Apple Mountain Golf Course

By Kevin Scott

Webster’s Dictionary defines a challenge as: “Requirement for full use of one’s abilities, or resources.” This definition fits Apple Mountain Golf Course, located just up Highway 50 in Camino, California, to a tee. According to Al Weinhold, General Manager and PGA Professional for Apple Mountain, “It takes two or three attempts to play our course well.” I’ve had the privilege of playing Apple Mountain on two occasions over the last couple of months, and I definitely agree with him! The course requires the player to think. Each hole requires well struck tee shots, smart lay up shots, on target approach shots, and a putting game equal to Ben Crenshaw.

Mr. Algie Pulley designed Apple Mountain a number of years ago, along with The Chardonnay Course in Napa. He didn’t move a lot of dirt. Algie simply cut down trees and put in the course. The player has to contend with the natural beauty of the course and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Foothills. Apple Mountain sprung from a family farm fell into bankruptcy, and was finally purchased by Mr. Chris Steele three years ago. Mr. Steel then leased the project to Club Corp after two years. Club Corp. is the second largest private golf course ownership in the United States. They also own the likes of Pinehurst, Granite Bay, Firestone. Twelve Bridges, Teal Bend, “The Homestead” in Virginia, and Mission Hills in Palm Springs, which hosts the Bob Hope Desert Classic. Apple Mountain has become a labor of love for the people at Club Corp. The course is a classic, and fits well into Club Corps. places to play.

Apple Mountain features six par threes. These little beauties provide for long irons, and the challenge of short finesse shots. Bogey is awaiting the feint of heart. You must hit the green! An up and down is a real accomplishment. Par fives finish off the front and back nine, and allow for the rare driver. During the first two rounds at Apple Mountain I hit the driver on only four occasions. A premium is put on good iron play, which seems to be the best way to get off the tee. Don’t “grip it and rip it “ If you favor the driver, high scores will prevail. Put the “Ego” away, play smart, and you will have more fun. I recommend searching out the middle of the fairway. Use the 150 markers wisely. This will allow for more greens in regulation. Don’t miss the greens! All sorts of hazards await the errant shot from bunkers, deep with sand, to creek beds, carrying the cool Sierra runoff. Undulating, quick greens put a strain on the putter, and finding the cup in two is an excellent score.

Two unique attractions to Apple Mountain are the flagsticks and tee markers. They are whittled from Pine by the ground’s crew and are local to the area. Al Weinheld indicted: “You won’t find them anywhere else. They are one of a kind.” So is Apple Mountain Golf Course.

So if you’re into beauty’ mixed with a challenge, make sure Apple Mountain Golf Course is on your list of things to do! For more information on Apple Mountain, contact (530) 647-7400, Applemountain.com, or Clubcorpgolf.net.