Golf Courses: Threetops

There is a literal golf "mecca" in northern Michigan, in a town named Gaylord.  This area is a resort town which features skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling in the winter and golf in the summer.  The Gaylord area boasts roughly 20 courses within a 20 mile radius.  One resort area which is home to five courses is the well known Treetops resort, home skiing and 81 holes of golf.  Today we are covering a very unique course at Treetops called "Threetops." Threetops Overview Threetops gets its name because the course is a par-3 course.  Stay with me.  This isn't your typical dog-track par-3.  Threetops boasts being the #1 par-3 course in America, and some say it is the #1 par-3 course in the world.  Those who have played the track would agree. Design Threetops was designed by famous golf instructor Rick Smith, who uses Treetops as his home teaching course.  You may know Mr. Smith from the original Golf Channel Big Break at Treetops, or by the fact that he coaches Phil Mickelson and other tour players.  Threetops holes vary from under 100 yards to over 220 yards.  Total yardage for the 9-hole course is about 1,400 with a par of 27. Each hole is framed by dense and mature forest with tall trees.  Tee shots feature many forced carries and some severe elevation changes.  As many as a 3-4 club adjustment is needed to compensate for the drastic drops from tee to green on some holes.  Calculating the correct club is challenging and fun.  Tee shots on the severe drops are a blast as they seem to be in the air for hours. Greens are guarded by strategically placed bunkers and other bunkers which may not normally be in play but provide a great aesthetic to the hole.  The greens are not difficult to putt, featuring subtle undulations. Rounds on Threetops take about an hour, which is fantastic for those who simply don't have the time to put in 4-5 hours for a round of golf.  Not to worry though, those nine short holes pack as much fun and possibly even more than an 18 hole track.  Just think about it.  There are NINE chances to score a hole in one. Facilities The Treetops golf facility features a large clubhouse with a great pro shop, stocked with everything a golfer needs.  The practice facility has a large driving range which could accommodate a large number of players.  The practice green is very fun with some very large undulations.  Inside the clubhouse one can find a great restaurant as well as men's and women's locker rooms. Resort When traveling to the area, staying at the Treetops resort is a great option.  The resort at Treetops features a hotel with indoor/outdoor pool, jacuzzi, spa, salon, restaurants, a fun bar and a rustic mountain setting. Contact Treetops Resort 3962 Wilkinson Rd Gaylord, MI 49735 1-866-348-5249 http://www.treetops.com