Is Apple Mountain The Hidden Gem Of Northern California?

Nestled in the trees of the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies a true hidden gem. Welcome to Apple Mountain in Camino, California. It is the true definition of a golf course being built in a forest. With narrow fairways, challenging tee shots, and elevation changes, this place is truly special.

As you arrive, you are greeted with a beautiful restaurant and pro shop that overlooks the first hole. As you make your way out of the shop, you walk into a massive putting green that is full of undulation and old wooden flag stick pins. Need a bucket of balls? In this part of Nor Cal, a large bucket of balls is still just $10, half of the state average. The range is like something out of a movie; you hit from one side of the canyon to another, and it even includes a little VIP grass section.

As you begin walking the path past the range, you can see members chipping in a secluded area that goes back to about 60 yards along with two practice bunkers. This is a truly world-class full practice facility in terms of California golf, especially as real estate is now at a premium. You don't find many courses anymore that have a true chipping and pitching area.

This course holds a special place in my heart. It's the first golf course I ever swung a club at. See my mom and dad actually tried to get me into golf when I was 7 and I didn't listen. They sent me to a week long summer camp at Apple Mountain. That was the only time I picked up a club until my 21st birthday.

As you drive up to the first tee, you are met with a stunning view. The first shot is about a 225-yard landing zone shot down a massive mountain hill. You then have a long shot over a creek to a well protected green. The photo below will show you what you see from the landing zone into your approach.

I am not going to go through every hole, but almost every one looks like this. The course features stunning elevation changes and challenging shots. The greens are as pure as ever if you catch them on the right day. If you tip this course out, you are looking at just around 6300 yards. Doesn't sound like a lot until you realize that you may get 4 flat lies all day. Weirdly, however, my best round ever is out at this track! A dog finds a bone every once in a while haha. The members have always been nice to me and if you catch this course on the right afternoon, you may not see anyone else.

Just some information to note if you go visit: this is not a winter course. About 3 months of the year it's going to be covered in snow or be in very wet conditions. Although I have braved it, I have ruined multiple pairs of pants, staining them with mountain clay. Another thing, a local Indian tribe, The Shingle Springs Band of Miwoks just bought the course. This is the same group that built the local casino and also has plans to build another course off their resort property. I think this is an extremely positive thing. The more resources that can be put into this property, the better. My final piece of advice: I don't care what you shoot; bring a decent amount of balls. If you are even struggling a smidge off the tee, this course is going to eat your lunch! Have a great round everyone and leave a comment if you have ever played here.