known, 23-year-old teaching professional, Rick Smith. Smith is now an annual fixture on Golf Digest’s Top-50 Golf Teachers List and has been the “swing guru” for Phil Mickelson, Lee Janzen, Rocco Mediate, David Duval, as well as, both Jack and Gary Nicklaus. Back then no one knew the brash young professional, but he helped Melling develop Treetops into one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest. The second course to open at Treetops, the Fazio Premier, was designed by Tom Fazio and opened for play in 1992. It is a special treat for guests of the resort as it is the only Fazio design in the state. The Fazio Premier’s rolling fairways and single water hazard, along with steep slopes and doglegs, is more forgiving than the Masterpiece, but will still provide a challenge for the most seasoned player. After a trip to the Masters Tournament in 1990, Rick Smith pitched the idea of adding a par-3 course to Treetops. Melling gave the project his blessing and today Threetops is one of the mustplay courses at the resort. Small, slick greens, severe elevation changes and beautiful scenery make Threetops one of the best rounds of golf you will ever enjoy. For several years, top name professionals came to the par-3 course to compete in a two-day tournament aired on ESPN. In 2001, Lee Trevino made a hole-in-one at the 7th hole and won a skin worth over one million dollars. It was the first time a single shot earned over $1 million in golf history. During your visit to Treetops a trip around the Himalayas Putting Green is also a must. It was one of the first putting courses of its kind in the country. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage, settle a few wagers, or just have a great time trying to get your little white ball in the hole. Few golfers can make the nine-hole circuit without a three-putt. Even four-putts are common over and around the huge mounds. Smith was also involved in adding two more courses to Treetops. The Signature opened for play in 1993 and was named the ‘Best Golf Course in Michigan’ as recently as 2018, by Golftime Magazine. With slopes, mounds and narrow fairways, the Signature course will keep every golfer on their toes. It’s the perfect blend between modern influence and classic designs from across the globe. In preparation to build the Signature, Smith traveled to Ireland and Scotland to study their historic courses. A trip around the Signature can be similar to playing in Europe. The Tradition, which opened to the public in 1997, was built for the golfer who appreciated Ohio Golf Journal
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