Heading to RTJ Trail

[ckates7]

So this will be the 2nd year that me and some buddies will be going down to Alabama from Illinois to hit up the Trail. Last year it was only 4 of us, and we played 36 at Grand National, and 36 at Capitol Hill. This year we have talked about how much fun it was that we have around 12 people going. We've decided we're definitely going to Capitol Hill again, but can't decide if we should go to Grand National so all the newbies can play there as well or head somewhere else for 36. What would you guys recommend? We don't want to go to somewhere like Ross Bridge to play 36 as we all want to play different courses for the $90/day rate in the last week of February.

[lightgrip]

I personally like the courses at The Shoals. Although I have never played them I have often read good comments about the courses in Greenville.

[sabram]

If you are going to be at Capitol Hill, you must go to Cambrian Ridge. They have three full 9's plus a par 3 course there. It is only about a 40 minute drive to get there and is one of my favorites... the equal of Grand National or better.

 

Here are some old photos from a winter trip there . It was my Dad's last golf trip with me.

 

Cambrian Ridge Canyon 9

 

Cambrian Ridge - Sherling #3 from tee

 

Cambrian Ridge -Short Course #6

[MarkCPA]

The Shoals is good, but a long ways away from your destination.

There are still some fairway issues on The Schoolmaster side from the prior winter.

[layingfive]

If the only thing discouraging you from Ross Bridge is the price tag (which, yes, is steep), then consider Oxmoor Valley. It's literally maybe two or three miles from Ross Bridge. Both courses there are tremendous.

[goldenEAGLE]

[quote name='layingfive' timestamp='1415572164' post='10421065']
If the only thing discouraging you from Ross Bridge is the price tag (which, yes, is steep), then consider Oxmoor Valley. It's literally maybe two or three miles from Ross Bridge. Both courses there are tremendous.
[/quote]

+1. In my opinion, Ross Bridge is the gem of the trail. However, Oxmoor Valley is no slouch. The two courses, the Ridge and Valley, are among the best on the trail for the price. FWIW, if you can get on Ross Bridge for a decent price then jump on it. You will certainly not regret your decision.

[gatorb8]

Hear good things about the course in Prattville

[vsproto]

Play oxmoor valley. You won't be disappointed. Two 18s that have significant differentiation.

[vsproto]

But yes, Ross bridge is special.

[MarkCPA]

Never played Ross Bridge. Does it have the elevation changes the Oxmoor Ridge has? They are so close the topography can't be too different. But then again, Valley and Ridge are very different.

[gr8blueheronbird]

I have not played Oxmoor but have seen the course. Ross Bridge has a great deal of elevation changes. In fact on a par 5 on the back, I swear the fairway could be a fantastic ski slope if it ever snowed there.

[layingfive]

[quote name='MarkCPA' timestamp='1416073439' post='10451441']
Never played Ross Bridge. Does it have the elevation changes the Oxmoor Ridge has? They are so close the topography can't be too different. But then again, Valley and Ridge are very different.
[/quote]

The elevation changes at Ross Bridge aren't as dramatic as they are at Oxmoor Valley's Ridge course, and if you remember the drive to Oxmoor Valley's facility, you'll remember why: Ross Bridge is located at the bottom of a large hill that you keep driving up to get to Oxmoor.

That said, Ross Bridge is a long way from being flat.