TREETOPS RESORT - Signature Course (989) 732-6711
The Signature is the second 18 hole course to be built on the Treetops North property. Shortly after the opening
of Rick Smith's first project (Threetops), he was commissioned to design his first championship layout. Since
then, the Signature has won many honors including recognition from Golf Magazine as one of the best courses in
the Midwest, and # 83 on the list of America's Best Modern Courses (2000). With the recent addition of the
"Tradition" (also designed by Rick Smith), Treetops features an all-star lineup, and has set the standard for "Northern golf" that many aspire to create.
There was a break in the inclement weather early in our round on the Signature, and we could not resist the
abundant photo opportunities on this beautiful piece of property, with Northern Michigan's fall colors just kicking
in. The opening hole plays extremely downhill and shorter than the yardage indicates. If not on the fairway
however, you will have a tough time negotiating the rough and sloping mounds, especially on the right side. The
par three second is also downhill, to a double-tiered green protected by bunkers right, left and long. The 467
yard (from the tips) par four third is one of the most beautiful holes on the property - and truly indicative of
Northern Michigan golf. You will cover much distance on your initial shot from the elevated tee box , but will need
to be accurate and long on the approach. Uncharacteristically, this green slopes from front to back.
The par 3 fourth plays easier than it looks, with considerable carry over a marsh, but abundant room for error.
The number 1 handicap awaits you on the next tee. It plays slightly uphill and narrows on the approach to a
challenging green. Six is a beautiful dogleg left, enhanced by the gorgeous autumn colors of the trees bordering
both sides of the fairway. Another dogleg left, this time playing uphill - will challenge you with strategically placed
sand traps both right and left. The eighth plays slightly downhill, and features an extremely undulating putting
surface, once you clear the considerable bunker complex short left. The closing hole on the front is a mid-range handicap, playing slightly downhill with a narrow approach.
After passing the halfway house, you are greeted by the panoramic beauty of the par 5 tenth, which has considerable room off the tee, but narrows as you approach the green, which is sculpted by pines and
hardwoods. The par 3 eleventh is unique, with a shute-like entrance to a green heavily guarded by spruce and
pines. You should have an easy time reaching the green in regulation on the next short par four - but will earn a
good score with accurate putting on a very undulating surface. Thirteen is tough - narrow off the tee to an
elevated green protected by traps. There is room long here. A gorgeous downhill par four, dogleg left - features a
nice mix of pines and indigenous trees in full fall jackets. This is followed by one of the most interesting and
challenging holes on the property. An extremely accurate approach to a narrow saddle-style two tiered green will
confront you on your quest for a birdie try. Mounding around the green will funnel the ball towards the hole.
Sixteen is a short par 4 and the 18th ranked handicap. It plays uphill after your tee shot, with a characteristic
narrow approach along a fairway guarded by bunkers all along the left. Have fun driving your cart uphill between
the 16th green and 17th tee - and imagine what it would be like to drive down.! Avoid the large sand traps
around the downhill par three 17th, and you should put up a good score. The closing hole is ranked as the 12th
handicap, but is quite tricky. The best option off the tee is to the right of the fairway bunker, which will leave you a
short iron to an extremely elevated green. Anything left is trouble, with sloping rough short and bunkers long.
This Smith Course is the overwhelming favorite amongst locals and frequent players we talked to during our stay.
The greens were firm and quick even during the late season, and the layout was phenomenal. We could not
argue with them, but found it hard to make a personal choice - as all the courses at Treetops are dramatic.
Check out the Two Guys Who Golf detailed information page on this course (which includes a link to the course's website if available) - click here.
Visit the Two Guys Who Golf information page for Treetops Resort by clicking here.
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