Treetops Resort Golf Club

Location: Gaylord | Accommodation: Lodge rooms, hotel-style rooms, and chalets | Golf: Five award-winning courses

Treetops Resort is one of the best golf destinations in the north of the USA, set among the rolling hills and forests of Northern Michigan. Known for dramatic elevation changes, outstanding course conditioning, and world-class course design, this four-season resort delivers an exceptional stay-and-play experience in a scenic alpine setting.

Home to five distinct courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rick Smith, and Tom Fazio, Treetops offers remarkable variety. From championship layouts carved through ridges and valleys to one of the finest par-3 courses in the world, this is a bucket-list destination for golfers seeking both challenge and scenery.

Golf Courses

Treetops Resort features five distinct courses, delivering elevation, variety, and architectural pedigree:

The Jones Masterpiece Ranked as the 52nd best course in Michigan by Top 100 Courses in 2026 Style: Championship / Dramatic elevation | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. | Opened: 1987

The resort’s flagship layout, the Jones Masterpiece established Treetops as a Midwest golf standout. Routed through ridges, wetlands, and valleys, it reflects Jones’ “hard par, easy bogey” philosophy, rewarding strategy and solid ball-striking.

Its signature par-3 6th drops 120 feet from tee to green and remains one of Michigan’s most photographed holes. Bold bunkering and elevated approaches give the course true championship character.

Fazio Premier Ranked as the 33rd best course in Michigan by Top 100 Courses in 2026 Style: Resort / Strategic parkland | Designer: Tom Fazio | Opened: 1992

Michigan’s only Tom Fazio design, the Fazio Premier blends wide landing areas, rolling fairways, and bold bunkering. Subtle elevation changes and imaginative greens reward thoughtful shot-making while maintaining excellent playability.

Beautifully conditioned and visually striking, it offers balance and variety within the resort’s lineup.

Smith Signature Ranked as the 57th best course in Michigan by Top 100 Courses in 2026 Style: Scenic / Forest and ridge routing | Designer: Rick Smith | Opened: 1993

Winding through valleys and wooded ridgelines, the Smith Signature combines generous fairways with creative green complexes. Elevated tees and tree-lined corridors frame a layout that balances playability with risk-reward moments.

It is consistently regarded as one of Northern Michigan’s most enjoyable rounds.

Smith Tradition Style: Links-inspired / Walkable | Designer: Rick Smith | Opened: 1997

The Tradition provides a contrast with its walkable, links-inspired design. Wide fairways, native fescue, and strategic bunkering emphasize smart positioning over power.

Set on elevated ground, it offers sweeping views and a more relaxed but still strategic test.

Threetops Par-3 Course Style: Par-3 / Dramatic elevation | Designer: Rick Smith | Opened: 1992

Ranked among the world’s best par-3 courses according to Links Magazine, Threetops delivers dramatic elevation and unforgettable shot values. Ideal for sharpening your short game, enjoying a quick but spectacular round, or settling friendly competitions with stunning views at every tee.

Accommodation

Treetops Resort offers two distinct styles of stay, each designed for comfort and convenience:

• The Lodge at Treetops – The resort’s main hub, offering well-appointed rooms and suites just steps from the clubhouse, dining venues, and resort amenities. Ideal for golfers, the Lodge places you close to the action, with easy access to tee times, practice facilities, and the spa.
• The Treetops Inn – A relaxed and comfortable hotel-style option located near the Tradition Course. With spacious guest rooms and a quieter setting, the Inn is well-suited to golf groups and buddies’ trips seeking value, convenience, and quick access to the fairways.

Restaurant & Bars

Treetops offers a variety of on-site dining experiences to suit every appetite and occasion:

• Hunter’s Grille - A relaxed, full-service restaurant serving hearty breakfasts, classic American favorites, and satisfying post-round dinners in a welcoming lodge-style setting.
• Sports Bar - Casual clubhouse fare with big screens, cold beers, and a lively atmosphere that is perfect for recapping the day’s best shots.
• Legends on the Hill - Elevated dining with scenic views, featuring regional specialties and seasonal dishes ideal for a more refined evening meal.
• The Halfway House - Convenient grab-and-go bites and refreshments to keep you fuelled during your round.
• Bars and lounges - Comfortable spaces throughout the resort offering craft beers, cocktails, and relaxed drinks after your round.

From early morning breakfasts before tee time to laid-back drinks and memorable dinners, Treetops delivers variety, flavor, and atmosphere to match every moment of your golf getaway.

Spa & Leisure

Beyond golf, Treetops offers a full-service spa with massages, facials, and wellness treatments. Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and fitness facilities allow guests to relax and recharge.

As a true four-season resort, Treetops also offers winter skiing and snow sports, making it a year-round destination.

Location

Treetops is located in Gaylord, Michigan, in the heart of the state's alpine region. The resort is approximately one hour from Pellston Regional Airport and about three hours north of Detroit by car.

Surrounded by forests, lakes, and scenic countryside, it delivers an authentic Northern Michigan experience.

On Site Activities

In addition to golf, guests can enjoy:

• Spa treatments and wellness services
• Swimming pools and hot tubs
• Hiking and outdoor recreation
• Seasonal skiing and snow activities

Nearby

Downtown Gaylord offers boutique shopping, local breweries, and casual dining. The surrounding region is known for its lakes, outdoor recreation, and access to Northern Michigan’s wine trails and scenic coastal towns.

Did You Know

Threetops hosted the ESPN Par-3 Shootout from 1999 to 2006, featuring legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson. Lee Trevino’s million-dollar hole-in-one on the 7th hole remains one of golf’s most famous televised moments.

Our View

With five architecturally distinct courses, dramatic elevation changes, and one of the world’s most famous par-3 layouts, Treetops Resort stands as one of the Midwest’s premier golf destinations. Its combination of variety, scenery, and on-site convenience makes it ideal for multi-round Michigan golf vacations.