RTJ Golf Trail Alabama

Thinking about a trip to Golf Trail.  Probably going over 4 nights.   Which of the resorts offers the best courses?  Any non RTJ courses recommendations?  THANKS!!

What city are you spending 4 nights in.  The TRAIL in Birmingham has 2 you could play..if staying in Montgomery, Capitol Hill is very good, hadn't played it but the LPGA plays there and is attractive.  Also in Montgomery, you 'may' be able to gain access to the Maxwell AFB courses, both are inexpensive to play and nice courses.  Silver Lakes is OUT..the took rediculous damage during the hurricanes.

Grand National is a great place. Two courses: one links; one with lots of water. However, both are great courses are reasonably priced.

It's located just outside of Auburn University, in Opelika.

Capitol Hill in Pratville (near Montgomery has three good courses and on site lodging. It is a good place to use as your base. If you have time, take a day at Cambrian Ridge which is about 45 minutes south of Capitol Hill. We flew to Atlanta and drove, so Grand National is on the way between Capitol Hill and Atlanta. The two courses at Grand national are called Links and Lakes, but Links is not a links style course.

Here are links to photos of these RTJ courses.

http://sports.webshots.com/album/557665669eDiLBF - Capitol Hill

http://sports.webshots.com/album/557662235zkQzhw - Grand National and Cambrian Ridge

I would second the Capital Hill site. In north Alabama the Shoals is very nice, The Schoolmaster is a traditional tree lined layout and Fighting Joe is a links style course. In Huntsville is Hampton Cove, one of the older trail sites, 36 holes + a 18 hole par 3 course. The River course had new greens installed this summer and is scheduled to re-open Sept. 1.

I've played some of the Birmingham courses...several years ago though so my memories may be fading.

Ross Bridge is fantastic--definitely a test though (it's over 8000 yards from the tips!).  I think it may be the most expensive on the entire RTJ trail as well.  I think it used to host a senior tour event.

Oxmoor Valley right down the street has two courses, the Ridge & Valley.  I played the Valley...conditions weren't nearly as good when I played, probably similar to a nicer municipal course.  Tons of elevation changes.

The Renaissance Ross Bridge would be where you would stay if playing those courses, and it's definitely a nice hotel--probably the best in/around Birmingham by far.  I like the bagpiper at sunset, and the restaurant was quite good if i recall.

As mentioned the Shoals Courses "School Master and Fighting Joe" are both great.  There is a Marriott resort not far from there which is really really nice.  The mrs (if there is one) would like the pool etc.

Grand National in Opelika is also nice.  I like the links side better than the lakes side.

In my opinion you cannot go wrong with any RTJ

Farmlinks near Birmingham isn't one of the "Trail" courses, but is a fantastic outing, especially if you can get their early in the morning and plan on staying all day.  The fee is all inclusive.  Meaning it covers breakfast and a full sit down lunch, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) at the clubhouse and on the course, unlimited golf (with cart) and range use.  At $125 that's not a bad deal considering that the course is in supurb shape and the layout is a lot of fun.

Just got this email. Not sure when you were planning on going:

BE THE FIRST TO PLAY THE
NEW LAKE COURSE

Experience the newly renovated Lake Course at Grand National firsthand on September 1, 2011.The Grand Opening will feature a 2:00 p.m. shotgun start. Play the newly planted greens and test the other updates and changes to the course. The field is limited to the first 72 people to register. Call 334.749.9042 for more information or registration.

Standard rates (including cart) will apply: $61.00 plus tax (Non-Trail Card); $41.95 plus tax (Trail Card); $16.00 plus tax (Annual Pass). Register starting on Thursday, August 25, by calling the pro shop at 334.749.9042.