RTJ Golf Trail

[krtgolfing]

I am looking into doing a winter golf trip as a single to Alabama and do the RTJ Golf Trail. Looking at the Capital Hill and Grand National sites. Is doing 36 holes a day a possibility at these courses?

[johnnylongball]

Yes

[GOUFGO]

If you get started early enough...sure. Just curious to know what would lead you to believe that you couldn't play 36 in a day. Are you asking about proximity of the courses to each other or crowds or just hours of daylight?

[chippa13]

Just know that it does take some time to warm up at Grand National on those winter mornings.

[krtgolfing]

If you get started early enough...sure. Just curious to know what would lead you to believe that you couldn't play 36 in a day. Are you asking about proximity of the courses to each other or crowds or just hours of daylight?

 

Just hours of daylight. I would not try to play 18 at a site then drive to another site. Would play 36 holes at Grand National or Capital Hill. Didn't really know what the daylight hours are like in Alabama. I assumed it would be similar to Charleston, SC but just wanted to make sure.

[duffer987]

I've found this site very useful over the years when planning limited daylight golf trips :)

 

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/Alabama.asp

[krtgolfing]

Thanks everyone for the information. Booked a trip for 7 rounds of golf in 4 days.

[chippa13]

Make sure you sneak in the Par 3 course at Grand National. There are some pretty good eats in the Opelika area.

[krtgolfing]

Make sure you sneak in the Par 3 course at Grand National. There are some pretty good eats in the Opelika area.

 

That is actually the course I will be playing on the day I arrive. I will be driving to the area and wanted to get in a round of golf that day. Any recommendations on places to eat in the area? One night I will probably eat at the hotel/ golf course.

[chippa13]

The best place is Warehouse Bistro. You'll need your GPS to find it but good eats. It is in an area of old warehouses so trust the GPS. Then downtown you've got decent pizza at Ma Fia's and I've always enjoyed pub fare at Niffers and the Irish pub (forget the name). My father would recommend Cafe 123 but I've yet to try it. Bob's Victory Grille is a decent sports bar kind of place and Amsterdam is a good place only a few miles from you in Auburn.

[GOUFGO]

If you get started early enough...sure. Just curious to know what would lead you to believe that you couldn't play 36 in a day. Are you asking about proximity of the courses to each other or crowds or just hours of daylight?

 

Just hours of daylight. I would not try to play 18 at a site then drive to another site. Would play 36 holes at Grand National or Capital Hill. Didn't really know what the daylight hours are like in Alabama. I assumed it would be similar to Charleston, SC but just wanted to make sure.

 

Gotcha, shouldn't be a problem squeezing them in. What month are you going?

[krtgolfing]

If you get started early enough...sure. Just curious to know what would lead you to believe that you couldn't play 36 in a day. Are you asking about proximity of the courses to each other or crowds or just hours of daylight?

 

Just hours of daylight. I would not try to play 18 at a site then drive to another site. Would play 36 holes at Grand National or Capital Hill. Didn't really know what the daylight hours are like in Alabama. I assumed it would be similar to Charleston, SC but just wanted to make sure.

 

Gotcha, shouldn't be a problem squeezing them in. What month are you going?

Going around Christmas. Will be cold but will just layer up like crazy.

[lincolnduff]

If you get started early enough...sure. Just curious to know what would lead you to believe that you couldn't play 36 in a day. Are you asking about proximity of the courses to each other or crowds or just hours of daylight?

 

Just hours of daylight. I would not try to play 18 at a site then drive to another site. Would play 36 holes at Grand National or Capital Hill. Didn't really know what the daylight hours are like in Alabama. I assumed it would be similar to Charleston, SC but just wanted to make sure.

 

Gotcha, shouldn't be a problem squeezing them in. What month are you going?

Going around Christmas. Will be cold but will just layer up like crazy.

 

It could be cold, but I was there in December last year and played in shorts... you never know what the weather will do, but very possible it could be in the 60's.

[duffer987]

Thanks everyone for the information. Booked a trip for 7 rounds of golf in 4 days.

 

Good stuff :)

What's your line up?

[krtgolfing]

Leave early in the 26th and play grand national short course

27th play grand national lakes and links.

28th drive to capital hill and play judge and legislator.

29th play senator and judge.

30th drive home.

 

[tiderider]

shortest days of the year, so you will need to tee off early as possible, esp since those days could have heavy play, leading to longer rounds ... quite honestly, i would play grand national again on your second day and skip trying to play the legislature course ... is is a very quirky course that almost no one likes ...

[krtgolfing]

shortest days of the year, so you will need to tee off early as possible, esp since those days could have heavy play, leading to longer rounds ... quite honestly, i would play grand national again on your second day and skip trying to play the legislature course ... is is a very quirky course that almost no one likes ...

 

Thanks for the input but I will probably stick with my schedule right now. I like trying new courses. I am fine with quirky courses. I have played Tot Hill and Tobacco Road. I don't think the course could be that weird.

[seus777]

36 a day is a tight squeeze that time of year. If it's busy, 5 hour rounds are the norm. I've done it as a twosome several times always finishing up in the last of daylight. Have fun though!

 

And weather will be a total crap shoot. 70s or 40s.

[TW33]

OP how much does it cost to play those courses in January?

[mbs_59]

Took a buddies trip and played Shoals, Capital Hill, and Oxmoor in May and we loved it so much we are making a weekend trip down to Capital Hill next month again. More than worth trying to play as much as you can down there.

[thejuice]

My group just played Grand National this past weekend and I have to say it was a great experience. We did a weekend overnight Saturday/Sunday trip where we played the Lakes and the Links and (a) the customer service was top notch, (b) the courses were both in great shape (Lakes' greens were fast and true while Links was a little slower but the course is tougher), and © the nightlife is great during football season. It was a great weekend!!!

[The General]

if you go to Grand National, when you get done, find Byron's BBQ. It's close to downtown Auburn on opelika road. Get the SLICED sandwich and brunswick stew. You can thank me later :)

[chippa13]

Just made my reservations for my somewhat annual trip to visit Dad in Opelika. Doing the short course with him Thursday, Lakes alone Friday and then Links with Dad on Saturday. Can't wait and I'm sure a visit to the Warehouse will be in the cards.

[gumbeaux]

Which Oxmoor Valley course would you recommend?

 

Will be in that area on Friday.

[Spicoli]

Ridge is more target golf, more dramatic and more difficult. Valley is a little more traditional. Both are very good and a good test.

 

If I had to play only again, I'd say ridge.

[smashdn]

I'm in bham now till thurs. Courses still in good shape. Bermuda green and rolling nice.

[NCLancer]

OP, Any reviews of your trip? Was the weather okay? Planning a golf trip is such a crapshoot and I hope it all went well for you!

[krtgolfing]

OP, Any reviews of your trip? Was the weather okay? Planning a golf trip is such a crapshoot and I hope it all went well for you!

 

I had to cancel the trip. Hoping to reschedule for the early summer time next year. Had some damage from hurricane Irma, so had to get that taken care of first. Thinking of doing a week long trip as a single and hit up a few sites. Not sure which sites yet.