Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
 

My dad and I are heading down to Alabama over my spring break to play the RTJ Trail for the first time. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on which courses to play.

Thanks,
Mitchell

I played oxmoor valley and ross bridge because they were having a deal. Both courses were great, but I don't think that ross bridge is worth the extra money because it is not a ton greater than oxmoor valley. I have to say that they were both very enjoyable though, and they are well worth the trip.

I like Pratville - The Senator, The Legislator & The Judge are all challenging.

I agree that Prattville (specifically the Judge and Senator) are to me some of the more enjoyable ones on the trail. You really can't go wrong though, I haven't played one that I wouldn't recommend.

It's sad that I am a life-long Bama boy and I cannot offer opinions on this, lol.

I've played Lakewood and Magnolia Grove and enjoyed them both. I have heard from locals that they prefer the northern part of the state to the ones down here by the Gulf.

Ive played all over the state on the RTJ trail, which part of Alabama are you going to be in?

One of my favorites is Grand National, in Opelika.

I'll be going to college at Montevallo in the fall, and it is on my list since it wont be such a long drive then. We oughta get togather for a round, have a mini Iron Bowl.

Haha, I will be up there multiple times in the fall (home games, obviously). We definitely need to get a round in JR, would be a good time.

Well we are not staying in Alabama, we have a condo just outside of Atlanta in Buckhead. We a driving to the courses each day, so we save money and not pay for hotels. Grand National is one that my dad suggested, he played some of the trail years ago.

Probably closest to where you will be in Atlanta. Auburn/Opelika is only about 1.5 hours from there, and Grand National has two great courses to play.

Both of those courses are cool too, the Links and the Lakes, 2 entirely different styles at one location. I like this choice too.

Yep and then only about an hour more drive to Montgomery/Prattville so there are 5 courses relatively close by.

I can only speak on one - Hampton Cove. I worked there when I was younger and enjoy playing there now. I would agree with WE and DD though. Based on location, it makes the most sense to play Auburn/Opelika and then Prattville.

Played on the Lakes course for a tournament. It was beautiful. Loved every second of it. And for January, it was in sparkling condition. I def. recommend it.

The Senator is one of my favorite courses. Every time that I go home I play with a couple of buddies. I am a big fan of the Judge too. Really, all of the Prattville RTJ courses are nice. I agree that Oxmoor Valley is a fun and challenging course and is better for the price than Ross Bridge

From Buckhead, Grand National in Auburn/Opelika is closest, then Silver Lakes between Anniston and Gadsden. After those, both Capitol Hill in Prattville, and the two Birmingham venues (Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley) are about the same distance.

Now don't get me wrong because I'm a big fan of the trail, but those are some rough day-trips as Buckhead to Auburn is the shortest at ~2 hours each way.

the only course I've played on the trail was at Hampton Cover. I think it was the River course that I teed it up on. That was up by Hunstville

That's pretty much Huntsville. And, the River Course was recently re-done. I like that course. A little easier to me and the other course at Hampton Cove - the Highlands.

I agree that the Birmingham area and Auburn/Opelika courses are most convenient from Atlanta. However, I had to plug the North AL courses because they were featured in the latest issue of Golf Digest (March 2012). Hampton Cove and The Shoals both offer 2 great courses- very different in style and layout.