Apple Tree at Apple Tree Golf Course

Apple Tree Golf Course sits in the Yakima Valley of central Washington, a region known for its agricultural heritage and dramatic high-desert landscape. Designed by John Steidel and opened in 1992, the course occupies rolling terrain with views of the surrounding Cascade foothills and orchards that define the valley's character. The layout takes advantage of natural elevation changes and incorporates water features, native grasses, and mature trees that frame many of the holes.

The course is best known for its signature 17th hole, a par-3 island green shaped like an apple—a design feature that reflects the valley's identity as one of the nation's leading apple-growing regions. This hole has become a recognizable image in Pacific Northwest golf and draws attention for its bold visual concept and the challenge of hitting to a green surrounded entirely by water. The rest of the routing offers variety in hole length and strategic options, with several risk-reward opportunities and approach shots that reward accuracy over distance.

Apple Tree operates as a public facility and serves both local golfers and visitors exploring the Yakima area. The course has hosted regional amateur events and remains a popular destination for its combination of playability, distinctive design elements, and setting within Washington's interior wine country. The clubhouse and practice facilities support a range of golfers, from beginners to experienced players seeking a memorable round in a landscape distinct from the state's more heavily forested western regions.