Golf in decline: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

[Bubb]

I don’t get how people don’t like Ross Bridge. I’ve played about 3/4 of the courses on the trail, most multiple times, and also Kiva Dunes, Purcell Farms, Timberline and Craft Farms and Ross Bridge is my favorite in Alabama.

[DandyDon]

California guy here who has played a lot of the big costly destination golf resorts here in the U.S., bandon dunes, Reynolds Plantation, Kiawah, myrtle, whistling straits, scottsdale as well as RTJ. Played the Lakes and Links at Grand National, the Judge in Prattville and Ross Bridge. All were in fantastic condition, I liked the Lakes at Grand National most. Ross Bridge was in the best shape, and there was a lot of eye candy, but you could tell how fake in unnatural it was. That being said, it had basically rained for 12 straight hours (sheets of it) and hailed. After an hour delay where the precipitation stopped, they let us out on the golf course. By the 5th hole you could barely tell it had rained....

While these courses were not in the class of bandon or whistling, I enjoyed them more than Reynolds and Kiawah, both of which were much more expensive. Having to drive as much as we did was a bit of a let down, but it was a great experience. However, because their is no ocean, or great magnet to the area, it is difficult to get the guys to go back out there.

[az2au]

That’s fair. I just don’t care for the courses much. Good if you live there but not worth traveling to.

[6x6]

Erin Hills is about $300, military vets play for $185.

[Bushwood Country Club]

Thanks for an accurate representation of the trail experience.

[stringbean502001]

Wow, some trip! And, a LOT of great golf...Adding Sweetens, Mossy (and I also would say don't miss Old Waverly ) to RTJ trail will be a brilliant mix

Have fun

[txsndvl]

Not to hard to believe, it has to be a bit of a situation on location. Alabama isn't a destination.

[Bushwood Country Club]

Thanks for adding so much to the conversation, Professor. With that attitude, we would surely turn you over to the gang from Deliverance...

[smashdn]

Head down to Gulf Shores around the first of March until Labor Day and check the license plates.

 

I'd say there is a fair amount of play at the courses that is generated by "being in the area" for other reasons. I had a conference outside of Birmingham. I sought out the courses around where I was at and on my way down and back home.

[tiderider]

well, if you're coming into b'ham the next couple of weeks, don't ... gonna be soup the next 5 days, and they're punching the ridge (bent) next week ... full punch ... no telling when the course is gonna dry out ... maybe june ...

[Ranso007]

Some great courses for sure but poorly run.

[ttttttt1432]

Played Magnolia Grove a couple of years ago. It was underwhelming. With a slope of 114 from the white tees, it was rated the easiest course I have played - which is an absolute joke.

[Argonne69]

You played the Crossings course. The Falls course has a slope of 126 from the white tees.

[ttttttt1432]

Yes - the crossings course. Wasn't able to play the other one. I thought it was a tough track.

[willie78]

Im heading to the trail in early April.... Just curious if anyone can tell me which course has the best practice range on the trail?

[tiderider]

it most certainly is not the one at oxmoor valley ... the one at capital hill is decent ... seem to remember the one at grand national is decent ... the one at oxmoor valley is built into the side of a ravine, so the elevation change is extremely dramatic, and it faces due east ...