Fazio Premier at Treetops Resort
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Otsego County
Phone(s): (866) 348-5249, (989) 732-6711
Fax: (989) 732-9858
Website: www.treetops.com
Treetops Resort boasts an astounding 81 holes of golf, including championship courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith. There are four 18-hole golf courses and an interesting little par-3 layout. The Premier Course is the only Tom Fazio-designed golf course in Michigan. The course sprawls across rolling terrain dotted with trees. Fazio designed a layout that appeals to a variety of different skill levels since it is both challenging and forgiving. Strategically placed bunkers are balanced by straightforward fairways and well manicured greens. A water hazard comes into play once on the tricky par-3 11th. There are also a few interesting risk/reward opportunities, including the par-4 15th. Long hitters may get lucky and reach the triple-tiered green if there is a favorable wind. When Fazio was asked to choose a signature though, he couldn't pick just one
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Golf course details
- Holes: 18
- Designed by: Dennis Wise, Tom Fazio
- Public/Private: Resort
- Year opened: 1992
- Golf Season: Open: 4/21 Closed: 10/23
- Guest Policy: Open
- Tee times welcomed: Yes
- Fairways: Bent Grass
- Greens: Bent Grass
Facilities
- Pro in house: Yes
- Driving range: Yes
- Rental clubs: Yes
- Rental carts: Yes - included in green fees
Green fees price ranges
- Week days: $65 - $145
- Weekends: $65 - $145
Course policies
- Metal spikes allowed: No
- Dress code: Proper golf attire required.
- Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Length, slope and rating for each tee
| Tee | Par | Yardage | Slope | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 6832 | 139 | 73.3 |
| Red (W) | 72 | 4945 | 121 | 69.5 |
| White | 72 | 5834 | 127 | 68.6 |
| Blue | 72 | 6274 | 132 | 70.6 |
| Gold | 72 | 5379 | 121 | 66.6 |
| Gold (W) | 72 | 5379 | 130 | 71.6 |
| Black/Blue | 72 | 6485 | 0 | 0 |
| Blue/White | 72 | 6026 | 0 | 0 |
| White/Gold | 72 | 5617 | 0 | 0 |
| Gold/Red (W) | 72 | 5060 | 0 | 0 |
If golf’s not your game there are plenty of other activities including mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, disc golf, and horseback riding. When the white stuff starts to fall, Treetops transforms into one of Northern Michigan’s top ski resorts, with 23 expertly groomed ski runs, and 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
Over the years Treetops has received its share of accolades from the golf world. Golf Magazine awarded them its Silver Medal Award as one of the finest resorts in the United States, 7-times. In 2002, Treetops was ranked #32 on Golf Digest’s list of “America's Top 75 Golf Resorts”, and in June 2000, Conde Nast Traveler recognized them as a “Top 50 International Resorts.” Pinehurst and Pebble Beach were the only two golf resorts ranked higher that year. Year in and year out Treetops is awarded at least 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. And with courses designed by three of the industry’s top golf architects – Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Smith – you’re sure to be challenged.
For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.
At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.
The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.
Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.
As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.
The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.
The Premier Course at Treetops Resort is the only Tom Fazio-designed golf course in Michigan and is as challenging as it is forgiving. It’s a very player-friendly course with many wide-open and rolling fairways, some of which are bowl-shaped, which helps to correct errant tee shots. You’ll find significantly less undulation than Masterpiece or Signature, yet there are still plenty of challenging breaks on the greens. Although the course features several doglegs, it is still player-friendly regardless of how good you are.
Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.