A Must Golfing Experience in Alabama
I recently had the pleasure of being invited to play 5 rounds of golf at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. Built by the Retirement Systems of Alabama the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a stunning array of picturesque courses carved out of the most beautiful landscape in the State of Alabama. Stretching from the top of the State to the gulf coast 25 courses on 11 sites with 8 hotels and resorts some 450 holes of championship golf. My experience was unforgettable and unique.
It should be noted that the origin of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail came about due to the exclusion of African American golfers to become members of Shoal Creek Country Club noted during the 1990 PGA Championship. The exposed lack of an African member was bad for the PGA Tour the State of Alabama the host TV Network ABC and its advertisers and sponsors. In steps David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, who saw an opportunity to create a tourism and economic development engine and address the racial issue by initially creating 2324 holes of golf on 7 sites across the state.
This would be the largest golf course construction project ever attempted. He also wanted the courses built throughout the State at the same time and finished within a year. Numerous golf architects turned him down including Jack Nicholas and Arnold Palmer. Eventually, he enticed retired legend Robert Trent Jones, Sr. to assume the task of creating this gem of courses. Knowing these historical facts lends to the experience of playing the courses just as some courses have legends of their origins.
My first round on day one was played on the Valley course at Oxmoor Valley which is near Birmingham. I truly enjoyed the elevation changes as playing my usual home courses in Florida are all flat from tee box to fairway to greens. The scenery of dense forest, rolling fairways and perfectly maintained greens, made for a great first round. The beauty of the fall foliage was a site to cherish. Several holes where a challenge where water came into play. Overall, the Valley course was a wonderful golfing experience and a segue to the upcoming rounds.
On day two it was off to first play 18 holes at the Ross Bridge Resort course. The course jets alongside two beautiful lakes with stunning views that may make you forget you’re playing golf.
The surrounding opulent homes on many holes along with waterfalls, windmills and an expansive concrete floor bridge with steel expansion provide you with a diversity of what a golf course of this magnitude has to offer. I took several photos, and I must say as shown they resemble a postcard. Several tee boxes make you want to put down your clubs, take out a canvas, and paint the landscape of the approaching holes.
One of the visual memories of the Ross Bridge course is that the course gives you a view of several holes you’re approaching or have already played as you move from the tee box to the fairway to the greens. I played a good round with 6 pars on the back nine on this course. I always play better when a course with stunning views is part of the landscape. I would place the RTJ Golf Trail at Ross Bridge course in the top ten courses I have played worldwide.
Late afternoon on day two I played 9 holes at the Backyard at Oxmoor Valley. It’s a walking course with the greens right next to the next hole’s tee box. This is a fun course to play alongside many of the other guests I accompanied on this golf trip. If you play 18 early in the day with your group, it’s a great place for a second round or if you are traveling with family or friends who aren’t golfers or who want to just go with you out to the course to have fun the Backyard at Oxmoor Valley is a fun experience.
Day three was a visit to stop off the Tail to play the Ol’ Colony golf course designed by Jerry Pate located in Tuscaloosa home of the Alabama Crimson Tide “Roll Tide” for all you football fans. This course is a beautifully laid out 18-hole public course with wide fairways and fast greens. It’s a fair course with easy scoring for good players.
Day four it was back to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to play the Senator course at Capitol Hill in Prattville just north of Montgomery. This links-style course has large mounds and deep bunkers throughout many of the fairways. You get full links golf experience when playing this course. It reminded me of Ballyowen Golf Course in New Jersey a true Scottish style golf course. The Senator was the best links-style course I’ve ever played to date. It was a chilly and windy day, the perfect weather to experience a links-style course and a few raindrops sprinkled the air on the back nine. If you enjoy or want to experience the best in links golf, the Senator is a must-play.
Day five of golf on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail was played at the Judge the neighboring course of the Senator in Prattville. The first tee is from an elevated tee box onto a narrow fairway with water right and dense trees left. It’s an example of what’s to come. It’s a course for shot makers and target golf where missed or errand shots will get you into trouble. The numerous elevated tee boxes even over water holes reminded me of playing in the Palisades in upstate NY. The views were great exposing both wide and narrow fairways. The greens were fast and difficult even with short putts, so no gimmies when on the course.
All the courses I played along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail were challenging yet fair. They were in pristine condition. I enjoyed every round, every stroke, every shot. Each course had a great staff from starter to clubhouse cashier. It was an experience of Southern hospitality at its best.
Lodging along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is available at 8 resorts and hotels. Some have spas, pools and all offer fine dining, room service, casual dining and a bar. I stayed two nights at the beautiful Marriott Golf Resort & Spa at Grand National in Auburn-Opelika. The food was delicious, and the rooms were superb. After 18 holes of golf, you can relax in a comfortable bed or chill in a lounge chair. I felt right at home. I spent two nights at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa near Birmingham, often referred to as the Castle because of its architecture.
From its lush carpets to cozy fireplaces, you will feel welcomed. The dining menu was diverse with numerous selections to choose from, be it an appetizer or dessert. I also stayed at the Marriott Capitol Hill Hotel and Conference Center in Prattville. Again, the rooms were first class with a welcoming atmosphere to add to your golfing experience. The feel was of a private lodge with earthy colors and warm decor.
While visiting Tuscaloosa I had the opportunity to tour the football stadium and locker rooms of the University of Alabama football team. It’s on par with almost any NFL franchise. I stayed one night at the Alamite Hotel, a contemporary-styled hotel with a welcoming atmosphere.
There was some downtime in the evening to savor the local cuisine. From famous local neighborhood haunts to dinners hosted by the local convention and visitor’s bureau, it was a great food experience. Alabama offers good food, tourism of America’s Civil Rights Movement, outdoor activities from hiking to boating and fishing and much more. So, adding other activities to your golfing trip is something to consider.
If you’re seeking a new and different golf experience or traveling South to visit friends or family or taking or visiting your kids at a Southern HBCU make the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail a stop. It’s a short 2 ½ hour drive from Atlanta and less than half a day’s drive from many Northern Cities.
I plan on visiting the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail again in the future, perhaps the Southern part down to the Gulf coast in Alabama near Mobile.
My hosts on this trip, along with the RTJ Golf Trail, were the Alabama Tourism Department the Greater Birmingham CVB, Tuscaloosa Tourism, Elmore County EDA, and Auburn-Opelika Tourism.
Sweet Home Alabama, indeed! If you’re ready to explore all options on the RTJ Golf Trail, visit www.RTJgolf.com and if you want more information about golf all over the state, visit www.GolfAlabama.org.
