Jones Masterpiece at Treetops Resort
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Otsego County
Phone(s): (866) 348-5249, (989) 732-6711
Fax: (989) 732-9858
Website: www.treetops.com
The Masterpiece Course is just one of four 18-hole championship courses at Treetops Resort. There is also an excellent par-3 golf course available. Robert Trent Jones designed the course, making it his final design in Michigan. The course is situated at the headwaters of the Pigeon River, utilizing to the full extent the diverse terrain of valleys, ravines, and expansive plains. The golf course is a challenging combination of water hazards, tricky elevation changes, and long grasses. The signature par-3 sixth boasts a120-foot drop that provides panoramic views of the Pigeon River Valley. The front nine offers stunning scenery but the back nine is where the real challenges begin. The fairly wide-open fairways on the 10th and 11th holes run parallel to one another but their hilliness can cause some frustrating lies. The Masterpiece Course has a rather nontraditional layout, beginning and ending with par 5s.
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Golf course details
- Holes: 18
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Roger Rulewich
- Public/Private: Resort
- Year opened: 1987
- Golf Season: Open: 4/21 Closed: 10/30
- 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 | 71 | 7028 | 147 | 74.8 |
| Red (W) | 71 | 4839 | 123 | 68.7 |
| Blue | 71 | 6398 | 137 | 71.7 |
| White | 71 | 5888 | 132 | 69.4 |
| Gold | 71 | 5426 | 127 | 67.1 |
| Gold (W) | 71 | 5426 | 133 | 72.3 |
| Black/Blue | 71 | 6568 | 0 | 0 |
| Blue/White | 71 | 6063 | 0 | 0 |
| White/Gold | 71 | 5627 | 0 | 0 |
| Gold/Red (W) | 71 | 5027 | 0 | 0 |
Reader Ratings / Reviews
- We have golfed many courses in Gaylord and found this course to be the best, next to the Tribute. Almost every fairway offers a new challenge and just the views are something to see. Very unique greens and tee off spots.Wow! This course has got it all - elevation changes, manicured sand traps, just enough water and very challenging greens. The greens were some of the toughest reads that I've ever played and were much quicker than I'm used to. There were a couple bad spots on a few of the greens but they were minor and that's the only thing I can think of to keep this course from getting a perfect rating. The staff were very accomodating and even helped book us an afternoon play at another course because they were too full for a replay. If you can only play one course in the Gaylord area, play this one!
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.
And now on to the main event: Golf at Treetops! The Jones Masterpiece Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is the only course on the main property. Many feel that The Masterpiece is the one course that put Gaylord on the map as a golf destination. Recently, Golf Digest named Masterpiece to its Top 10 list of Favorite Fall Foliage Courses in the US. Masterpiece has a slope rating of 147, making it one of the state’s toughest courses, but if you play the tees that best suit your game, you’re sure to have a fun and challenging round. As you make your way around the course, be sure to take in the scenery, especially in the fall. I spoke with several women at the course who all said that it’s the fall scenery that brings them back every year.
Controlling the ball off the tee is everything, and don’t try and bite off more than you can chew. You can score well here, especially on the par 5s which play anywhere from 435 to 500 yards, so getting there isn’t the problem. The problem is keeping the ball in the fairway. Number 6 is a memorable par three that plays 162 yards from the Blue tees, but up to 4 clubs less because of the 120 ft. drop and the wind. This and one other hole at Treetops North put Northern Michigan golf on the map.
Practice facilities at the Jones Masterpiece Course include a grass driving range, a short game area with a practice bunker, and a putting green. Regardless of how you play, it’s hard to not enjoy your round on the Jones Masterpiece Course.
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.