Golfing on the Robert Trent Jones Trail, Alabama
When it comes to excellent American golf courses, the Robert Trent
Jones trail in Alabama provides some fantastic opportunities.
If you want to talk about the best American golf courses, it would be remiss to not to mention
the brainchild of one Dr. David Bronner. In the late 1980s he had a dream of creating a
collection of high quality courses, a trail in fact, to encompass the state of Alabama from end
to end. Luckily for us, the good doctor realised his dream, with the collaboration of one of the
world’s most renowned golf architects, Robert Trent Snr.
Now that’s a hole in one right there…
the brainchild of one Dr. David Bronner. In the late 1980s he had a dream of creating a
collection of high quality courses, a trail in fact, to encompass the state of Alabama from end
to end. Luckily for us, the good doctor realised his dream, with the collaboration of one of the
world’s most renowned golf architects, Robert Trent Snr.
Now that’s a hole in one right there…
Exploring the Robert Trent Jones Trail
Named after the designer (because it’s RTJ after all!) the trail is made up of 11 courses, all
of which are close to an interstate highway for excellent accessibility. They range from short
(4,700 yards) to one in excess of 8,100 yards, and the diversity allows for an absolutely
incredible experience for golfers of any skill level. All of us at A Golfing Experience are
committed to showing our clients the very best American golf courses, and we think these
three on the RTJ Trail are certainly among them.
Auburn: The Grand National
If RTJ could claim this as “the single greatest site for a golf complex” you can bet your
favourite putter you’re going to love it! Encompassing three courses (Links, Lake and Short)
across 54 holes, and built around the stunning Lake Saugahatchee, the experience is jaw-
dropping in every way. Home to multiple annual events, the Grand National is renowned as
one of the best American golf courses on offer: tough in some places, challenging in others,
but a thrill from every angle.
across 54 holes, and built around the stunning Lake Saugahatchee, the experience is jaw-
dropping in every way. Home to multiple annual events, the Grand National is renowned as
one of the best American golf courses on offer: tough in some places, challenging in others,
but a thrill from every angle.
Birmingham: Oxmoor Valley
Sprawling out across the landscape of the famous Appalachians, the three courses (Ridge,
Valley and Short) of Oxmoor Valley give you a great run for your money, and some of the
most spectacular views on the Trail. Across the 54 holes you’ll encounter wide, undulating
fairways, dramatic elevation changes, challenging lake positioning and multiple fabulous
one-shot holes to challenge and inspire your game.
Point Clear: Lakewood
You honestly feel like you’ve stepped into a picture book as you play through any of the 36
holes of Lakewood. Its oak-lined fairways have been host to plenty of celebrity players over
the years and it’s one of the best-loved American golf courses around. It’s been recently
renovated and there’s a mixture of tricky strategic challenges (on the Azalea course) and
easy, pleasurable runs for the novices (the Dogwood).