Masterpiece is Simply That
By Tom Lang
Sometimes there’s great power and simplicity in a name.
At Treetops Resort, that is certainly true with the original course onsite designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. – The Masterpiece – which opened in 1987.
The very first hole grabs a lot of attention when visitors pull into the main entrance at the resort’s original south location, as the first hole meanders downhill right at you. All the other resort golf was added to the Treetops North location about 5 miles up the road, where golfers will find the Smith Signature, the par 3 Threetops, the Smith Tradition and the Fazio Premier.
With a slope rating of 147, the Masterpiece is a beautiful modern architecture type design, but since it was completed several decades ago the layout could be called ahead of its time. There’s an excellent use of the natural landforms with twists and turns, including the No. 6 hole – often considered the most iconic in the Treetops collection. It’s there where Jones looked out over the Pigeon River Valley landscape and told then-owner Harry Melling, he should call the place Treetops.
I found that there is great use in the design of high elevations and some lower areas where water naturally collects on the property, especially holes 8 and 9.
While there are so many good holes to choose from on the Masterpiece, my favorite string of three consecutive back-to-back (to back) are 13, 14 and 15. They may not stick out in a lot of golfers’ memories, but the variety and sightline views are wonderful. Hole 13 is a medium-length par 3 hitting to a two-tiered green over a small gorge with water in the bottom. On 14, check the yardage off the tee because the end of the shorter fairway – not far past the 150-yard barber pole – has a severe drop off into natural rough that could snag a golf ball for life. But keep your drive near the 150-yard marker on the flat fairway and you will have a clean shot over a ravine to an elevated green that is skinny but deep. The land disappears behind the green as well, so some precision is needed.
No. 15 is yet again another highly-elevated tee, on a short par 4 down into a valley before going back up a little to the perched green – a green which is heavily guarded by bunkers yet is still playable by virtue of the fact this lower-than-avg golfer made a 4-foot par putt.
While playing the Masterpiece in September, I came across two women having the time of their lives. They were sporting new Treetops lap blankets, a gift from the resort for their longevity of visits.
“You don’t have to be intimidated here,” said Sheri Everitt of Sterling Hgts. “We’re on the Masterpiece right now; we originally thought we could never play the Masterpiece, like ‘we’re not worthy.’ But we’re having fun here. It’s relaxing with the views.
“For the value, and being three hours away from metro Detroit, it’s an easy drive, the service, that staff have all been outstanding. The price is great; and you can look for specials.”
Her long-time friend and playing partner, Karen Gray of Troy, was giddy about spending time with her friend up north.
“Because we book with the same agent, Kristen Hughes, we always get the same elegant room, with a kitchen,” Gray said. “But what excites us the most is the elevation of the tee boxes. It’s hard to find this anywhere else in Michigan. The high tees is why we love it here. And I love the Lee Trevino hole (on Threetops).”
