Nationally Recognized Treetops a Northern Michigan Beauty
By Tom Lang
Northen Michigan is not as near for people from the southern sections of the Great Lakes State, but it’s certainly near and dear to the hearts of golfers everywhere.
Treetops Resort is one of those magnets that draws people to the Gaylord area, for skiing and snow sports in the winter and for water sports and golf, golf, golf in the warmer seasons.
In recent months, Treetops has earned more national accolades for the golf, golf, golf.
GolfWeek recently unveiled its annual Top 200 Resort Golf Courses to Play in the U.S. Treetops was ranked on it – twice. The Smith Signature course was named for yet another time in a long run on the list, and the Jones Masterpiece for its first time. The latter is Treetops’ first course built on the property, which opened in 1987 under the guise and guidance of designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Jones, Sr. has been widely credited with naming Treetops, for when he stood with then-owner Harry Melling on the piece of ground on what is now the 6th tee overlooking the Pigeon River Valley and said, “you should call this place Treetops because that’s all we can see, the tops of trees” (or something close to that quote).
A third recent award comes from a non-golf entity, the American Association of Retired People (AARP). That organization named the par 3 course Threetops as one of the Top 9 Par 3 Golf Courses in the United States. The named properties include Bandon Preserve at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort; The Cradle Short Course at Pinehurst and the Sandbox at Sand Valley Golf Resort (Wisconsin). AARP did not assign a ranking for the nine courses.
“We are very proud to be included in this always anticipated annual publication,” said Treetops general manager Barry Owens, “GolfWeek often sets the standard in our industry with their annual lists like Top 200 Resort Courses to Play in the United States. To be included in this list is a testament to the dedication of our staff to provide the very best conditions for our guests, from the tees to the greens, our greens staff mows and manicures daily ensuring an enjoyable round of golf.”
I played the Jones Masterpiece early last fall for the first time in 12 years. I was reminded of many great holes, including 6, 10 and 11. And while there are so many good holes to choose from like those three, my favorite string of three consecutive back-to-back (to back) are 13, 14 and 15. They may not stick out in a lot of golfers’ memories, but the variety and sightline views are wonderful.
Hole 13 is a medium-length par 3 hitting to a two-tiered green over a very small gorge with water in the bottom. On 14, check the yardage off the tee because the end of the shorter fairway – not far past the 150-yard barber pole – has a severe drop off into natural rough that could snag a golf ball for life. But keep your drive near the 150-yard marker on the flat fairway and you will have a clean shot over a ravine to an elevated green that is skinny but deep. The land disappears behind the green as well, so some precision is needed.
No. 15 is yet again another highly-elevated tee, on a short par 4 down into a valley before going back up a little to the perched green – a green which is heavily guarded by bunkers yet is still playable.
“Treetops was the first resort that introduced me to the beauty of northern Michigan,” said Great Lakes native Jason Scott Deegan, a former sportswriter at the Ann Arbor News who is now on the west coast as the managing editor of GolfPass. “My family never went on vacation when I was growing up, so I had never really experienced summertime ‘up north’, despite growing up in Port Huron.
“One of the first media events I attended as a golf writer was a cocktail party and par-3 contest on the famous sixth hole of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s Masterpiece at Treetops in the early 2000s. I was awestruck by the beauty of the hole and also terrified about what club to hit. I had never seen such elevation change before. Somehow, I hit the green and walked away with a small prize.
Deegan, who reviews courses worldwide, continued: “Fast forward a couple decades, I now live in California, but I tell anybody who will listen that there is no better place to be in summer than northern Michigan. Playing the Treetops courses a handful of times before I moved out of state left such a strong lasting impression. I haven’t been back to Treetops for what feels like too long, although I do hope to return someday.
“Michiganders are so lucky to have such a beautiful vacation destination and world-class golf resorts like Treetops in their own backyard. I’ll be home soon.”
The Smith Signature course has always been one of my favorites and was the property used for filming the extremely popular ’14 Clubs’ television advertising campaign of Pure Michigan, the state entity which every year wins numerous travel campaign awards. The variety of golf shot values, open fairways and elevation changes are some of the best golfers can find.
Last year was its 30th anniversary. Rick Smith was inspired by his deep admiration of Scottish and Irish tradition, and the Signature course became the first of three Smith-designed courses at Treetops. Northen Michigan golf lovers should try as many of the five layouts as possible. For more general information about golf and hospitality options at Treetops Resort, visit: https://www.treetops.com/summer/golfing/
“It really is a Masterpiece. As part of a stay and play package at Treetops Resort, our group got to play the Jones Masterpiece course a couple of times. What a treat ! The course was in great condition and was very challenging, but fair. There are plenty of imaginative holes and greens that will test your skill. The pro shop staff was very friendly and we found a couple of apparel deals during our visit. We’re looking to return in the future.” GolfPass user u00000760482
“This was the second year in a row that I joined some buddies to play Treetops. They had been going for years and they claimed I’d be in for something I’ve never seen before and that I would love it. They were right.” GolfPass user EricTee
“I had the chance to play all five Treetops courses on two Group Golfer Vouchers. After playing them all, Signature is my second favorite behind Premier.” GolfPass user reedyt
“(Threetops) is a must play with your friends. Most of the holes are downhill and some of them are wildly downhill you won’t believe it. Typically par 3 courses don’t have good conditions, this is not the case here. The conditions match any of the other courses on property. Get some bets going with your friends and this will for sure be the talk of the trip. GolfPass user WMUgolfer11
