Apple Valley - Ohio - USA

Apple Valley Golf Course, tucked relatively far from any of Ohio’s largest city centers, has generated acclaim as one of the trendier routes for Ohio golfers “in-the-know.” Part of that hip vibe comes knowing that one family — the Mickleys — have owned and operated Apple Valley for more than 50 years. Opening during 1969, the public course held some tournament sway, hosting the NCAA Division III National Championship among other events. It still has more than enough bite for most golfers, however, at just less than 7,000 yards from the back tees.

The course maintains a fair persona by not punishing the casual golfer too heinously (there are relatively few trees for this area of Ohio, and very few fairway bunkers), saving its lash for those making an approach (the course site notes a range of bunker depths, from steep-faced to so shallow as to be putt out of).

The give-and-take approach is perhaps best represented in its most photographed hole, a short par three (140 yards from the back), which angles back and left, fronted by a pond. Getting to the green is not so difficult, but getting greedy for back pins is eminently more challenging.