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5.0
18 Reviews (18)
5 Stars
14
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
4.9
Layout
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Pace
4.9
Amenities
4.9
100.0%
Recommend this course
18 out of 18 reviews
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 9
Type Resort
Style Executive
Par 27
Length 1435 yards
Slope N/A
Rating N/A

Formerly known as Threetops Par 3 at Treetops Sylvan Resort.

Course Details

Year Built 1992
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Open: 4/21 Closed: 10/23
Architect Rick Smith (1992)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes - "Rick Smith Golf Academy"
Golf Simulator Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Indoor Practice Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Food & Beverage

Snacks, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities

Reviews

5.0
18 Reviews (18)
Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 104
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

America's Most Challenging and Scenic Par 3 Golf Course

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 104
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

America's Most Challenging and Scenic Par 3 Golf Course

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

The Best Par 3 Course You'll Ever Play

This is a must play with your friends. Most of the holes are downhill and some of them are wildly downhill you wont 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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 43
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Definitely Worth the Money

So, I know paying $45-$50 for 9 holes sounds bad, but you have to play Threetops at least once. The course is a ton of fun and it's easy to squeeze in before or after a round at one of their other courses.

The first hole isn't much, but after that it's pretty awesome; especially from the back tees. The views on some of the holes (3 and 7 in particular) are completely incredible. Hole 4 gives you a great view of 15 on Signature (a very unique hole) as well.

Overall, I've always walked off the 9th green happy that I spent the money. It makes what is typically already a great day at Treetops even better.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 59
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Illinois Advisor
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

A Par 3 Must-See Must-Play Experience

If you find yourself at Treetops, do the right thing; Take a couple of hours and add the Threetops course to your plans. This is pure joy in the form of a Par 3 golf course carved out of the side of Mountain. An hour here feels like minutes so take your time. Soak it in. Take some pictures and enjoy! It's a breathtaking experience that I will not ever forget.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

I'll make the trip to play this course again!

We played between rainstorms, so the course was wet. It didn't change the fact that this course is gorgeous and very challenging. People think par 3's are easy and most times they are, however, this is not a typical par 3 course. The elevation changes from tee to green will have you guessing on your club distances. The hazards on each hole will punish every miss hit. I shot a terrible score, but loved every minute of it. I'll definitely make the drive back to Gaylord to play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 378
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

Threetops among the country's best par 3s

As memorable as any experience there is at Treetops, this par 3 course proves that you don't have length or a four-hour round to find a memorable golf experience. Every hole is unique, and conditions are as good as any premium golf course. Designed by renowned teacher Rick Smith, this former site of the ESPN Par 3 Shootout, also boasts panoramic views of the mountains. Any trip to Treetops has to include this wonderful short course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 638
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Golf Advisor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Threetops - a bonanza for buddies

Threetops isn't so much a "learn the game" par 3 course as it is a showcase of the natural beauty of northern Michigan for buddies looking for more golf without the added cost or time of a full round.
It's spectacular visually and great fun. There's nothing better than counting five seconds or more while your ball is in the air dropping to a green well below the tee.
Some of the greens might be a little too severe but that's the challenge. This is big-boy golf just on a smaller scale. It's a must on any trip to Gaylord, whether you are staying at Treetops or elsewhere.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Texas Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played

Few if any better Par-3 courses in America

I played this course last in 2011 as part of a northern Michigan golf binge. On this particular day, we played 45 holes on a long, summer day in the north. Every tee shot is really neat. You can't walk it because the hills are too steep, which is a bummer, but it's still a lot of fun, and trying to figure out what club to hit to greens well below is certainly a challenge. If you're in Gaylord, Treetops is a wonderful golf mecca and be sure to sneak in a round at Threetops, in the afternoon after a full 18.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

A Perfect Par 3 Course

This is NOT your average Executive Course, it is by far that. Every hole has extreme elevation changes which challenges even the Pro's. This #1 Par 3 Course in America should be on your bucket list.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

ThreeTops in Gaylord, Mi.

ThreeTops is probably the best Par 3 course ever. The weather could have been better.

Conditions Poor
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Threetops course is fun and challenging.

I love this par three course. Setting is spectacular, and course is a real challenge. Fun, fun, fun!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Very challenging par 3 course.

This is the same par 3 that the pros played for 3 years. Had a great time trying to guess the correct club to use. Holes from 210 yards to 105 yards with mostly downhill drops.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

A little expensive for 9 holes but worth it.

Every hole was breathtaking. Very challenging but very helpful tips on the score card.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Threetops was immaculate

I have always heard great things about Threetops, but to see it in person was breathtaking. Every hole was challenging, the change in elevation was unbelievable, and the views were pristine. It took us less than 1.5 hours to play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Threetops

If you think about some of the best par 3 holes you have ever played, they will be represented at this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Amazing deal for only $13

Course was in great shape as expected for a treetops course. Not as difficult as some of the other courses on the resort but a very fun course to play. Would play there again for sure.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
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