ULTIMATE FOLIAGE: PGA of America Writer Selects Masterpiece at Treetops
By Greg Johnson –
The PGA of America has noticed what visitors to the Gaylord Golf Mecca have known for decades, and what legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones realized 39 years ago: the Masterpiece at Treetops Resort is a stunning fall golf course. Brendan Elliott, writing for the PGA of America in their quest to find the ultimate fall color foliage on golf courses in the U.S., tabbed the Masterpiece as one of what he calls the “Jaw-Dropping Fall Golf Courses in America.”
“Northern Michigan in the fall centers around Gaylord, where Treetops Resort’s Masterpiece course actually lives up to that name,” Elliott writes. “This is a top choice for fall golf because the course cuts through hardwood forests that go wild with color in October. The terrain rolls constantly, and the trees are everywhere.”
The article includes an aerial photo of the Masterpiece in full fall colors. It’s vibrant and stunning, and it’s one of the reasons fall golf is so popular in the Gaylord Golf Mecca. The folks at Treetops are proud to be on the exclusive list, which also includes facilities in Maine, Vermont, New York and Wisconsin.
Treetops, previously known as Sylvan Resort, didn’t have golf when Harry Melling purchased it and decided to make it a full-season playground. He hired Jones, who suggested the name “Treetops” during the design process while standing on what is now the No. 6 tee. He said at the course’s grand opening that he was captivated by the beauty from the hill, and that most of what he could see for miles was a stunning expanse of treetops.
Each fall, Mother Nature splashes the maple, oak and birch trees with incredible color, clearly creating the ultimate fall foliage. The Masterpiece is more than just jaw-dropping beauty, too. It’s 7,060 yards of Northern Michigan rolling terrain from the black tees, with multiple other tee choices to welcome golfers of various abilities.
Mecca golfers know the Masterpiece is something special throughout the year. While the 2025 season has closed in the Mecca, golf trips for 2026 can be planned now. Your trip can include the Masterpiece at Treetops Resort, along with any of the other 16 Mecca member courses. Congratulations to Treetops on making the list – we think it’s a stunner in every season!
See the PGA article: 6 Jaw-Dropping Fall Golf Courses in America for Ultimate Foliage
