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Apple Tree Golf Course: championship golf carved from century-old orchards featuring one of the world’s most famous island greens
Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima stands as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier golf experiences, carved from the rolling terrain of 100-year-old apple orchards and home to the world-famous Apple Island Green on the signature 17th hole. With an impressive resume including a 4-star Golf Digest rating and recognition as having “One of the Top 9 Island Holes in Golf Worldwide” by Back9Network, this championship course delivers outstanding conditions, excellent service, and beautiful natural scenery that has earned acclaim from countless golf publications. The course plays over 6,900 yards through scenic challenges including lakes, fountains, and a beautiful cascading waterfall, all while maintaining its unique orchard heritage that makes it truly one of Washington’s most memorable golf destinations.
Apple Tree Golf Course Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location (City, State) | Yakima, Washington |
| Address | Apple Tree Resort, Yakima Valley |
| Holes and par | 18 holes, Par 72 |
| Total yardage (back tees) | 6,961 yards (Black tees) |
| Tee sets (names and count) | Black, Blue, White, Gold, Red (five tee options) |
| Course rating and slope (primary tees) | Blue 72.6/135 |
| Terrain | Rolling terrain carved from 100-year-old apple orchards |
| Course architect | John Steidel |
| Practice facilities | Full driving range, putting greens, short game areas |
| Signature hole | 17th hole Apple Island Green (over 10,000 square feet, nine tee boxes) |
| Accolades | 4-star Golf Digest rating, “Top 9 Island Holes Worldwide,” “Washington’s Top Par 3” |
| Amenities | Clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant, meeting facilities, PGA instruction |
Course Overview
Apple Tree Golf Course showcases the transformation of agricultural land into championship golf, where designer John Steidel preserved the natural orchard landscape while creating a course that has earned national recognition. The layout flows through the rolling terrain of century-old apple trees, incorporating the existing topography and mature vegetation to create a unique golfing experience that honors the land’s heritage. Water features play prominently throughout the design, with lakes, fountains, and a cascading waterfall adding both beauty and strategic challenge to the championship test.
The course’s crown jewel, the 17th hole Apple Island Green, measures over 10,000 square feet and offers nine different tee boxes, creating multiple playing experiences and photo opportunities that have made it one of golf’s most recognizable holes. Beyond this signature feature, the entire layout provides variety and challenge through its 6,900-yard routing, demanding both strategic thinking and solid execution while rewarding players with spectacular valley views and the unique atmosphere of playing through working orchards.
Hole-by-Hole Highlights
| Hole | Yards (Blue tees) | Par | Hcp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 395 | 4 | 15 | Opening hole sets championship tone through orchard setting |
| 2 | 177 | 3 | 9 | Early par 3 test with water feature |
| 3 | 530 | 5 | 17 | Reachable par 5 with risk/reward second shot |
| 4 | 431 | 4 | 1 | Number 1 handicap hole, ultimate driving challenge |
| 5 | 392 | 4 | 11 | Mid-length par 4 through mature orchards |
| 6 | 181 | 3 | 13 | Par 3 with scenic backdrop and precise distance control |
| 7 | 350 | 4 | 7 | Shorter par 4 demanding accuracy over distance |
| 8 | 423 | 4 | 5 | Strategic par 4 with well-placed hazards |
| 9 | 402 | 4 | 3 | Strong finishing hole to front nine |
| 10 | 372 | 4 | 16 | Back nine opener with valley views |
| 11 | 353 | 4 | 12 | Drivable par 4 with risk/reward decision |
| 12 | 548 | 5 | 4 | Long par 5 requiring three solid shots |
| 13 | 140 | 3 | 18 | Short par 3 demanding precision |
| 14 | 537 | 5 | 2 | Second toughest hole, par 5 with multiple hazards |
| 15 | 416 | 4 | 8 | Strategic par 4 through orchard landscape |
| 16 | 365 | 4 | 14 | Setup hole for the famous 17th |
| 17 | 157 | 3 | 10 | World-famous Apple Island Green, signature hole |
| 18 | 489 | 5 | 6 | Finishing par 5 with cascading waterfall feature |
Amenities & Practice
Apple Tree Golf Course provides comprehensive practice facilities including a full driving range, putting greens, and short game areas that allow players to prepare for the course’s varied challenges. PGA Certified instructor Les Blakley offers exceptional instruction programs for golfers looking to improve their games. The pro shop features golf equipment, apparel, and accessories, while the clubhouse provides meeting facilities and banquet spaces for tournaments and special events.
The course offers both Men’s and Ladies league programs, creating a strong community atmosphere for regular players. Tournament hosting services are available for groups looking to experience championship golf in the unique orchard setting, with the famous 17th hole serving as a memorable centerpiece for any golf event.
Food & Beverage
The on-site restaurant operates with varying hours throughout the week, serving Sunday through Tuesday from 8am to 2pm and Wednesday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm. The dining facility offers scenic patio seating with views of the course and surrounding valley, providing an ideal setting for post-round meals and refreshments while enjoying the orchard atmosphere.
Rates / Booking / Local Tips
Apple Tree Golf Course offers a variety of green fees depending on the time of day, providing opportunities to experience championship golf at different price points. The course is located just a two-hour drive from Seattle, making it an accessible destination for golfers seeking world-class golf in Washington’s wine and apple country. Late afternoon tee times often provide the best value, and the course maintains excellent conditions throughout the playing season.
Golf memberships are available for frequent players, and Apple Tree Golf Course regularly appears on “Best Of” lists throughout the region, cementing its reputation as a must-play destination. The course’s location in the heart of Yakima Valley provides easy access to wine tasting and other regional attractions, making it perfect for golf getaway packages.
How to Score Here
- Prepare for the legendary 17th hole Apple Island Green by practicing your short iron accuracy, as this world-famous par 3 demands precise distance control
- Take advantage of the generous fairways while respecting the water hazards that come into play on multiple holes throughout Apple Tree Golf Course
- Study the orchard-influenced terrain that can create uneven lies and unique playing conditions different from traditional parkland courses
- Consider the wind patterns in the Yakima Valley that can significantly affect club selection, particularly on the exposed par 3 holes
- Plan your round timing to experience the course during optimal conditions, as the mature orchard setting provides natural beauty that enhances throughout the day
Final Word
Apple Tree Golf Course delivers a truly unique championship experience where century-old orchards meet world-class golf design, anchored by one of the most famous holes in the game.
This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.
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Apple Tree Golf Course
Golf Carts at Apple Tree Golf Course
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