Five Memorable Holes from Five Spectacular Treetops’ Courses
Golf is more than just a game of skill and strategy; it's a tapestry of unforgettable moments woven across verdant fairways and challenging greens. At Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, these moments come to life on some of the most breathtaking and ingeniously designed holes in the country.
As we explore five of the most memorable holes across Treetops' five championship courses, we're not just cataloging exceptional golf architecture – we're mapping out the backdrop for countless stories yet to be written.
From the heart-pounding tee shot on The Masterpiece's 6th to the strategic decisions on The Tradition's 7th, these holes offer more than just a test of golfing prowess. They provide the perfect stage for friendships and family bonding, where lifelong friends, children and parents, grandparents and grandkids can share triumphs, laugh, and create lasting memories together.
In the quiet moments between shots, as you gaze across the rolling Michigan landscape, you'll find that the true value of these remarkable holes lies not just in their design, but in their ability to bring friends and families closer, one swing at a time.
Five Memorable Holes - Play them all
The Masterpiece, No 6:
Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding experience as you step up to the 6th tee of The Masterpiece. This Robert Trent Jones Sr. creation is a par-3 that will test your nerves as much as your club selection.
Picture this: you're standing on the tee, gazing down a breathtaking 120-foot drop to a green that seems to float amidst the Michigan landscape. The vista is so stunning, you might forget you're here to golf. But don't let the view distract you – this hole demands precision. With the significant elevation change, club selection becomes a thrilling puzzle. Too much club, and you're long; too little, and you're staring at a daunting up-and-down.
It's holes like this that showcase Jones Sr.'s genius in melding natural terrain with golfing challenge, creating a par-3 that you'll be recounting in the clubhouse for years to come.
Threetops, No 6:
If there's one hole at Treetops that's achieved legendary status, it's the 6th at Threetops. This Rick Smith-designed par-3 packs more drama into 219 yards than most courses manage in 18 holes.
As you tee up, you're facing a heart-stopping 130-foot plunge to the green below. But this hole isn't just about the views – it's etched in golfing folklore. Cast your mind back to 2001, when Lee Trevino stepped up during the Par-3 Shootout and achieved the unthinkable: a million-dollar ace that sent shockwaves through the golfing world.
Every time you play this hole, you're not just taking on a formidable par-3, you're teeing it up where golfing history was made. It's a testament to Smith's ability to create short holes that are long on challenge, excitement, and memorability.
The Premier, No 8:
Tom Fazio's artistic brilliance shines bright on the 8th hole of The Premier. This par-4 is a strategic golfer's dream, blending aesthetic beauty with cerebral challenge. From the elevated tee, you're presented with a tantalizing downhill shot to a fairway that sweeps gracefully to the right.
It's a hole that tempts you to bite off more than you can chew, daring you to challenge the bend and shorten your approach. But beware – Fazio's clever design ensures that aggression without accuracy will be duly punished. The real magic of this hole lies in its options: play it safe and you'll have a clear shot in, take on the bend and you might be rewarded with a short iron to the green.
It's this blend of risk, reward, and sheer beauty that exemplifies Fazio's design philosophy, making the 8th a hole you'll want to play again and again.
The Signature, No 7:
Standing on the 7th tee of The Signature, you might just forget you're in Michigan and not on some windswept Scottish coast. This Rick Smith par-3 is a love letter to the great links courses of golf's homeland, artfully adapted to the northern Michigan terrain.
Your task seems simple: land your ball on a green nestled cozily among the trees. But factor in a dramatic elevation drop, and suddenly club selection becomes a game within the game. Too much oomph, and you're deep in the woods; too little, and you're facing a chip shot that will test your touch and nerve. It's a hole that demands creativity, asking you to factor in the drop, the wind, and your own mettle.
Smith's design here proves that you don't need ocean views to create a links-inspired challenge that will have you channeling your inner Seve with every shot.
The Tradition, No 7:
If you've ever wanted to feel like a golden age golf course architect, the 7th hole of The Tradition is your chance. This Rick Smith-designed par-4 is a strategic puzzle that would make Alister MacKenzie proud.
From the tee, you're presented with a quintessential risk-reward scenario: lay up for safety or throw caution to the wind and go for the green! It's a drivable par-4 that will have you weighing the odds with every club in your bag. Choose aggression, and you might be looking at an eagle putt; play it safe, and you're still in for a delicate approach shot that demands precision.
This hole embodies the strategic elements that made golden age courses timeless classics. It's more than just a golf hole – it's a chess match against the course, where your decisions off the tee set the tone for the entire hole. The 7th on The Tradition isn't just a nod to golf's past—it's a reminder that great design never goes out of style.
Conclusion
These five remarkable holes at Treetops not only showcase the brilliance of their designers and the beauty of northern Michigan, but they also serve as the perfect backdrop for creating lifelong memories, challenging your skills, and deepening bonds with friends and family – truly embracing the essence of what makes golf such a beloved and enduring sport.
When you’re ready to book your next future memories, we will customize your stay and play package to fit your group’s size and course preferences.
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