Yakima, Washington
Apple Tree Resort is the epitome of Central Washington golf: fun, scenic, and just a bit playful. With its memorable apple-shaped 17th and rolling orchard fairways, it offers a regional must-play experience that's both accessible and unforgettable.
Tee off from all nine designated boxes on the 17th to fully “sample the apple”—a quirky local challenge.
John Steidel’s original vision at Apple Tree Resort marries the character of Yakima’s timeless orchards with the drama of modern resort golf. Routed through rolling hills, the course uses orchard rows as natural corridors, punctuates play with broad water features, and builds up to a show-stopping close at the 17th hole. Multiple tees transform the test from approachable to demanding, and fairways tempt big hitters while punishing errant positioning with crafty bunkering and tight lines.
John Steidel embraced Yakima’s orchard character, making the land and its agricultural story the heart of the round.
A three-shot par 5 framed between orchard trees and flanked by clever bunkering that shapes every layup. Precision matters more than power from tee to green, especially if you challenge the tempting width with an aggressive second.
Play position off the tee to open up your layup angle for the best approach into a well-defended green.
Get greedy or miss the fairway and you’ll contend with orchard trees and awkward recovery stances.
Consistently well-groomed fairways and greens, with resort-level standards throughout; some spots may firm up with Yakima’s arid climate.
Usually steady, but can back up at peak times and on weekends.
Fun, scenic, and laid-back with a dash of playful spectacle around the apple-green finish.
Standard golf attire expected; resort-casual is typical.
Yakima’s dry air and elevation can alter distances—confirm your club carry before teeing off.
Work on precise mid-iron shots before your round to boost confidence for the iconic 17th.
Even mild breezes will be felt on the open orchard holes; watch for shifting gusts, especially late in the day.
Prime tee times can fill quickly, so reserve in advance if targeting a weekend round.
Course opens, original design by John Steidel
Hosts Washington State Amateur
Apple Tree was carved from former apple orchards, and its layout seamlessly weaves between rows of heritage fruit trees. The transformation pays tribute to Yakima’s core agricultural roots, blending local history with modern golf drama.
The 17th’s apple-shaped island green, complete with a sand-trap 'leaf,' stands as the course’s iconic centerpiece. Local lore suggests the original developers personally helped refine the green, pushing for tournament-ready challenge and memorable visuals.
For Pacific Northwest players, conquering the 17th at Apple Tree has become a bucket-list rite. Its nine tee boxes mean virtually anyone can take on the apple-shaped test, but the intimidation factor and gallery-facing finish leave even top players with shaky hands.
After your round, the course’s clubhouse deck overlooks much of the closing stretch, offering a perfect spot to replay missed putts over drinks. It’s where stories, laughs, and light heckling converge as players finish their rounds.
The apple-shaped 17th green is over 10,000 square feet, including its 'leaf' bunker.
The course was built by a group of orchardists who wanted to transform fruit land into a golf destination.
There are over 100,000 apple trees still surrounding the course today.
Each year, the club hosts an 'Apple Open' amateur event with fruity local prizes.
Yakima Valley is one of the largest apple-producing regions in the world.
A modern destination course with undulating fairways and a bold minimalist design.
A Pacific Northwest staple, offering a tree-lined resort vibe with strong playability.
Solid public track in the Tri-Cities area for a budget-friendly extra round.
Short scenic layout near Yakima that’s ideal for a warm-up or post-trip wind-down.
Yakima—minimizes transit and gives easy access to Apple Tree, with good food and lodging options.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Sugarloaf Golf Club's own setting.
Why it matches: Newport Country Club is a natural next stop after Apple Tree Resort: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: If Apple Tree Resort is your kind of course, Eagles Mere Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Classic Northwest golf with century-old roots
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?