Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation-Owned Amenity at the Island Resort & Casino Prepares for Late Summer Grand Opening
(HARRIS, Michigan) – The Island Resort & Casino today unveils the Sweetgrass Golf Club logo, which draws inspiration from the Potawatomi Indian Nation. The name Sweetgrass refers to an aromatic herb, a sacred plant, used in Indian peace and healing rituals, and is found along the course.
“While the name Sweetgrass is rich in Tribal legend, the logo embodies many of the attributes of the golf course,” says Tribal Chairman Ken Meshigaud. “It’s elegant yet subtle, all while paying homage to the Potawatomi Nation.”
Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Island Resort & Casino are owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation. Known as the Keepers of the Fire, the Firekeeper will be honored by a flame next to the 10th tee box – one of many subtle and indirect references to their proud history to be found along the rolling, windswept hills of this championship layout.
Measuring 5,000 yards from the forward tees and stretching to 7,300 yards from the tips, the much-anticipated Paul Albanese-design promises to challenge the lowest handicaps while accommodating the novice golfer and matching favorably to every skill level in between.
While wispy native grasses wave in the breeze, sand bunkers and water hazards are strategically positioned to defend the course. Historic bridges “rescued” from around the region and beautifully crafted rockwork lend a unique look and feel to the design.
A pair of challenging par 3s – one an island and the other featuring a Biarritz green – are sure to test the skill of accomplished players, while at the same time pleasing the artistic eye of any fan of the game. Two waterfalls, created from the natural rock on site, greet golfers as they walk up the ninth and 18th fairways.
Albanese, along with design partner Chris Lutzke, has endeavored to make Sweetgrass and other designs sustainable, employing simple yet critical practices such as using native plant materials to minimize the need for herbicides and pesticides, while minimizing the energy and expense of constructing and maintaining a golf course.
Off the golf course, the resort recently introduced the luxurious Palm Tower that adds 162 spacious, well-appointed rooms and luxurious penthouse suites to the existing Sun Tower’s 113 rooms. Additionally, the Island Showroom hosts national acts, Club Four One nightclub and the Beachcomber Restaurant & Bar welcome guests looking to dine or quench their thirst, and the Vegas-style gaming floor was expanded with an additional 500 slot machines.
Located in the unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sweetgrass Golf Club is easily accessible via a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette.
For more information on Sweetgrass Golf Club, visit www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2125.
About Island Resort & Casino
Offering Las Vegas-style gaming, the Island Resort & Casino – located 1 hour south of Marquette, Mich., and 2 hours north of Green Bay, Wisc. – is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features Craps, Blackjack, Let-It-Ride, Spanish 21, Roulette, Three-Card Poker, Four-Card Poker and Texas Hold ’em Bonus. In addition, there are more than 1,400 slot machines, Live Poker and Live Keno. The Bingo Hall is open 7 days a week. The Island Resort and Casino offers 275 rooms, ranging from standard to luxurious suites. The Island Showroom seats more than 1,300 people for headliners such as Martina McBride, 3 Doors Down, Gretchen Wilson, Trace Adkins, Blues Brothers and Michael Bolton. Dining options include the Firekeeper’s Restaurant, Beachcomber Restaurant & Bar, Coral Reef Grille and Bingo Snack Bar. Live music in the lounge, a swimming pool and conference center are other popular resort offerings.
About the Architect
Paul Albanese is a principal of Albanese & Lutzke, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and Director of Golf Course Architecture at the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland. He has worked previously on such notable projects as Timberstone in Iron Mountain, Mich., Mill Creek in Rochester, N.Y., Moose Ridge in South Lyon, Mich., Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, N.Y, Tam-O-Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield, Mich., and Traditions Golf Club in Edmond, Okla. For more information about Albanese & Lutzke, call 734-667-5150 or visit www.golf-designs.com.
Contact:
Rob Thomas
Buffalo Communications
330.696.1476
rthomas@billycaspergolf.com
Dan Shepherd
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3320
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
