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:
Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection:
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 one of the world’s top 50 golf courses. Featuring two newly renovated courses, the 54 holes are set amongst vast 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 a place to stay? Malaga Inn, located in the nearby historic downtown district, features a charming selection 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. This sparkling resort had its humble beginnings in 1944. Its 18-hole championship golf course is nestled amongst crystal clear lakes and streams and has hosted noteable figures like Bob Hope and former president Gerald Ford. As well world-class ground maintenance, various updates and renovations have been made in recent years to assure a cutting edge experience for players.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 3: Highland Oaks 3/11
It takes around three hours to drive to Highland Oaks from Lakewood Club. You’ll cross into Florida, past Pensacola, and take the I-10 and the FL-79 back into Alabama, before arriving at one of Golf Digest’s “Places to Play”. This impressive golf course offers three nine hole championship courses as well a 9-hole 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 challenging but dazzling courses at Cambrian Ridge are up next, with the fastest route along US-84 W and AL-10 W. Located just outside Greenville, the complex offers 36 holes across various 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 within a 10-minute drive.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 5: Capitol Hill 5/11
After enjoying Cambrian Ridge’s thrills, next up is the universally acclaimed courses at Capitol Hill, an hour’s drive along I-65 N. Located just outside Montgomery, Capitol Hill is ranked one of the 10 best courses in the US and hosts the Guardian Championship every September. It features three championship 18-hole courses, including the iconic Senator, set across 1,500 acres. With more than 140 pot-hole bunkers and mounds from 20 to 40 feet in height, the Senator is sure to grab the attention of professional golfers and enthusiasts alike.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 6: Grand National 6/11
Leave the state capital on I-85 N and travel to Opelika to reach Golf Word's number one public golf facility in America. 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. After a spot of golf, retire to the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa and unwind in the indoor and outdoor pools and in-house restaurants.
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 RTJ Golf Trails's most difficult courses, even for experienced pros. Every one of the 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. Later, why not enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Renaissance Birmingham? They offer massages and therapy baths, ideal after working up a sweat on the green. Note: this course is closed for renovation until fall 2023 - check the course website for updates.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 8: Oxmoor Valley 8/11
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? Venture Downtown for a collection of fantastic hotels and restaurants.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 9: Silver Lakes 9/11
The 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 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.
Robert Trent Jones Trail
Stop 10: Hampton Cove 10/11
Take the US-431 N from Silver Lakes and follow the US-431 to reach the beautiful Hampton Cove. Featuring a restored Scottish Links design, it has 54 epic holes, spread across three 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. Grab a bite to eat in Huntsville afterwards. Rosie’s Mexican Cantina is a hit among locals and visitors alike, serving up homemade tortillas and mahi-mahi fish tacos.
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. Just 90 minutes away from Huntsville via the I-565 W and the 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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