Threetops Par-3 at Treetops Resort
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Otsego County
Phone(s): (866) 348-5249, (989) 732-6711
Fax: (989) 732-9858
Website: www.treetops.com
The nine-hole Threetops Par 3 is among five golf courses at Treetops Resort (the other four courses are 18-hole layouts). Since opening in 1992, Threetops has received numerous honors. Golf Magazine, Golfweek and other publications have frequently ranked it the No. 1 par-3 course in America. The course also has hosted the ESPN Par-3 Shootout (Lee Trevino had a memorable ace on No. 7 to win $1 million in 2001). The undulating hills and elevation changes from tee to green are among the things that make the Threetops Par 3 course so special. Threetops is a golf course you'll finish in less than two hours, but the memories will last a lifetime.
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Golf course details
- Holes: 9
- Designed by: Rick Smith
- Public/Private: Resort
- Year opened: 1992
- Golf Season: Open: 4/21 Closed: 10/23
- Guest Policy: Open
- Tee times welcomed: Yes
- Fairways: Bent Grass
- Greens: Bent Grass
Facilities
- Pro in house: Yes
- Driving range: Yes
- Rental clubs: Yes
- Rental carts: Yes - included in green fees
Green fees price ranges
- Week days: $35 - $55
- Weekends: $35 - $55
Course policies
- Metal spikes allowed: No
- Dress code: Proper golf attire required.
- Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Length, slope and rating for each tee
Tee | Par | Yardage | Slope | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Back | 27 | 1435 | 0 | 0 |
Middle | 27 | 1291 | 0 | 0 |
Front | 27 | 978 | 0 | 0 |
Day 1 | 27 | 1378 | 0 | 0 |
Day 2 | 27 | 1424 | 0 | 0 |
If golf’s not your game there are plenty of other activities including mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, disc golf, and horseback riding. When the white stuff starts to fall, Treetops transforms into one of Northern Michigan’s top ski resorts, with 23 expertly groomed ski runs, and 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
Over the years Treetops has received its share of accolades from the golf world. Golf Magazine awarded them its Silver Medal Award as one of the finest resorts in the United States, 7-times. In 2002, Treetops was ranked #32 on Golf Digest’s list of “America's Top 75 Golf Resorts”, and in June 2000, Conde Nast Traveler recognized them as a “Top 50 International Resorts.” Pinehurst and Pebble Beach were the only two golf resorts ranked higher that year. Year in and year out Treetops is awarded at least 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. And with courses designed by three of the industry’s top golf architects – Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Smith – you’re sure to be challenged.
For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.
At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.
The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.
Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.
As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.
The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.
Threetops is the most challenging par 3 course in North America. AARP named Threetops the #1 Par 3 Course in North America. It was also the site of the former ESPN Par 3 Shootout which challenged the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, and Raymond Floyd. The 7th hole is where, in 2001, Lee Trevino hit his tee shot over the green but managed to spin it back into the hole. The ace earned him $10,000 for the closest to the pin, $80,000 for the skin, and $1,000,000 for the hole-in-one.
From the back tees, yardages range between 140 and 219 yards. The longer holes may look intimidating on the scorecard, but they usually play significantly downhill. Each hole is unique, and the course conditions are the same as any of the championship 18-hole courses. The greens are the most challenging aspect of the course; some have severe slopes with a lot of undulation and break that you may not see at first glance and “straight-in” putts are rare. Threetops is a must-play if you’re on a golf trip to Gaylord; you can get around the course in about 90 minutes.
Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.