Nina Caldwell
Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of world-class golf courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and distributed across the state of Alabama. The trail started with 378 holes at eight sites, but has grown to 468 holes at eleven sites. The courses are carved out of the hills, valleys, and marshes of Alabama, offering a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all levels. With tee markers pegged to ability levels, the courses measure as short as 4,700 yards and as long as 8,200 yards, providing a flexible and enjoyable outing for all. The trail has successfully boosted tourism and spurred economic growth in the state, attracting golfers from around the world seeking a special golf vacation experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail |
| Number of courses | 26 |
| Number of holes | 468 |
| Number of sites | 11 |
| Course designer | Robert Trent Jones, Sr. |
| Course fees | $40–$125 |
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What You'll Learn
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
The trail was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., a legendary architect and premier golf course designer. In his career, Jones designed over 500 golf courses worldwide, many of which are listed among Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses". Each course on the trail is unique, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The tee markers on the trail are pegged to ability level, not age or gender, providing a flexible and inclusive golfing experience.
The concept for the trail was created and executed by David G. Bronner, the CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, in the late 1980s. Bronner's vision was to diversify the state's pension fund and boost Alabama's economy. He believed that building a collection of world-class golf courses would attract golfers and tourists, spur economic growth, and strengthen the state.
The trail stretches over 100 miles, from Huntsville in the north to Mobile in the south, offering a diverse range of locations and scenery for golfers to enjoy. With its impressive scale, exceptional course design, and accessibility, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has become a dream come true for golfers in Alabama and worldwide.
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The Trail's economic impact
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama is a series of 26 championship golf courses with 468 holes at 11 sites across the state. Each course is unique, catering to golfers of all skill levels. The trail is the brainchild of Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), who wanted to diversify the state's pension fund and boost Alabama's economy.
The trail has had a significant economic impact on Alabama. It has increased tourism and infrastructure in the state, attracting golfers from around the world. The trail has also brought in millions in new tax revenues and spurred the construction of adjacent housing and other businesses.
The golf trail was designed by the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., who emerged from semi-retirement to take on the project. Jones designed more than 500 golf courses worldwide, many of which are listed among Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses." The trail features resorts, spas, and dining facilities, offering affordability and quality of play, and has been praised by critics and players alike.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has put Alabama on the map as a world-class golfing destination, providing a significant boost to the state's economy. The trail has also inspired a book, "Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: History and Impact" by Mark Fagan and David G. Bronner, which details the financial, legal, political, and economic impact of the trail's development.
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Course length and difficulty
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama offers a wide range of course lengths and difficulty levels, catering to golfers of all skill levels. The Trail is renowned for its diverse and challenging courses, set amidst stunning natural landscapes.
The total length of the Trail varies depending on the specific courses played. Each course can range from 4,700 yards to about 8,200 yards, with as many as 12 tee boxes offering different levels of difficulty. This flexibility ensures that golfers of all abilities can enjoy the courses. For instance, the Fighting Joe layout at The Shoals can play upwards of 8,000 yards from the tips, with five sets of tees accommodating all levels of players.
Some courses are known for their significant elevation changes, rolling hills, and undulating fairways. For example, the Cider Ridge course sits at the base of Mount Cheaha, offering flat, parkland front nines and dramatic elevation changes on the back nines. The Legislator course at Capitol Hill RTJ is also known for its hilly terrain.
Water hazards are a prominent feature on many Trail courses. The Lake Course, formerly the home of the PGA Tour's Barbasol Championship, features scenic and challenging par 3s over or alongside dominating water hazards. The Senator course at Capitol Hill is renowned for its water hazards, while the Grand National course in Opelika offers exciting cross-water risk-reward drives.
The Trail also boasts courses with unique design elements and challenging hole layouts. For instance, the Schoolmaster course at The Shoals features a tree-lined design, rewarding a variety of shot shapes. The Judge course at Capitol Hill is known for its long par 4s and challenging greens, with an island-green hole that demands precision.
Overall, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama offers a diverse range of course lengths and difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly layouts to challenging championship-level courses. With its stunning scenery, elevation changes, and water features, the Trail provides a memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
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Trail card pricing
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama is a collection of public golf courses designed to boost tourism and attract golfers from around the world. The trail features 26 courses and 468 holes at 11 sites across the state, each offering a unique experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The RTJ Trail Card allows golfers to save money each time they play on the trail. While the exact pricing of the Trail Card is not publicly available, it is marketed as a way to save on the cost of playing at any of the RTJ courses.
Golfers can take advantage of seasonal specials and packages offered by the RTJ Golf Trail, but these cannot be combined with Trail Card or membership discounts. The specials are typically required to be paid in full and booked at least 48 hours in advance and may exclude certain courses or incur surcharges for specific courses.
The RTJ Golf Trail is renowned for its world-class golf experience, with courses designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., known for his unparalleled career in designing over 500 golf courses worldwide. The trail offers a diverse range of holes and sites, ensuring an enjoyable outing for golfers of all skill levels.
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Recommended courses
Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail features 26 courses and 468 holes at 11 sites across the state. Each course is unique, offering a range of challenges and experiences for golfers of all skill levels. Here are some of the recommended courses to check out:
Highland Oaks, Dothan
Highland Oaks in Dothan features four nine-hole courses, including a Short Course. The Marshwood course is renowned for its par-five 6th hole, which spans an impressive 701 yards. With green fees ranging from $40 to $65, Highland Oaks offers a great value for golfers.
Magnolia Grove, Mobile
Magnolia Grove in Mobile presents two 18-hole courses, The Crossings and The Falls. The Crossings has hosted the Airbus Mobile Bay LPGA Classic, and its par-three course has been acclaimed as one of the finest in the nation. Similar to Highland Oaks, Magnolia Grove's green fees are affordably priced between $40 and $65.
Lakewood Golf Club, Point Clear
Located near Mobile, Lakewood Golf Club offers two scenic tracks associated with the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Originally built in 1947 and renovated in the early 2000s, this course provides a beautiful setting for your game. The green fees at Lakewood Golf Club range from $107 to $125.
Grand National - Lake Course
The Grand National - Lake Course is one of the standout courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Capitol Hill - Judge Course
The Capitol Hill - Judge Course is another excellent option on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It provides a diverse and engaging golfing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a collection of championship-calibre golf courses distributed across the state of Alabama.
The trail was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., a legendary architect and premier golf course designer.
The trail features 26 courses and 468 holes across 11 sites in Alabama.
Notable courses include Highland Oaks, Magnolia Grove, Lakewood Golf Club, and the Senator Course at Capitol Hill.
The trail was established in the early 1990s as a way to boost tourism and strengthen Alabama's economy.
