71
APPLE TREE
Golf Course
PAR 3 180 YARDS
Yakima, WA
509.966.5877
www.appletreeresort.com
Unlike the 17th at Sawgrass or the 13th at Coeur d'Alene, where during a round there
is as much dread as there is anticipation, most look forward to the celebrated 17th
hole at Apple Tree Golf Course. Only a few holes in golf are more recognizable than
the Apple. It is picturesque, slightly outrageous, and very enjoyable to play. And it
has attracted appropriate interest to the tumbling resort that winds its way through
mature apple orchards west of Yakima, where long ago a desert was transformed into
one of the world's prime fruit baskets. Irrigation—the channeled snow runoff waters
of the nearby Cascade Mountains—turns the land lush and also provides for creeks
and ponds.
The 17th at Apple Tree demands a group picture on the tee, just as it demands a
clean, unwavering shot, whether you tee it up from the back tees at 180 yards or from
the 110-yard front tees. The elevated tees show off the island green, but don't be
tricked into choosing too little club to reach the quarter-of-an-acre green.
Visually the hole works because the leaf of the Apple is raised above the surface of
the green and filled with white sand. The reality is, the green is easy to hit as long
as you aren't distracted by the publicity surrounding the hole, and you aren't drawn
to perimeter pin placements. Hit the ball in the middle of the green and enjoy one of
golf's most enjoyable holes.
While the signature 17th at Apple Tree receives most of the attention, the rest of
the championship track plays over 6,900 yards and features a variety of scenic
challenges including lakes, fountains, and a beautiful cascading waterfall. Plus, with
five different tee blocks, Apple Tree allows golfers of every level the opportunity to
use every club in their bag.
17
Photograph courtesy of Apple Tree Golf Course
