Alabama is home to some of the most stunning and challenging golf courses in the United States, attracting golf enthusiasts from all over the country. With a diverse range of terrains and landscapes, these golf courses offer something for every level of golfer, from the casual duffer to the advanced player seeking the perfect combination of challenge and beauty.
The state features numerous top-rated courses that have consistently garnered accolades for their design, maintenance, and overall experience. Renowned for the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Alabama boasts a unique combination of public and private courses, ensuring there is always a great spot to tee off. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the best golf courses in Alabama, their outstanding features and facilities, as well as useful information on ratings, reviews, and how to book your tee times.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama offers diverse golf courses for various skill levels
- Top-rated courses provide exceptional design and facilities
- Check ratings and reviews before booking your tee time
Top Alabama Golf Courses
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Alabama is renowned for its Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (RTJ), which features 11 premier golf facilities and spans over 300 regulation-length holes throughout the state. Some of the best courses on this trail include:
- Capitol Hill Judge in Prattville
- Grand National Lake in Opelika
- Grand National – Links in Opelika
These courses provide challenging layouts and picturesque surroundings, making them a popular choice among golfers in Alabama.
Kiva Dunes
Kiva Dunes is a highly rated golf course located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Designed by Jerry Pate, this coastal course boasts beautiful views and well-manicured greens. Known for its challenging and strategic layout, Kiva Dunes is a must-play for any avid golfer visiting the area.
Shoal Creek
Located in Shoal Creek, the Shoal Creek Golf Course is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Alabama. Famed architect Jack Nicklaus designed this course, which offers a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience. The course features rolling hills and tree-lined fairways, providing a picturesque and serene setting for golfers.
Cambrian Ridge
Part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Cambrian Ridge is a popular choice among golfers of all skill levels. With multiple courses available at this facility, golfers can enjoy a variety of challenges and layouts. Known for its stunning scenery and exceptional design, Cambrian Ridge is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts traveling to Alabama.
Farmlinks at Pursell Farms
Farmlinks at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga was ranked as the top golf course in Alabama for 2022. This Hurdzan-Fry designed course offers a unique and enjoyable golf experience, featuring immaculate greens, rolling hills, and breathtaking views. With its exceptional design and renowned reputation, Farmlinks is a favorite among both Alabama locals and visitors alike.
The Ledges
Situated in Huntsville, The Ledges is another highly ranked golf course in Alabama. This picturesque course is known for its challenging layout and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. With its well-maintained fairways and greens, The Ledges offers golfers an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Lake Martin
Finally, we have Lake Martin, which is an excellent golf destination in Alabama. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful lake, this course offers a unique and challenging golf experience. The combination of well-designed holes, stunning scenery, and a serene atmosphere make Lake Martin an enjoyable destination for golfers seeking a tranquil escape.
Course Features and Facilities
Earl Stone Designs
Alabama is home to several golf courses designed by the renowned Earl Stone. Many of these courses feature his signature distinct, stunning landscapes. Golfers can enjoy tree-lined fairways, beautiful water hazards, and challenging bunker layouts at courses like Magnolia Grove Golf Club and Rock Creek Golf Club.
Magnolia Grove Golf Club features a 54-hole facility with a driving range, fully stocked pro shop, and affordable green fees. A championship course awaits players, where they can expect memorable rounds of golf.
Rock Creek Golf Club, another Earl Stone masterpiece, boasts lush fairways and large undulating greens. The club offers a well-maintained driving range, pro shop, and competitive green fees, making it a popular choice amongst avid golfers.
Public Access Courses
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, or RTJ Trail, is a collection of public-access golf courses throughout Alabama. Some of the top courses on the trail are:
- Capitol Hill Judge in Prattville
- Grand National Lake in Opelika
- Lakes at Grand National in Opelika
- Hampton Cove Highlands Course in Owens Cross Roads
All of these RTJ Trail courses provide exceptional golf experiences, with meticulously maintained grounds and state-of-the-art facilities. Golfers visiting these public access courses can expect excellent driving ranges, fully equipped pro shops, and reasonably priced green fees.
Championship courses are also a common feature along the RTJ Trail. For example, the Capitol Hill Judge course has played host to several prestigious golf tournaments, welcoming both amateurs and professionals alike.
Ratings and Reviews
Top 100 Courses in the World
When it comes to golf courses in Alabama, there is a plethora of options to choose from. However, some of these courses are acclaimed for their exceptional quality and have received high ratings and positive reviews from experts and golfers alike.
For instance, according to Golf Digest, the best golf courses in Alabama include the iconic Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. This trail is a network of courses designed by the renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones and covers 11 sites across the state, eight of which were mentioned by Golfweek as some of the best in 2022.
Some noteworthy courses within the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail are:
- Highland Oaks Golf Course in Dothan
- Magnolia Grove Golf Club – Falls in Mobile
- The Lakes at Grand National Golf Course in Opelika
- Hampton Cove Highlands Course in Owens Cross Roads
GolfPass also provides a valuable resource for Alabama golf course ratings and reviews. Their “Golfer’s Choice” list for 2023 includes top-rated courses such as:
- Oxford Gulf Shores Golf Club in Gulf Shores
- Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove Golf Club in Mobile
- Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope
- Goose Pond Colony Resort – Lake Course in Scottsboro
Additionally, GolfPass highlights other standout courses:
- Twin Pines Country Club in Russellville
- Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham
- The General Golf Course at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville
- FarmLinks at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga
It is worth noting that while Alabama golf courses may not feature prominently on the “Top 100 Courses in the World” lists, their consistent high ratings and positive reviews from experts, publications like Golf Digest and GolfPass, and golfers themselves demonstrate the quality and diversity of golf offerings in the state.
Booking Tee Times
Finding the perfect tee time at one of Alabama’s top golf courses is easier than ever thanks to online booking platforms. Many of the best public golf courses in the state have online availability, allowing you to plan your golf trip with ease.
Several renowned courses that offer online tee time reservations include the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which features Capitol Hill Judge in Prattville and Grand National Lake in Opelika, as well as Pursell Farms (FarmLinks) in Sylacauga. These public courses cater to golfers of varying skill levels and provide a sublime golfing experience.
In addition to these, you can also book tee times at other highly-rated courses such as The Ledges in Huntsville, Shoal Creek in Shoal Creek, and the Country Club of Birmingham – West in Mountain Brook. Golfers should note that eligibility for booking at certain courses might depend on whether the course is private or part of a specific resort.
To ensure a seamless process, it’s recommended to book your tee times well in advance, especially during peak golfing seasons. Also, make sure to review the specific cancellation policies, dress codes, and any other requirements outlined by each course.
Feel confident and well-prepared when you step onto the green, knowing that you’ve secured a spot at one of Alabama’s best public golf courses. Enjoy your round, and happy golfing!