Trevino Returns to Treetops to Defend
Par 3 Shootout Title

By Kiel Christianson,
Senior Writer

GAYLORD, MI (Feb. 6, 2002) - Rick Smith, Vice President of Golf Operations at Treetops Resort announced today that Lee Trevino will be returning to Treetops to defend his Par 3 Shootout Title. This year’s event will take place on July 1st and 2nd and will be televised nightly on ESPN.

Joining Mr. Trevino for this year’s event will be Phil Mickelson, (number 2 player on the PGA money list for 2001), Fed Couples (5 time Ryder Cup member), and the legendary Arnold Palmer (with over 60 PGA tour victories).

•Michigan Course Guide • Past articles by Kiel Christianson

“We are very excited about this year’s event and the players that will be participating. Who knows who may knock a shot in for a hole-in-one like Lee did last year for a million dollars. It is going to be exciting,” stated Smith.

The 2002 Par 3 Shootout will again be played on what Golf Week has called “The Best Par 3 in America,” the Rick Smith designed “Threetops.” Treetops Resort’s unique 9-hole course features holes that range from 135 yards to 216 yards, with a 145 ft. vertical drop on hole No. 3. Player’s club selections will range from pitching wedge to 5-iron.

Each hole will be worth $20,000, with a $10,000 bonus for the player closest to the pin. If the hole is not won, the money carries over to the next hole. This year’s event will again feature a $1 million dollar bonus for each and every hole-in-one. Last year Lee Trevino captured the $1 million dollar prize by knocking it in on hole No. 7 – called “High Five” – on the first day of the event. One half of the proceeds from this great shot were donated by Lee to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Tickets for the 2002 Par 3 Shootout will go on sale March 1, 2002, and may be purchased online at www.treetops.com, or by calling 989-732-6711, ext. 2499.

For further information, contact Nick Aune, GM for Treetops resort at the same number, or e-mail info@treetops.com.