The Island Resort & Casino in the state of Michigan is planning a golf course to be added to the property, providing a new amenity for guests. The course is currently set to debut by 2017 and will join the Sweetgrass Golf Club, the golf course already in operation at the Island Resort.

The current golf course was opened back in 2008 and has been successful, hosting the LPGA Symetra Tour’s Island Resort Championship. The General Manager of the casino, Tony Mancilla, stated that one golf course is considered just a course, two courses is a destination. With the new golf course at the Island plus a new space, along with the existing amenities of the resort, Mancilla believes more people will be drawn to spend more while visiting and stay for a longer period of time.

Albanese & Lutzke’s, an architecture firm specializing in golf course creation, will be handling the design of the new course. Paul Albanese will be in charge and will create a course that is completely different from Sweetgrass. Just recently, ground was broken but any tree removal will be taking place in the winter months.

The Hannahville Indian Community, owners of the property, want to see the design be respectful of the land, ensuring the course fits into the terrain naturally. The new course would be located about 6 miles from the Island, with game play taking place through 2/3 of trees with a more natural look along the fairway. The course will also have a mix of par threes and fours along the course, allowing for game play by professionals as well as the occasional golfer.