RTJ trail

[sharkman6]

coming in early october

I am going to be in alabama in early october. I was wondering which of the courses I can play. I will basically be all over the state with access to each of the courses, but with limited time so I cannot play every single one. Which are in the best shape? Which are the best layouts? I have played Oxmoor and Silver Lakes and was extremely impressed with each layout. I played them about 8 years ago, so I am wondering if they are in good shape. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Frohlich]

[quote name='sharkman6' timestamp='1316373521' post='3572055']
I am going to be in alabama in early october. I was wondering which of the courses I can play. I will basically be all over the state with access to each of the courses, but with limited time so I cannot play every single one. Which are in the best shape? Which are the best layouts? I have played Oxmoor and Silver Lakes and was extremely impressed with each layout. I played them about 8 years ago, so I am wondering if they are in good shape. Thanks in advance for your help.
[/quote]
I was hoping to see some replies on this thread. I am going in middle of October and playing Silver Lakes, Ross Bridge and The Shoals. Anyone

[FATC1TY]

I've only played silver lakes, but the tornados uprooted the course back in April or may...

They re did it and they say it's even nicer, new ultra dwarf Bermuda greens this time around.

Ross bridge is always a favorite.

[helper_monkey]

[quote name='sharkman6' timestamp='1316373521' post='3572055']
I am going to be in alabama in early october. I was wondering which of the courses I can play. I will basically be all over the state with access to each of the courses, but with limited time so I cannot play every single one. Which are in the best shape? Which are the best layouts? I have played Oxmoor and Silver Lakes and was extremely impressed with each layout. I played them about 8 years ago, so I am wondering if they are in good shape. Thanks in advance for your help.
[/quote]

My favorite of the RTJ courses that I have played (and I have played almost all of them) is the Canyon/Sherling 18 at Cambrian ridge in Greenville, Alabama. Really nice layout and a lot of fun. Ross Bridge is fantastic, but pricey. Next I would play the Prattville courses and the Auburn/Opelieka courses. If you have an opportunity and want to stray from the trail, I would also recommend Limestone Springs, which is north of Birmingham and Farmlinks, which is in Sylacauga, Alabama.

I live in Mobile, but have been all over the state, so if you have any specific questions about the courses or anything else I will do my best to answer.

[adamjstl]

I'm curious to see what Silver Lakes looks like now with the 10s of thousands of trees removed by the tornado in April.... anyone played since the redo?

[sharkman6]

helper, thanks for the reply. Which of them have you played in the last month and what kind of shape are they in?

[JessN16]

I've played most of them. My top courses:

1) Cambrian Ridge (Greenville), Canyon/Sherling loop
2) Hampton Cove (Huntsville), Highlands course
3) The Shoals (Muscle Shoals), Fighting Joe
4) Magnolia Grove (Mobile), Falls course
5) Capitol Hill (Prattville), The Judge

If you want to find out the maintenance schedule for each course, go to www.rtjgolf.com. You can click on each individual site and get a hole-by-hole tour, plus they have the maintenance schedules there for each course so you can see when the greens were last aerated, etc.

In October in Alabama, the northern part of the state will start turning cool. We don't get a traditional autumn in this state below south of, say, Cullman. It can still be pretty hot in the southern part of the state around that time.

In the last month, I've played Oxmoor Valley (Birmingham), Shoals (Muscle Shoals) and Highland Oaks (Dothan). All three were in great shape and the courses were not crowded. They're also doing Bridgestone ball fitting seminars at the courses this summer, on the driving ranges.

Jess

[helper_monkey]

[quote name='sharkman6' timestamp='1316551905' post='3578099']
helper, thanks for the reply. Which of them have you played in the last month and what kind of shape are they in?
[/quote]

Unfortunately, due to work, I have only played the Magnolia Grove courses in the past month and they are in fantastic shape. I am sure most of the courses are in great shape as the weather (other than the previously mentioned tornadoes) has really been just about perfect for Bermuda grass this summer. If you are worried about aeration and/or overseeding, just give the courses a call or check the websites as they usually show that information.

Also, Jess had some good information about the weather. You really need to check the temps shortly before coming or pack a lot of different types of clothes. Here in Mobile in October it can be 60 or 85 depending on the timing of cold fronts and if the wind is coming off the Gulf or not.

[FATC1TY]

[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1316546128' post='3577828']
I'm curious to see what Silver Lakes looks like now with the 10s of thousands of trees removed by the tornado in April.... anyone played since the redo?
[/quote]

I haven't but have been told it's going to be really nice. I liked the layout, but curious to see if it's "bare" out there without all the woods.

[JessN16]

[quote name='FATC1TY' timestamp='1316644764' post='3580872']
[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1316546128' post='3577828']
I'm curious to see what Silver Lakes looks like now with the 10s of thousands of trees removed by the tornado in April.... anyone played since the redo?
[/quote]

I haven't but have been told it's going to be really nice. I liked the layout, but curious to see if it's "bare" out there without all the woods.
[/quote]

They've got a Facebook page set up to track the reconstruction of the course. I have to say it looks completely different than I remember it. Almost like turning a parkland course into a links/stadium course. Sad. I hope it looks better in person.

Jess

[JSunGolfPharmD]

[quote name='JessN16' timestamp='1316665529' post='3581647']
[quote name='FATC1TY' timestamp='1316644764' post='3580872']
[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1316546128' post='3577828']
I'm curious to see what Silver Lakes looks like now with the 10s of thousands of trees removed by the tornado in April.... anyone played since the redo?
[/quote]

I haven't but have been told it's going to be really nice. I liked the layout, but curious to see if it's "bare" out there without all the woods.
[/quote]

They've got a Facebook page set up to track the reconstruction of the course. I have to say it looks completely different than I remember it. Almost like turning a parkland course into a links/stadium course. Sad. I hope it looks better in person.

Jess
[/quote]

I get what you are saying, but I don't think they really had a choice given the number of trees that got destroyed. The upgrade on the greens should make it a completely different round of golf. I look forward to playing it at some point soon.

[JessN16]

[quote name='JSunGolfPharmD ' timestamp='1316690651' post='3581925']
[quote name='JessN16' timestamp='1316665529' post='3581647']
[quote name='FATC1TY' timestamp='1316644764' post='3580872']
[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1316546128' post='3577828']
I'm curious to see what Silver Lakes looks like now with the 10s of thousands of trees removed by the tornado in April.... anyone played since the redo?
[/quote]

I haven't but have been told it's going to be really nice. I liked the layout, but curious to see if it's "bare" out there without all the woods.
[/quote]

They've got a Facebook page set up to track the reconstruction of the course. I have to say it looks completely different than I remember it. Almost like turning a parkland course into a links/stadium course. Sad. I hope it looks better in person.

Jess
[/quote]

I get what you are saying, but I don't think they really had a choice given the number of trees that got destroyed. The upgrade on the greens should make it a completely different round of golf. I look forward to playing it at some point soon.
[/quote]

Oh, I'm not criticizing them. I'm just lamenting that damned storm.

Jess

[adamjstl]

jess, how do i get to that facebook page??

[quote name='JessN16' timestamp='1316747691' post='3584201']
[quote name='JSunGolfPharmD ' timestamp='1316690651' post='3581925']
[quote name='JessN16' timestamp='1316665529' post='3581647']
[quote name='FATC1TY' timestamp='1316644764' post='3580872']
[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1316546128' post='3577828']
I'm curious to see what Silver Lakes looks like now with the 10s of thousands of trees removed by the tornado in April.... anyone played since the redo?
[/quote]

I haven't but have been told it's going to be really nice. I liked the layout, but curious to see if it's "bare" out there without all the woods.
[/quote]

They've got a Facebook page set up to track the reconstruction of the course. I have to say it looks completely different than I remember it. Almost like turning a parkland course into a links/stadium course. Sad. I hope it looks better in person.

Jess
[/quote]

I get what you are saying, but I don't think they really had a choice given the number of trees that got destroyed. The upgrade on the greens should make it a completely different round of golf. I look forward to playing it at some point soon.
[/quote]

Oh, I'm not criticizing them. I'm just lamenting that damned storm.

Jess
[/quote]

[lightgrip]

Try www.Facebook.com/RTJSilverLakes

[adamjstl]

[quote name='lightgrip' timestamp='1316827101' post='3586672']
Try www.Facebook.com/RTJSilverLakes
[/quote]


OH MY GOD!

[FATC1TY]

That place looks dramatically different. You'll be able to see the clubhouse from what looks like, all 27 holes.

Should be great in a few years when it grows in all the way.

[sharkman6]

Too bad about the damage at Silver Lakes, it is one of the few RTJ courses that I have played, played in 04 or 05 and absolutely loved the place, some great holes on a great piece of land. I will be returning there next week. Thanks for the participation on this thread. One other question, do any of the RTJ courses play firm and fast? Here in indiana after a horrible summer, they are mush or dead.

[FATC1TY]

[quote name='sharkman6' timestamp='1316998212' post='3590527']
Too bad about the damage at Silver Lakes, it is one of the few RTJ courses that I have played, played in 04 or 05 and absolutely loved the place, some great holes on a great piece of land. I will be returning there next week. Thanks for the participation on this thread. One other question, do any of the RTJ courses play firm and fast? Here in indiana after a horrible summer, they are mush or dead.
[/quote]

It's hit or miss. Bermuda greens will be fast and firm this time of year still. About to go dormant in a month or two.

If it's bent, they very well could be a bit slow, but will be getting better, and firmer as the nights get cooler finally.

Call and ask the pro shops about their greens.

[adamjstl]

[quote name='sharkman6' timestamp='1316998212' post='3590527']
Too bad about the damage at Silver Lakes, it is one of the few RTJ courses that I have played, played in 04 or 05 and absolutely loved the place, some great holes on a great piece of land. I will be returning there next week. Thanks for the participation on this thread. One other question, do any of the RTJ courses play firm and fast? Here in indiana after a horrible summer, they are mush or dead.
[/quote]


The last time I played an RTJ facility was at The Shoals(Fighting Joe and The Schoolmaster)... that was Labor Day weekend a few years ago, following a very dry summer, similar to this year. Anyway, the course had been watered a fair amount, and the ball was running out an average amount, but not firm by any means. The greens were extremely scoreable. Extremely receptive and perfectly smooth.

[MarkCPA]

I played in a tournament in Muscle Shoals back on July 16 and 17th. I got to play both sides. The course was in great shape then and that was right in the middle of the hottest part of the season. I plan on going back in a few weeks.