TREETOPS RESORT - Threetops Course
(989) 732-6711
The plan was to get a "warm-up" round in - to prepare for our scheduled tee times on the three championship
courses we were slotted to play. As it turned out, we were sorry to see our round end, and would have been
happy to play here all day. Threetops has gained national acclaim for its annual PAR 3 SHOOTOUT. Each
summer, a foursome of PGA and Senior PGA pros play this par 3 course in an event televised nationally by
ESPN. With all this attention given to Threetops (recognized as the top par three course in the U. S.), we
expected great conditions, and were not disappointed. We tried to be selective in our camera shot selection, but
found it difficult not to be trigger-happy. Panoramic, photogenic views abound. Glimpses of the nearby Smith and Fazio Courses wet our appetitite to play those layouts - but Threetops is a show in itself.
Seven of the nine holes feature downhill tee shots, with three of them literal free-falls. All have bunkers fronting
the putting surfaces that slope (sometimes severely) from back to front. The two opening holes are absolutely
gorgeous, with tee shots over ravines, and greens breaking radically from right to left. The 2nd features two
alternating greens, with 24 yards distance between them. Three presents the first of the extreme downhill tee
shots, which require thoughtful club selection and a lot of luck. One to four clubs less is necessary, depending on
wind velocity and direction. During the 2000 Shootout, the four pros were 0 for 8 in reaching this green in
regulation. Sparky's son was within 8 feet on his tee shot when we played - though he ended up with bogey.
There are mounds in front and a bunker long on the fourth, which is as close to being straight downhill as you can
get. If the pin is in front - look out. Five is a gorgeous hole, and the first of two uphill tee shots. The sixth is even
better - with a pond to the right and bunkers all over the place. We nearly ran out of film on this hole. Seven is a
135 yard wedge, and the last of the extreme downhill tee shots. The eighth is well guarded by bunkers, and the
ninth is one of the most challenging. It plays extremely uphill with expanses of sand in front and left.
Our only complaint about our round is that it ended too soon. Once experienced, you will want to play it on all
repeat visits to Treetops. You will get many pars, a few legitimate birdie tries, and plenty of double bogey
opportunities. If you are anything like us however, your score won't matter so much. Threetops is for pure
enjoyment! Play it - then watch the taped-delayed SHOOTOUT on ESPN (in early August) to see how you did in
comparison to the pros. Last years contestants included Phil Mickelson, Paul Azinger, Raymond Floyd and Lee
Trevino. Jack Nicklaus and Hale Irwin played in 2000. A fourth SHOOTOUT is already scheduled for next
summer. As Phil Mickelson commented - "The entire facility is phenomenal. I can't wait to come back". Lee
Trevino, who won a million dollars with his hole in one in 2001, would surely agree. We are sure you will feel the same!
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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