Best golf courses in Alabama.

Pursell Farms (FarmLinks)

Sylacauga, AL

Hurdzan/Fry resort design at Pursell Farms in the Appalachian foothills

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Grand National - Lake)

Auburn, AL

The Lake course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Grand National in Auburn, Alabama, exemplifies Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterful integration of golf with natural water features. Built on the expansive 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, the course features 12 holes where water comes into play, often around the greens, demanding precision and strategic shot-making. The par-3 fifteenth hole is the undeniable signature, an island green that can play up to 230 yards, with swirling winds adding to its challenge. This course is a testament to Jones Sr.'s philosophy of creating heroic architecture, where risk-reward shots are paramount. The setting is breathtaking, with picturesque views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Grand National has a rich history of hosting significant tournaments, including the Nike Tour Championship and the LPGA Tournament of Champions, solidifying its reputation as a championship venue. Playing the Lake course offers a memorable and rigorous test of golf, set against a stunning aquatic backdrop.

Wicker Point Golf Club

Alexander City, AL

Alabama's hidden gem on Lake Martin

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Grand National - Links)

Auburn, AL

The Links course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Grand National in Auburn, Alabama, showcases Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s philosophy of creating challenging yet fair golf, seamlessly integrated with the natural environment. This course is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and the prominent role of Lake Saugahatchee, which influences several holes. The par-3 third hole features a distinctive heart-shaped green, demanding precision to avoid overshooting. The finishing hole, the par-4 eighteenth, is considered one of the most challenging on the entire Trail, requiring a forced carry over water to a pedestal green, with a potential 120-foot putt if the wrong section of the green is hit. The Links course has been a host for significant events, including the PGA TOUR’s Barbasol Championship, highlighting its championship pedigree. Its design encourages strategic play and offers a memorable experience with its diverse challenges and picturesque setting, making it a highly regarded destination for golfers.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Lakewood - Senator)

Point Clear, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Magnolia Grove - Crossings)

Mobile, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Silver Lakes - Backbreaker)

Anniston, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Highland Oaks - Highlands)

Dothan, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Highland Oaks - Short)

Dothan, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Oxmoor Valley - Ridge)

Birmingham, AL

The Ridge course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham, Alabama, exemplifies Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s design philosophy of creating courses that are both challenging and visually stunning, utilizing the natural topography. This course is characterized by significant elevation changes, dense tree cover, and a highly photogenic landscape, paying homage to the area’s mining heritage. The par-5 third hole is the signature hole, demanding precise tee shot placement to the right of a 250-yard stake, followed by a strategic layup. The green, buttressed by a striking shelf of exposed shale rock, appears shallower than it is, adding to the challenge. Another notable feature is the downhill par-3 eighth, which plays one to two clubs shorter than its listed yardage, with wind being a crucial factor in club selection. The Ridge course offers a rigorous test of golf, where strategic thinking and accurate shot-making are paramount, all set within a dramatic and picturesque environment.

Ballantrae Golf Club

Pelham, AL

Birmingham's best semi-private value

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Magnolia Grove - Falls)

Mobile, AL

The Falls course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Magnolia Grove in Mobile, Alabama, is a testament to Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s design philosophy, seamlessly blending challenging golf with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Carved through indigenous hardwood and pine, the course features dramatic elevation changes, creeks, and marshland, demanding strategic play and precise shot-making. The signature tenth hole is a par-5 that requires golfers to split fairway bunkers off the tee and then lay up, as water cascades down from a lake and crosses the fairway in front of the green. Another memorable hole is the par-3 eleventh, where water lines the entire left side, and the green juts out into the lake, protected by a menacing bunker. The course has been newly renovated with large Mini Verde greens, enhancing its playability and challenge. Magnolia Grove has hosted significant professional events, including the LPGA Tour’s Mobile Bay LPGA Classic, affirming its championship pedigree. Playing the Falls course offers a rigorous yet rewarding golf experience amidst a picturesque Southern landscape.

Hampton Cove Golf Course (Highlands)

Owens Cross Roads, AL

Hampton Cove Golf Course (River)

Owens Cross Roads, AL

Hampton Cove Golf Course (Short)

Owens Cross Roads, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Silver Lakes - Heartbreaker)

Anniston, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Oxmoor Valley - Valley)

Birmingham, AL

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Cambrian Ridge - Canyon)

Greenville, AL

Lakepoint Resort Golf Course

Eufaula, AL

Timberline Golf Club

Calera, AL

Shelby County's wooded gem

RTJ Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove - Crossings

Mobile, AL

Craft Farms Golf Resort - Cotton Creek

Gulf Shores, AL

Auburn University Golf Course

Auburn, AL

University of Alabama Golf Course

Tuscaloosa, AL