Threetops. Rick Smith's first par three-designed course, has been receiving national recognition since it opened in 1992. It consistently ranks as the #1 par three course in America by Golf Magazine, Golfweek, Golf & Travel and several others and is perhaps the most recognized par three course in America. For a number of years, Threetops hosted the ESPN Par 3 Shootout. Lee Trevino recorded an ace on #7 during the Shootout in 2001. The course itself features elevated greens and tees with noticeable slopes.