Overview

I teed it up at Applecross on Labor Day with my brother, snagging a GolfNow tee time (a nice perk since it’s a private course). We went off at 11:30 a.m. from the gold tees — 6,451 yards, 70.8/137 — under perfect weather. This place has a reputation for being tough, and it lived up to it. It’s a course that forces you to think, shape shots, and use every club in the bag.

Course Conditions

The conditions were top-tier. Greens were firm and fast, rolling true, and clearly cared for. Fairways looked beautiful — lush and well-maintained. Tee boxes were in excellent shape, no complaints there. The only small knock was the bunkers, which played a little on the firm side, but still very playable.

Playability & Design

The layout here is phenomenal. You get everything — doglegs, hazards, elevation changes, and risk/reward shots. It’s the type of course that rewards smart golf but punishes mistakes. Definitely more on the challenging side, and not the kind of track you want to play if you don’t have at least a decent handle on your game. Standout holes keep you engaged, and the mix of strategy and difficulty makes every shot matter.

Pace of play was solid — the groups ahead of us moved along fine. Self-admittedly, we were the ones slowing things up, as some in our group were struggling.

Amenities & Facilities

Applecross shines here. The driving range is great, with grass tees, targets, and even a stall with Toptracer tech. The short game and putting areas are also really nice, though it’s worth noting the range and chipping/putting green aren’t next to each other — you have to cross the street to switch between them.

The pro shop is well-stocked with everything you’d need. Post-round, the bar/restaurant was excellent. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and the patio overlooking 18 green is a perfect spot to wrap up the day.

Value

I paid $120 for my round, and honestly, for a private course in this condition with these amenities, it felt like a deal. Compared to public courses in the area, the price is more than fair given the experience.

Final Thoughts

Applecross Country Club is a challenging, beautifully maintained course with strong facilities and great hospitality. If you get the chance to play here — especially via GolfNow — it’s absolutely worth it. Just be ready: this course demands a controlled game.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars