How many dog-track par-3 courses are in your neck of the woods? When considering par-3 courses, one doesn’t think of a top resort or golf travel destination. I used to think of “Paul’s Par-3,” a very low budget track which fetches $2.00 on weekdays and $5.00 on weekends, payable through a donation envelope deposited into a slit in a steel pole by the first tee. There’s no pro shop.
Treetops Par-3 Course, “3Tops” – Click for more…
Following my thorough examination of Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, my view of par-3s has completely changed. I had so much fun playing the par-3 course at Treetops, called “3Tops,” that I’d rather play that course over countless 18 hole par-72 tracks.
3Tops Overview
3Tops has 9 par-3 holes ranging from 90 yards to as long as 220+ yards. The elevation changes are absolutely stunning. Bring your camera. Many holes have elevation drops which can call for as many as 4 clubs worth of distance. The 220+ yard 3rd hole for instance, had a drop which I estimate to be over 100 feet. For that tee shot 7-irons were hitting pin high, after being airborne for somewhere around 22 minutes.
The course design is wonderful and fun, winding up and down large hills. Add plush green grass, white sand bunkers, and dense forest framing up the holes, and the result is a complete winner. In fact the track is widely known as the best par-3 course in America. I’ve toured the par-3 at Augusta National Golf Club and 3Tops is every bit as beautiful and surely more challenging with the massive elevation changes.
Treetops Par-3 Course – click for more
I tried my hardest to reproduce the $1,000,000+ hole-in-one Lee Trevino carded on the 140 yard 7th hole. Trevino aced it during the Par-3 Shootout on ESPN back in 2007. My gap wedge hit about 3-4 feet from the back pin. Unfortunately the ball spun back an incredible 24 yards. I was happy to make a par. No million dollar prize for me, but I did enter the Michigan lottery. You never know. Check out the video below documenting the shot:
Conclusion – 3Tops at Treetops IS Tops!
A round of golf on 3Tops runs $50. Not cheap for a par value of 27. But in that nine holes is enough fun to cover 18 regular holes or more, plus rounds clock in at around a hour. As a bonus, the chance of making one’s own ace, whether for a million bucks or $2 worth of 50 cent skins, is increased by more than double over a standard 18 hole track.
Treetops is terrific. And, I see you have photos of Arcadia and Black Lake – -also terrific golf courses. BUT, you missed a WONDERFUL old golf course in the area – Belvedere in Charlevoix. It’s been the home of the MI Amateur over 30 times and is one of Tom Watson’s favorite courses (He summered in the are as a young boy). Watson has often said that Belvedere’s 16th hole is one of his favorite holes! Hope to hear you get here sometime soon.
Thanks for the comment Wally. I played six courses in four days out there, as much as my travel schedule could squeeze in. I plan on being back to northern Michigan, hopefully next year. Loved every minute. Certainly one of the best golf areas in the country.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
Treetops is terrific. And, I see you have photos of Arcadia and Black Lake – -also terrific golf courses. BUT, you missed a WONDERFUL old golf course in the area – Belvedere in Charlevoix. It’s been the home of the MI Amateur over 30 times and is one of Tom Watson’s favorite courses (He summered in the are as a young boy). Watson has often said that Belvedere’s 16th hole is one of his favorite holes! Hope to hear you get here sometime soon.
Thanks for the comment Wally. I played six courses in four days out there, as much as my travel schedule could squeeze in. I plan on being back to northern Michigan, hopefully next year. Loved every minute. Certainly one of the best golf areas in the country.