers and gamblers alike. The new addition will include new adjoining rooms so golf groups can stay together. It will also house a new indoor water park for year-round enjoyment and a 200-seat upscale restaurant at the top of the tower, with panoramic views of the Sawgrass course.
Book Now for 2022
Although the season is short in the UP, there is still time to visit in October. Word to the wise, book now for 2022, because the Island Resort & Casino is experiencing a high volume of golfers and gamers booking rooms and taking advantage of the very affordable packages.
Learn more about the ‘Perfect Foursome’ package at: https://islandresortgolf.com/packages/perfect-4-some/.
