Sage Run Golf Club
W16798 County Road 400
Bark River, Michigan 49807
Phone(s): (906) 723-2251
Website: islandresortgolf.com/sage-run-golf-club
Bark River, Michigan 49807
Phone(s): (906) 723-2251
Website: islandresortgolf.com/sage-run-golf-club
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Golf course details
- Holes: 18
- Designed by: Chris Lutzke, Paul Albanese
- Public/Private: Resort
- Year opened: 2018
- Golf Season:
- Guest Policy: Welcomed
- Tee times welcomed: Yes
- Fairways:
- Greens:
Facilities
- Pro in house: Yes
- Driving range: Yes
- Rental clubs: Yes
- Rental carts: Yes
Green fees price ranges
- Week days: $50 - $85
- Weekends: $50 - $85
Course policies
- Metal spikes allowed: No
- Dress code: Appropriate golf attire
- Credit cards accepted: Yes
Length, slope and rating for each tee
| Tee | Par | Yardage | Slope | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7375 | 0 | 0 |
| Blue | 72 | 6852 | 0 | 0 |
| White | 72 | 6356 | 0 | 0 |
| Gold | 72 | 5841 | 0 | 0 |
| Red | 72 | 5231 | 0 | 0 |
Reader Ratings / Reviews
- I’ve played courses all over the country. This is by far the worst. Not even a level tee box Worst layout also lots of blind shots. Areas tee to green with no grass. Don’t waste your timeIt is a challenging golf course but it needs a year or two to meet its full potential. I really liked the course but there were a few blind shots that I did not like. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I would like to play here again when we get up north.
The Island Resort and Casino is part of the Hannahville Indian Community. Both Sweetgrass and Sage Run were designed by Michigan native Paul Albanese and are constantly ranked among Golfweek’s Best Courses and recognized by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as a part of their Best in State ranking. In 2021, Sweetgrass was named Michigan’s Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association.
Sage Run is located less than 10 miles from the main property. Sage Run offers a contrast in style and design to its sister course, Sweetgrass. Whereas Sweetgrass is characterized by soft, flowing terrain populated with wispy fescue grasses, well-manicured areas, and a lot of water, Sage Run is more rugged and raw, with rough-looking bunkers and large native waste areas. The course is consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s Places to Play.
The primary feature of the land at Sage Run is a natural drumlin - an elongated hill or ridge formed by glacial ice. The drumlin at Sage Run runs through the center of the 300-acre property and reaches heights of 200 feet in some places. A number of holes work their way on, off, and around the drumlin offering a variety of scenic views and creating a roller coaster ride for golfers. Elevation changes vary from hole to hole and range from rolling terrain to dramatic drops and rises.
Although most of the holes are considered tree-lined, you have to be well wide of the fairway for them to come into play. The course typically plays firm and fast, something to remember when you hit those approach shots, but it’s the greens that make the course stand out. Most are gently raised and average in size. They roll quick and smooth with modest undulation. That’s not to say you’ll find many straight putts; they just aren’t there. It takes a skilled greens reader to master the subtle breaks. Another interesting feature of Sage Run is that there is only one tee marker on each hole, giving you a lot of options for placing your ball. And Sage Run aims to help directionally challenged golfers by placing a painted rock behind the bunker which can be used as an aiming point on the 2nd hole.
My favorite holes at Sage Run make full use of the drumlin. Number 5 is a 156-yard par 3 that plays considerably longer than its stated yardage of 156 yards and is handicapped #5 on the layout. For most players, it takes at least two extra clubs to get up the hill. The greenside slope on the right-side funnels balls back to the green and the slope behind acts as a backstop. It’s a fun and interesting tee shot!
Number 14 is a behemoth par 3 that would play 201 yards if it were on flat ground. Unfortunately, it plays dramatically uphill and considerably longer. You tee off over wetlands towards what is the largest green on the course, although you can’t tell from the tee box! I hit 3-wood because as I looked over the prospect of being short, I realized I was not part mountain goat, which is necessary to navigate the hilly terrain. The next time I play the hole, I’ll remember the large collection area around the green.
Number 16 is a 298-yard par 4 that proves holes don’t need to be long to be a tough par. It too plays up a steep hill and a good drive that finds the fairways at the top of the hill will leave a short pitch shot into the green. This is where things get interesting because what Number 16 lacks in length it makes up for with a green that slopes front to back, lots of undulation, and a crown that runs through the middle.
The Island Resort & Casino property features a variety of accommodations and dining opportunities and a full-scale casino. When you’re not busy exercising your index finger pushing buttons on the slot machine, you can get some physical exercise at the indoor pool and small gym. Islands Resort & Casino is also a great place to hold a business meeting or small event.
The Island Resort and Casino had already made a name for itself with the opening of Sweetgrass Golf Course, which is located directly behind the casino and hotel. With the opening of Sage Run in 2019, Islands has established itself as a premiere golf destination for those looking for a great golf experience.