The Shoals vs Hampton Cove

UCBananaboy · October 11, 2016

I have one day to fill for a golf trip at the end of October. On my radar is to either play 36 holes at The Shoals or 36 holes at Hampton Cove (18 on each course).

It will be myself and three friends whose handicaps range from 0-4.

I'm curious to hear thoughts on which you would pick if you had to choose between the two venues and why?

elballz12 · October 11, 2016

Bars off of the handicaps stated I would say The Shoals. The courses are a good bit tougher and in my opinion there are more risk/reward holes. The fighting Joe is probably the second hardest course I've played, but based off of your skill level you will enjoy the challenge. The schoolmaster is a great track also, it's a good bit easier in my opinion. I play Hampton Cove a good bit when I'm back home. The Highlands does have a good bit of character as well as some fun holes; it's my favorite of the two. The river is an easy course, if you take out the Mickey Mouse greens. They are some 4 and 5 tiered greens that have severe undulation on them. There are no bunkers on the river, but a good amount of water. It's a pretty boring course in my opinion. I Hope this helps!

lightgrip · October 11, 2016

Shoals hands down.

UCBananaboy · October 12, 2016

Awesome - thanks for the input.

MarkCPA · October 12, 2016

Shoals - it's not even close.

dmac4g · October 12, 2016

As stated above, Shoals wins running away.

GOUFGO · October 12, 2016

Shoals...all day, everyday. As stated above, the shoals courses are more difficult and thought provoking. I would also add they just more scenic. The Hampton courses are nice and I like playing them, but if I could only play one set, it would be Shoals. The Highland course at Hampton is surrounded by a neighborhood and the River course is...well, in a river bottom.

MarkCPA · October 13, 2016

When I first made an inquiry about going over to Huntsville and playing Hampton Cove a marshall at the Shoals called it, "the ugly red-headed step child of the Trail".

GOUFGO · October 14, 2016

Not sure I would go that far! My least favorite of all the courses are the three nines in Dothan

Poor Posture · October 19, 2016

I liked Huntsville just fine but the shoals is definitely the place to go.

J4Camp · August 7, 2017

Wished I had gone to the Shoals this past weekend. We did Hampton Cove and I was not impressed - I did actually enjoy The River Course more than The Highlands - it was a busy Saturday and pace of play was terrible. I know some reviews say the houses don't really come into play on Highland course, and they do't for the most part, but all the movement (dogs barking, pool, etc) are not enjoyable to me when playing RTJ courses.

Certainly enjoyed Grand National, Ross Bridge, and Capitol Hill much more.

MarkCPA · August 9, 2017

I was surprised as well at the development that engulfs the Highlands course. It's very different for a RTJ Trail course. I'll still go back as it's an easy hour drive from the Shoals to Huntsville, but I'll play the River Course next time.