Michigan Golf Journal February 2023

Third, World Class designers like Robert Trent Jones Sr, Tom Fazio and Rick Smith have put their signatures on the courses at Treetops. When the Jones Masterpiece opened in 1986, Golf Digest named it the second-best new course in the country. The course features deep ravines, pesky sand traps, tough pin placements, numerous water hazards, and dramatic elevation changes. The Jones Masterpiece is the most challenging course at the resort, but take time to look back up each fairway, as the course is almost as beautiful backwards as it is forward. The Fazio Premier, was designed by Tom Fazio and opened for play in 1992. It is a special treat for guests of the resort as it is the only Fazio design in the state. The Premier’s rolling fairways and single water hazard, along with steep slopes and doglegs, is more forgiving than the Masterpiece, but will still provide a challenge for the most seasoned player. Rick Smith is credited with designing both The Smith Signature, which opened for play in 1993 and The Tradition, opened in 1997. Both courses have won numerous awards from golf publications over the years. With slopes, mounds and narrow fairways, the Signature course will keep every golfer on their toes. It’s the perfect blend between modern influence and classic designs from across the globe. In preparation to build the Signature, Smith traveled to Ireland and Scotland to study their historic courses. The Tradition, which opened to the public in 1997, was built for the golfer who appreciates the value of walking. It was built on the principle of returning golf to a more relaxing atmosphere and

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