Treetops Resort

First time playing the Masterpiece, and I will be back for sure. Cart staff was friendly and accommodating. I got to the course early enough to warm up on the range first, and the complimentary range balls were a plus. I played as a single, but was able to play through several groups ahead. Course was in great condition for an early spring round. Greens rolled very true. Bunkers needed some attention, but with a large group of old timers in a league ahead I suspect is was more the groups before not raking than the course. Great layout with scenic views on almost every hole. This track lives up to the hype.

This not normal for Treetops to have slow pace of play. Course easily played in 4 to 4:15 hours. It took 1 hour to play the first three holes and improved some only after we called the resort, in the end we played in 4 hours 40 minutes which caused us to rush to the Masterpiece. If the ranger had not got the group moving likely would have been over 5 hours. We did have late start due to weather was supposed to 15 minute delay was 45 minutes because the group in front of us couldn't decide on teams and get going. I would like to play this course again with better pace of play instead of hit and wait. Note the amount paid is unknown it was part of package.

We stayed at Tree Tops Resort for our anniversary trip away and golfed two rounds of golf. The courses had some nice elevation views and shots. The staff at the 2 courses we played at were very nice. The ranger was really nice and informative about the pace as it was very slow. But that's about the nicest thing I've got to say about this whole place. The hotel rooms were clean but not impressive at all. The door jams on the outside belcony were falling off. The door to out room didn't shut all the way and you could hear everything from the hallways. The beds were not comfortable. The food at the three restaurants that are at the hotel was way overpriced and not good. The only good part of the food was breakfast because we had free vouchers. The waiter at the hunters had no clue about the products he sold and once he gave us one drink we never seen him again and had to go to the bar to get out tab. I could go on and on but I won't. I just know that for me to spend 1000.00 to stay and play I definitely do not feel it was worth that kinda money. Won't be back

I hadn't played the Jones course since the late 90's. I will not wait that long again. This track was not only the first at Treetops, it was the pretty much the one that put northern MI on the golf map. I've played just about every course in and around Gaylord and this course and the Fazio Premier are still the two finest ones in the area. Unlike some other strong designs in the area (Otsego Club Tribute, Black Forest) this resort continues to maintain the course - conditions on Sunday afternoon of Labor Day weekend were outstanding. It is still very demanding, maybe the toughest course in the area, but the views tend ease the harshness of the layout. I had my best ball striking stretch of the season on the back nine and still posted a score that's higher than normal for me. Pace of play was ok - 4hrs 35 minutes on Labor Day Sunday, and they were booked solid. We paid retail - $80, but I still don't think that's a bad value considering the experience.

First I like playing Premier very challenging course and excellent layout (second the amount is not correct since we paid past part of package). I would say Management needs to review the sand traps and have relined/repaired. They have large stones in them which too me is unacceptable for course of this quality and with how much they do charge. Second we had an encounter with Ranger saying we were 25 minutes off pace (hole 9) and we were 4 holes behind the next group, in addition there were three groups waiting on number 8 the hole we had just previously played.. Some minor protest by us we continued and sped up our play (which wrecked our game for awhile). After review we looked at our approximate start tee time and 4 hour 35 minute of pace of play we were off pace maybe few minutes. If we used the Ranger's time we were perhaps maybe at most 5 minutes off pace. In regards to the 3 groups waiting on the 8th hole that was false as our second group said no one came up on them when they were teeing off (which would be required if groups stacked up). We also waited for our second group on 18 and no one came on the tee why they were on the green or as we added up scores. We also spoke to group that played the Signature around the same time and received the same information word for word. My recommendation is mark your start of the first ball you hit on your scorecard and when you see them getting after you about pace of play you can in whatever politeness you would like to use tell them to leave you alone. If I play this course again and receive the same treatment I will let the Ranger know to leave and stop bothering us (I may consider slowing down). I may not be very kind with my rebuttal the next time approached by Ranger at Treetops with off pace of play if not off pace.

My golfing experience at the Fazio Premier course was outstanding. The condition of the course was excellent with a variety of different elevations and challenges to enjoy during the 18 holes. The course is fair, not tricky, and pays dividends for good shots. Like many Fazio courses, all of your attention is on the hole that you're playing with no distractions from other holes. The layout is beautiful with some really outstanding par 3's, in particular. I can't wait to play it again!

Brought 16 gentlemen out to play this track as we had heard great things and I tell you what, we love avocados.

Great layout and in fantastic condition. The fellas and females know what they're doing at the entire TreeTop facility.

Fairly open so let that big boy eat and watch them fly.

Somewhat hard to find on the gps to get to the facility, rectify that please.

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.

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.

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.

Not quite as challenging as Masterpiece at same resort but a really good course. The weather was perfect and pace of play was just under the expected 5 hours. As other courses at Treetops: rolling hills, sand traps, and elevation changes are the name of the game. Fantastic place, great conditions, and makes me wish I lived closer.

Played from the whites and shot in the 120s. Played in afternoon after overnight and morning rains soaked everything in the area. Elevation changes and rolling hills make this a very tough course but the scenery and beauty is amazing. Expected way worse from a state where Detroit is located. The staff and facilities are very good for a public golf resort. Ended up re-playing the front 9 as a scramble (2 vs 2) and added some team competition into it.

This course is in Treetops North area (3.5 miles from main check-in at Treetops) and is in the same area as Treetops Premier, Signature, and Threetops. Played tough due to intermittent rain but in very good shape for being their cheapest 18-hole 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.

Played couple days after a week end tournament of 500 players and its shows. Too bad we had to pay $110 for this. Course underaeration condition made the same day. Many workers on the course. I would think than usually the course would worth the price but not yesterday! For my husband and I, the most chalenging was the putting. Really something to figure out. Misread couple time. Would playit again when dryer when visitinhg nexttime in Michigan. We far more enjoyed the Quarry and Links at Bay harbor.....those two nine are master piece and must play in that state.

The Good: One of the final RTJ Sr. tracks and the course that really jump-started the Northern Michigan golf boom, the Masterpiece has arguably the best collection of Par 3's in the Midwest. Many doglegs that include supreme elevation changes and long, uphill Par 5's are a signature of this bear of a layout. Nice greens that put true and very difficult. Great on-and-off course amenities includes full clubhouse and restaurant nearby in the resort, full practice facility, and halfway house. The best service of any of the Treetops courses. Arguably the most eye-appealing of all the layouts at the resort. Just awesome!

The Bad: Lack of GPS is a glaring omission. Course conditions are good but not great. Sand consistencies are sub-par compared to the other courses. Extremely difficult in the wind - high handicappers beware!

The Verdict: The most fun you can have playing northern Michigan golf. The appropriately named course is one of RTJ's defining tracks and the stamp of the Treetops resort.

Best Hole(s): The downhill Par 3 6th is where everyone brings their camera out, but the best hole is actually the dog leg Par 4 8th. A blind tee shot around the corner to a small peninsula green. Very tough!

The Good: Extremely unique, interesting layout from longtime instructor Rick Smith is the perhaps the most complete golfing experience at Treetops. Great course conditions from tee through the green. A layout with very limited water but significant elevation changes, winding through woodlands and rolling hills of northern Michigan. Very open off the tee but terrifying around the greens. Some of the most undulating greens you will find. Many strong, difficult Par 4's and risk-reward Par 5's. Very good on-course amenities that include restroom areas and half-way houses. One of the best resort practice areas in the Midwest includes a cool putting course. Strong service and good clubhouse with mini-restaurant. Great value for upstate Michigan resort golf at $100 with cart and range balls.

The Bad: Difficult to nit-pick, but the lack of GPS is a negative. Not as much variation in the Par 4's compared to the Fazio and Masterpiece courses.

The Verdict: The Smith course is arguably the most visually threatening yet enjoyable course at the Treetops resort. Best conditioned of the four 18-hole courses and perhaps the best course in the Gaylord area.

Best Hole: The long, downhill Par 4 3rd is the epitome of the Treetops Resort and Signature course: Huge elevation change from the tee to a large landing area that requires a long-iron/hybrid approach to a demonic two-tiered green.

The Good: Eye-appealing, elevation changing resort layout from Tom Fazio is arguably the most playable layout of the four 18-hole courses at Treetops. Superb conditioning, especially the slick greens that have less undulation compared to The Signature and Masterpiece. Excellent mixture of par 4's (including the awe inspiring opener), risk-reward Par 5's and very challenging downhill Par 3's. Good on-course amenities that include restroom areas and half-way houses. One of the best resort practice areas in the midwest includes a cool putting course. Strong service and good clubhouse with mini-restaurant. Great value for upstate Michigan resort golf at $100 with cart and range balls.

The Bad: No GPS is a bummer. Sand complexes are a little rocky in spots. Practice green is so undulating that it doesn't provide true perspective of greens.

The Verdict: Many consider The Premier to be their favorite at Treetops and is perhaps the best overall golfing experience at the resort. Great for the mid-handicapper.

Best Hole: The Par 4 9th requires a precise right to left tee ball to an uphill green enveloped by sand. Very challenging hole!

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