By Mike May
Threetops at Treetops, in Gaylord, Michigan, packs 18 holes of drama into just 9 holes, yet every hole is ‘simply’ a par three. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to provide a fair and accurate description of the beauty, diversity, and the amount of fun to be enjoyed at Michigan’s premier par three course.
When you approach the 1st tee, look for the sign which provides background information on what events led to this course being built. The closing line on the plaque truly says it all,
“You are about to have a golf experience available nowhere else in the world.” 
Well-known golf teacher, Rick Smith designed Threetops and he modeled it after Augusta National’s Par 3 course.
Threetops includes three sets of tees, Front at 978 yards, Middle, 1,287 yards, and Back 1,435 yards assuring every skill level of golfer an enjoyable experience.
Treasure and cherish every tee shot at Threetops because each one might result in a lifetime memory maker. That was certainly the case for golfing legend Lee Trevino who recorded a hole-in-one at the 7th hole on July 30, 2001 during the 3rd Annual Par 3 Shootout at Threetops. Trevino received a check for $1,090,000, which was the first time a $1 million prize had been paid to a professional golfer. Trevino donated half of the winnings to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
The first hole is called the Plateau and No. 9 is called, Upward Home, as the green sits 50 feet above the tee. Only one hole, the sixth, has a water hazard, plus the green slopes severely away from the golfer. A wise shot is to the front left portion of the green and then watch it roll down to the hole.
The 2nd at Threetops has two different greens and is appropriately named Double Cross.
Two of the holes have significant elevation drops. Only one hole, No. 3, Devils Drop is in excess of 200 yards, but it plays severely downhill and much shorter than the posed yardage.
The 7th, High Five has an elevation drop of 90 feet. A well-struck tee shot at either of these two elevated tees will have more hangtime than a Michael Jordan jump shot!
The 5th, Valley Lo plays uphill and is at least half a club longer when the pin is placed at the back of the two-tiered green.
Before or after your round at Threetops, take a few minutes and practice your putting on the nearby Himalayas Putting Green. It’s called Himalayas for a good reason.
Are you ready for Threetops at Treetops? You should be. Trust me when I tell you that Threetops at Treetops is ready for you.
