Treetops Resort - Threetops

Rick Smith's 1992 Threetops at Treetops Resort is widely considered the best par-3 course in North America, a nine-hole all-par-3 routing carved into a steep Gaylord hillside with dramatic elevation changes and views across the Sturgeon River Valley. From 1999 through 2006, Threetops hosted the ESPN Par-3 Shootout, a made-for-TV event that brought Tiger, Phil, Ernie, Vijay, Lee Trevino, and other Hall-of-Famers to the mountain for head-to-head single-hole skins. The 7th hole is the one everyone remembers: Lee Trevino made an ace there in 2001 and won the million-dollar prize, widely called 'the richest shot in golf.' Trevino returned in 2021 to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Holes range from ~100 yards to the 200+ Par 3 over a canyon that doubles as Instagram bait. Walks briskly; resort guests typically play it in 90 minutes. Peak green fee $45-75. Fits a Gaylord Golf Mecca trip as the 'bring the group to the tee at #7 and try to reenact the ace' post-dinner add-on round.