Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan excels in scenery, shot value

GAYLLORD, Mich. -- Opened in 1992, the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort is one of the best par 3s in the country. How do we know that? It says so on the first tee.

It's also very scenic, in great condition and a fun test of golf.

Designed by renowned teacher Rick Smith, this former site of the ESPN Par 3 Shootout features plenty of elevated tees, panoramic views of the mountains and interesting greens with slopes on certain pin placements conducive to making holes in one. It was on the seventh, back in the 2001, that Lee Trevino won more than $1 million for recording an ace in the Shootout.

The golf course plays to a total of 1,435 yards from the tips and as little as 978 yards from the forward tees to a par of 27.

Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort - hole 6

Threetops Golf Course, the par-3 design at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, is a delightfully quick and fun experience.

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Threetops G.C. at Treetops Resort - sign

There's a sign at Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort that lets you know just how good it is.

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Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort - hole 1

The first hole on the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort plays 143 yards from the back tee.

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Threetops G.C. at Treetops Resort - hole 2

The green on the second hole on the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort slopes severely from right to left.

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Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort - 3rd

At the ESPN Par 3 Shootout, Phil Mickelson nearly aced the downhill third hole on the Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort. The hole is known as "Devil's Drop."

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Threetops G.C. at Treetops Resort - hole 4

You'll want to avoid these bunkers at all costs on the fourth hole at Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan.

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Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort - hole 5

The fifth is one of the few holes that play uphill on the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan.

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Threetops G.C. at Treetops Resort - hole 7

Dubbed "High Five," the seventh hole on the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort plays up to three clubs less.

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Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort - hole 8

The eighth hole on the Threetops golf course at Treetops Resort also plays downhill.

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Threetops G.C. at Treetops Resort - hole 9

You'll want to add a half club when playing the 140-yard ninth hole on the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Mich.

Mike Bailey/TravelGolf