DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Alabama - Alabama
You’ll begin your fairway foray at Mobile’s Magnolia Grove. After crossing briefly into Florida, you’ll return toward the Highland Oaks complex.
Winding your way north, you’ll then tackle Capitol Hill and Opelika’s Grand National Course, before traveling onto Birmingham. And after playing Huntsville’s Hampton Cove, you’ll complete the trail beside the Tennessee River, at The Shoals.
Stops on this Route:
What to drive:
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Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 1: Magnolia Grove 1/11
After collecting your rental car in Mobile, the first course is a short drive northwest. Golf Digest recently named Magnolia Grove as one of the world’s top 50 golf courses.
Featuring three newly renovated courses, the 54 holes are set in acres of open parkland. The lakes and pines of the Crossings course have hosted several LPGA Tour events too, including the Airbus LPGA Classic.
Need accommodation? Check out Mobile’s historic Malaga Inn. It features an array of Southern Living-style rooms and suites.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 2: Lakewood Club 2/11
Cross Mobile Bay via I-10 E and take US-98 to arrive at Lakewood Club. It’s one of the trail’s veteran courses, constructed back in 1947.
This oak-lined facility overlooks the bay and has hosted illustrious names like Bob Hope and former president Gerald Ford. The two courses have been redeveloped, adding 10 new water features which challenge both novices and experienced players.
Stop off at the popular Wash House restaurant in Point Clear after a few rounds, for fresh seafood in a rustic setting.
Image credit: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 3: Highland Oaks 3/11
It takes around three hours to reach Highland Oaks in Dothan. You’ll cross into Florida, past Pensacola, and take I-10 E and FL-79 back into Alabama to reach one of Golf Digest’s “Places to Play”.
Highland Oaks features four nine-hole courses, including one par-3 Short Course. You’ll experience four different styles of play, alongside a behemoth par-5 sixth hole on the Marshwood course.
Dothan itself is home to plenty of excellent restaurants, including the famous Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 4: Cambrian Ridge 4/11
The difficult but dazzling courses of Cambrian Ridge are up next, with the fastest route along US-84 W and AL-10 W. Found just outside Greenville, the complex offers four 9-hole courses across complicated terrains.
Perhaps the most demanding is the Sherling course and its uniquely sloped design. Starting at Butler County’s highest point, it descends dramatically toward the lake, ascending once more onto the final hole.
Greenville has a myriad of hotels to choose from, all situated a 10-minute drive south from the courses.
Image credit: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 5: Capitol Hill 5/11
After Cambrian Ridge’s thrills come the universally acclaimed courses at Capitol Hill, an hour’s drive along I-65 N. Located just outside Montgomery, Capitol Hill is regularly ranked among the country’s best and hosts the Guardian Championship.
It features three championship 18-hole courses, including the iconic Senator, set across 1,500 acres. It’s not for the faint-hearted and offers three distinct tests, in idyllic surroundings alongside the Alabama River.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 6: Grand National 6/11
Leave the state capital on I-85 N and travel to Opelika to reach wThe Lake and Links courses provide spectacular long game play beside Lake Saugahatchee. While the Short Course is arguably the best collection of one-shotters in the country.
The Lake and Links courses provide spectacular long game play beside Lake Saugahatchee. While the Short Course is arguably the best collection of one-shotters in the country.
Retire to the on-site Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa and enjoy indoor and outdoor pools and several in-house restaurants.
Image credit: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 7: Ross Bridge 7/11
A two-hour drive along US-280 W will take you to Ross Bridge, one of the trail’s most difficult courses, even for experienced pros.
Every one of the 18 holes is worth the exertion, with multiple tees to accommodate golfers of all abilities. Ten of the holes play along the banks of the two lakes, with a connecting waterfall cascading dramatically between the ninth and 18th greens.
NLater, why not enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Renaissance Birmingham? They offer massages and therapy baths, ideal after your efforts on the green.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 8: Oxmoor Valley 8/11
Ross Bridge and Sun Belt Parkways will lead you to the Oxmoor Valley course in just five minutes. Birmingham’s premier facility takes full advantage of the natural adaptations of the landscape.
Sculpted from the Appalachians, each of the three 18-hole courses benefits from complex elevations and a series of peaks, creeks, valleys and forested areas. This site is as photogenic as it is playable, so spend time admiring the views while playing.
Staying in Birmingham? Check out its Downtown, which features the Railroad Park Foundation and a collection of fantastic restaurants.
Image credit: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 9: Silver Lakes 9/11
I-59 N will lead you to Silver Lakes in Glencoe. Northeast Alabama’s gift to golfers offers the opportunity to take to perhaps the finest putting surfaces in the state.
Featuring four nine-hole courses, Silver Lakes provides trials and tribulations – course names like the Heartbreaker attest to that – but are well worth it. Holes along the Mindbreaker course are short and elusive, while the Backbreaker has a collection of demanding greens.
The Hampton Inn at Gadsden offers upper-midscale accommodation close by, with an outdoor pool and hot breakfast buffet.
Image credit: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 10: Hampton Cove 10/11
Take US-431 N from Silver Lakes and follow Old Highway 431 to reach beautiful Hampton Cove. Featuring a timeless Scottish Links layout, it has 54 epic holes across three 18-hole courses.
The terrain varies dramatically, making this a real thinking-players choice. The Short Course is more open, while the River Course uses the natural landscape to create barriers – without a single bunker.
Grab a bite to eat in Huntsville afterwards. Rosie’s Mexican Cantina is a hit among locals and visitors, serving up homemade tortillas and mahi-mahi fish tacos.
Image credit: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 11: The Shoals 11/11
You’ll finish your trip beside the Tennessee River, at The Shoals facility in Muscle Shoals, 90 minutes away from Huntsville via I-565 W and US-72 ALT W.
Both 18-hole courses are championship standard, with the treacherous Fighting Joe breaking 8,000 yards – requiring patience and power. The Schoolmaster bears a more traditional design, but is perhaps more difficult to master, with natural barriers at every turn.
Just 20 minutes across the river is the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, the perfect place to unwind after an unforgettable vacation.
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