Looking for a Golf Vacation: Alabama Has the Trail for You!

Are you a golfer looking for a world-class, value-packed golfing vacation? Alabama is your destination! From the serene streams in the Appalachian Mountains to the bustling streets of Birmingham, from the historical sites around Montgomery to the Southern charm of Mobil, and finally to the sugar-white beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama is host to golfers around the world.

The level of golf played in Alabama ranges from the Senior PGA Tour making a stop at the Bruno's Memorial Classic in Birmingham, down to beginners' lessons at a variety of golf schools. The quality of golf in Alabama is at near perfection, yet continues to improve.

The Cotton Creek in Gulf Shores designed by Arnold Palmer, and Jerry Pate's Kiva Dunes has set the standard for public golf along the Gulf Coast and is sure to attract golfers interested in a great golfing experience.

An important part of the group business handled by Alabama hotels is the golf packages, allowing the visiting golfer to take advantage of the variety and value created by these prepackaged plans.

If value and quality aren't enough, there are many other aspects that make the golf experience in Alabama so unforgettable. First is the natural beauty of the state. Playing a round of golf in the early morning with the mountains as a backdrop is simply breathtaking. People of Alabama, with their laid-back style and genuine southern hospitality, make the vacationing golfer feel right at home. Plus, great weather throughout the state will ensure an enjoyable trip. Golf is truly Alabama's game!

The most ambitious public golf course project ever attempted, anywhere in the world is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail! Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the premier golf course architect in the world designed all the courses along the Trail. In Jones' career he designed no less than 600 golf courses. Coming out of semi-retirement to tackle the greatest challenge of his career, Jones jumped at the opportunity to create a multi-million-dollar masterpiece. Up until this time there has been nothing like it in the world.

The Trail was completed in late 1993 and features 18 thrilling and beautiful courses at seven facilities throughout Alabama. Each location showcases the spectacular signature clubhouse designed to complement the grandeur of this incredible project.

Meandering from the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians in north Alabama to the sparkling Gulf of Mexico in the southwest the courses are conveniently located within 15 minutes of an interstate highway.

Hampton Cove, Huntsville

Hampton Cove features 3 distinctly different courses. Built on 650 acres. The Highlands Course is highlighted by a breathtaking mountain backdrop, and a traditional Scottish layout, with numerous grassy mounds.

The River Course runs along Flint River with thick forests bordering each fairway. This is the only sand-free course that Jones ever designed and is free of bunkers. The 18-hole Short Course is a traditional layout, averaging over 200 yards from the back trees.

Silver Lakes, Anniston

Silver Lakes is situated on an elegant terrain adjacent to the Talladega National Forest. It features statuesque pine trees, a stunning waterfall, and many spectacular views from the hilltops. Silver Lakes is located in east-central Alabama. The 2 championship nines at Silver Lakes are named Heartbreaker, Mindbreaker, and Backbreaker. The Short Course requires play over the water on 7 of the 9 holes, including the magnificent 176-yard No. 6. The signature hole comes complete with a 14-foot waterfall just to the right of the green.

Oxmoor Valley, Birmingham

At the end of the Appalachian chain, following the peaks and valleys, Oxmoor Valley features incredible changes in elevations, scenic forest, numerous creeks and bent grass greens.

The roller-coaster fairways are visually stunning and very photogenic and the undulating greens are very demanding. The Valley Course displays, rolling fairways, picturesque lakes, and a dramatic uphill fishing hole. The 18-hole short course averages around 180 yards, with almost every hole playing downhill.

Grand National, Auburn

Situated around 600-acres by Lake Saugahatchee, 32 of the 54 holes borders the water.

The signature hole for the entire trail is the par-3 15th on the Lakes, which features an unnerving island green. The 18-hole Short Course features water on 12 holes. Each captures the true beauty and serenity of the surrounding lakes and coves. One trip and you'll understand why Robert Trent Jones called it "the most spectacular golf site in the world."

Cambrian Ridge, Greenville

Cambrian Ridge offers the greatest change in elevation of any course on the Trail.

Number 1 on the Canyon Course drops 250 feet from too to landing area; number 2 on the Sherling drops 300 feet! The changes in elevation, the water from Lake Sherling, and the trees makes for the perfect golf setting. There is also a scenic 9-hole Short Course available.

Highland Oaks, Dothan

Numerous creeks, swamps, wetlands, tall pines, gently rolling terrains, and beautiful oaks are all part of this gorgeous facility.

The 3 championship nines all have a very unique character. The Marshland course is built around wetlands; the Highlands Course has the rolling terrain; and the Magnolia Course features dense forest. The 9-hole Short Course, named Challenge, demands length and a mastery of its undulating greens.

Magnolia Grove, Mobile

Magnolia Grove offers golfers 54 challenging holes running quietly through wetlands and dense pine forest. The Crossings Course is noted for its monster-finishing hole - nicknamed "The Terminator" - a 436-yard par-4, from the back tees.

The Falls Course features a scenic manmade waterfall flowing elegantly down long steps in front of the 10th green. Both championship courses also features huge white-sanded bunkers. The 18-hole Short Course weaves its way through the marsh and the wetlands, creating a scenic and challenging golfing experience.

Well, there is Alabama's magnificent Trail. Eighteen championship courses, 324 holes, a country-club atmosphere, signature clubhouses and lots of amenities, open to the public for everyone to enjoy. It's truly the best golf value in the world. Whether you are weaving through the lowland marshes and swamps or soaring along the mountaintops, Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail provides you with the golfing experience of a lifetime.