RTJ Birminham golf in Dec

[Busta]

Considering taking a group trip to play Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Ridge and Valley the weekend of Dec 9-12. Any insight regarding the weather and course conditions at that time of year? Are there generally frost delays, if so, generally how long of a delay? I've heard it gets dark early there at that time of year so wondering if there are long frost delays that may affect how many holes we'll be able to play each day.

 

In addition: For our 4th day of play we are considering making the one hour drive to play RTJ Silver Lakes or we may play Limestone Springs? Any thoughts/suggestions for our 4th day of play?

 

Any local insight or insight from those who may have played in Birmingham in December is appreciated

 

Thank you!!

[Spicoli]

Bama is the eastern extreme for central time, so it does get dark early.

 

Frost delays are possible, but would not say likely. I would expect temps in the 60s during the day.

 

Silver Lakes is worth it. Mindbreaker is the least memorable of the 9s, but you should play all three.

[lincolnduff]

Last year we played in an event at the RTJ course in Auburn in December it was 70.... but it could just as easily be 40. Tough to get 36 holes in, especially if you play 4 hour rounds and stop for lunch... Check out Farmlinks for the last day, I'd recommend there over Silverlakes.

[GOUFGO]

I will second lincoln's suggestion. Nothing in the world wrong with Silver Lakes, but would play Farmlinks before driving the same distance to Anniston. For what it's worth, driving down to Prattville and the Cap Hill courses is only about an hour and fifteen minutes (depending on traffic down I65).

 

As for the weather, shouldn't be a big deal at all.

[seus777]

Skip Limestone Springs. It's not nearly as nice as it used to be. As others have said, Farmlinks is a must.

 

Weather in December can be anything from 75 - 45. As for course conditions, the places you mentioned are generally good - and Farmlinks is exceptional. Oxmoor and Ross Bridge overseed fairways and tees so you'll have nice green grass to play on.

[BloctonGolf11]

Another idea for your fourth day is Timberline down I-65 in Calera. Gorgeous course that is normally kept up extremely well and would be a short drive if you are staying in Hoover. You should be fine on weather but you may hit a random cold snap.

[Busta]

Thanks to y'all for your replies and your insight.

 

I have played Cap Hill, last year was my 1st visit to Alabama and we played the 3 at Cap Hill and the 2 at Grand Nat'l. Awesome golf and great scenery!!

 

Our thoughts this year are to visit either:

 

Birmingham and play R. Bridge, Valley, Ridge and find a 4th course, or

 

Visit Mobile and play the 2 at Magnolia, play the 2 at Lakewood one day and for our 4th day play Shell Landing in MS.

 

After playing the 5 RTJ courses last year, I'm sure they are all great. Any thoughts on the 2 options?

 

Thanks

[MarkCPA]

I played Shell Landing about a month ago after seeing a WRX regular put up pics of the course and just rave about it. I, too, thought the course was rock solid. As far as the MS Gulf Coast goes, Shell Landing can't be any worse than the 2nd best course in the Biloxi area. Run a search within this forum on Biloxi and you should find the pics and review easily.

[LAscratchgolfer]

I would check with Lakewood about chances of playing both in one day. They are a club as well and normally one course is reserved for members and the other is for hotel guest/ trail.

[GOUFGO]

I may be in the minority here, but I've played one of the Lakewood courses and was not terribly impressed. It was a nice course, but for the premium price I paid; just not worth it compared to other trail locations.

 

It's been a couple of years and the pricing may have changed so, by all means, verify pricing before making a decision. At the time I played, for the money, I would go to the two courses in Mobile.

[moonshine]

I would stop and play Greenville for sure if you are set on going to Mobile. I played Lakewood and as mentioned it was just ok, but they have two courses I only saw one. Farmlinks is great for sure would go there before Timberline....

 

I lived in Prattville for years and now Auburn. Typically if freeze delay usually less than an hour. I know first part of December they have the huge scramble BYOB at all the trail locations. Have fun, can't beat it for the money.

[UCBananaboy]

+1 to Farmlinks. What a great set of Par 3 courses

 

Valley at Oxmoor Valley is skippable imo but obviously convenient if you are doing a 36 hole day at Oxmoore Valley. Otherwise, I'd recommend AM Ridge at Oxmoor and PM Ross Bridge (pace of play better at Ross in my experience).