Treetops Resort has a rich history that began in 1983 when Harry Melling, the owner of a successful automotive parts manufacturing business in Jackson, purchased the property, called Sylvan Knob. He loved northern Michigan and had a vision to turn the small ski hill, with modest beginnings, into a grand ski resort.
Winter skiing in Northern Michigan can be a lucrative business for four months, but what about the rest of the year? He quickly realized that if he wanted to keep his dream alive, summer activities were needed for visitors to fill his empty hotel rooms and for his Melling Tool Company employees to enjoy all year long.
Hiking, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities were a natural. In addition, golf-crazy auto workers from Detroit and down state were looking for summer getaways. Northern Michigan’s sand hills, elevation changes, and temperate summer climate made it perfect for golf course construction.
If you build it they will come!
Melling contracted one of the leading golf designers, Robert Trent Jones Sr. to build the first course at the resort, The Jones Masterpiece. When Jones stood on what was to be the sixth tee and looked out over the hills all he could see was a thick growth of trees. Thus, Sylvan Knob became 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.
A great golf course isn’t always enough to draw a knowledgeable golf clientele. Melling understood the need for an outgoing and competent golf professional and hired a little-known, 23-year-old teaching professional, Rick Smith.
Smith is now an annual fixture on Golf Digest’s Top-50 Golf Teachers List and has been the “swing guru” for Phil Mickelson, Lee Janzen, Rocco Mediate, David Duval, as well as, both Jack and Gary Nicklaus. Back then no one knew the brash young professional, but he helped Melling develop Treetops into one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest. 
The second course to open at Treetops, 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 Fazio 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.
After a trip to the Masters Tournament in 1990, Rick Smith pitched the idea of adding a par-3 course to Treetops. Melling gave the project his blessing and today Threetops is one of the must-play courses at the resort.
Small, slick greens, severe elevation changes and beautiful scenery make Threetops one of the best rounds of golf you will ever enjoy.
For several years, top name professionals came to the par-3 course to compete in a two-day tournament aired on ESPN. In 2001, Lee Trevino made a hole-in-one at the 7th hole and won a skin worth over one million dollars. It was the first time a single shot earned over $1 million in golf history.
During your visit to Treetops a trip around the Himalayas Putting Green is also a must. It was one of the first putting courses of its kind in the country. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage, settle a few wagers, or just have a great time trying to get your little white ball in the hole. Few golfers can make the nine-hole circuit without a three-putt. Even four-putts are common over and around the huge mounds.
Smith was also involved in adding two more courses to Treetops. The Signature opened for play in 1993 and was named the ‘Best Golf Course in Michigan’ as recently as 2018, by Golftime Magazine.
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. A trip around the Signature can be similar to playing in Europe.
The Tradition, which opened to the public in 1997, was built for the golfer who appreciated the value of walking a golf course. It was built on the principle of returning golf to a more relaxing attitude. The recent changes made in 2022, featured the removal of select trees which adds to the Scottish links feel.
It is the most player-friendly course at the resort with less elevation change, wider fairways and a more natural landscape. The Tradition offers an open links feel. When hot summer days dry out the course it plays firm and fast, just like it was meant to be.
With four championship golf courses, the par-3 Threetops, the Teaching Academy and a cozy spa, the resort is now a year-round destination offering skiing and snow activities for the winter, as well as, a complete golf experience during the summer.
If you are feeling a little achy from a day on the slopes or the golf course and need some TLC. Treetops’ spa offers a wide range of Massage Therapies, Body Treatments, Skin Care, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures. All are designed to soothe, pamper, relax, and de-stress your body, mind and spirit. Spa clients may also feel free to enjoy the use the nautilus fitness room, hot tub, steam room and sauna during their visit.
With the surrounding tree-covered hills and quaint lodges, Treetops also offers an excellent setting to plan a romantic wedding. The resort offers assistance and urges future brides to contact them to help them plan their special day.
Treetops has never stopped growing and continues to provide the best resort experience.
In summary, in addition to the outstanding skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, Treetops offers, a relaxing spa experience, 81 holes of golf, a world-renowned par-3 course, instruction from experienced golf professionals, plus they provide the perfect setting for fairytale weddings, family reunions, or your next corporate meeting.
Roundup your favorite foursome, or family members and book a getaway to a resort that is perfect for any season and offers something for everyone in your group.
For more information and to book your stay visit: http://treetops.com/
