Robert Trent Jones Trail

[Dr Strangelove]

We're starting to think about our annual spring trip.  I'm considering the Alabama Robert Trent Jones Trail either in Feb or April.

 

Any recommendations on golf package providers or hotels that offer packages?  I don't see any "Stay and Play" type of deals like you would at Myrtle Beach.  We typically play 2 rounds on Thurs, Friday and Saturday, and then a getaway round on Sunday.

 

If you've been there, how would you rank the options (must play, OK, avoid):

 

Cambrian Ridge

Capital Hill

Grand National

Hampton Cove

Highland Oaks

Lakewood

Magnolia Grove

Oxmoor Valley

Ross Bridge

Silver Lakes

 

We are not professional golfers.  Also, camping is out of the question.

[BigtazzGolf]

Check their website for specials. Don't forget the 2 in Muscle Shoals. Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster. I really liked them. We played their on a winter special, year before last and it was a real good deal.

Be cautious though, we can play year round here in the south, but sometimes that means we play in less than perfect weather lol.

 

BigTazz

Grip in Rip it

Chicks dig the LONG ball!

[PlaidJacket]

I went a few years ago with the guys and played the rotation at Capital Hill. No complaints at all. I'd go back if that says anything.  If the rest of the courses are as good as these I'd imagine whatever you choose would be good.  We rented a house which works better for our liking. But there is a Marriott on site and other hotels close by. Green fees were in the $65-$75 range I recall.

[Yak]

I have played Grand National a few times and you can't go wrong playing there. They have a Marriott on site that is pretty nice. Cost really varies depending on the time that you play. I prefer the Lakes course at the Links, but that's because links course is always kick my butt. The Links have a different type of green than the Lakes course as well. Makes it a little bit more of a challenge. The conditions at both are always very good.

 

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[Jrp5484]

To get maximum benefit with the least amount of driving and still have outstanding golf venues I would recommend the following itinerary:

1. Fly to Atlanta and drive to Anniston and play Silver Lakes(3 nines)

2. After golf, drive to Birmingham Spend two nights in Birmingham and play Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge.

3. Drive to Prattvile and spend 4 nights

4. Play 3 courses at capital Hill

5. Day trip to Greenville and play Cambrian Ridge,

​6. Day trip to Auburn/Opelaka and play Grand National  Lake course

7. Depart Pratville for Auburn/Opelaka and play Grand national links course. Head for atlanta and home.

 

Dont take the hotel package offered by RTJ golf, you can do better by calling the hotels they reccomnd and negotiate your own deal. weather in feb, mar, apr can be iffy time to go is sep, ouctn be iffy. best time to go is sep, oct

Have fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MGoBlue100]

We're starting to think about our annual spring trip. I'm considering the Alabama Robert Trent Jones Trail either in Feb or April.

 

Any recommendations on golf package providers or hotels that offer packages? I don't see any "Stay and Play" type of deals like you would at Myrtle Beach. We typically play 2 rounds on Thurs, Friday and Saturday, and then a getaway round on Sunday.

 

If you've been there, how would you rank the options (must play, OK, avoid):

 

Cambrian Ridge

Capital Hill

Grand National

Hampton Cove

Highland Oaks

Lakewood

Magnolia Grove

Oxmoor Valley

Ross Bridge

Silver Lakes

 

We are not professional golfers. Also, camping is out of the question.

First of all, love the “no camping” caveat. If I wake up on the ground, I know something REALLY BAD has happened.

 

I've played the Senator at Capitol Hill, and Magnolia Grove in Mobile. They are both unbelievable. All three courses at Capitol Hill look fantastic. Personally, I would think a trip where you stayed in Montgomery would work great. You could make day trips, or just play the three at Capitol Hill over & over. I'm a big fan of Montgomery; there is a great Renaissance Hotel downtown, I'm sure lots of other options, including (I think) a Marriott right at the course and a bunch of other options.

In any case, enjoy!!

 

 

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[Dilligaf]

If you're on the trail near Birmingham, I recommend checking out Farm Links at Pursell Fsrms. Great course, fantastic Staff, and a great practice facility.

[ddryan]

I echo Dilligaf's comments.  If you have a large enough group, consider staying at the Parker Lodge- it is a massive man-cave of a "cottage" complete with fireplaces, a 10 foot stuffed grizzly bear greeting you just inside the front door, a wet bar and gameroom in the basement, fire-pit outside, and a screened in porch that overlooks a lake protecting the 17th green, a par 3 gem that (as does each hole at Farmlinks) has 5 separate tee boxes, and from the tips, at the top of the hill across the lake, makes it a 220+ par 3, across the lake to a kidney shaped green- awesome to have your buddies who finished before you razz you as you tee off from there!!! I think I have a few photos from a trip a few years ago, and will post them when I get back to my home computer. 

[ddryan]

Here are a few images of the entrance to Parker Lodge

 

 

And a view of the back side of the lodge, which overlooks the 17th green.  17 is a par 3 with the teeing areas on the other side of the lake (where the photo was taken), and can play as far as about 220 from the back!

 

 

It is a great track, and the story of the course (the TruGreen story) is even more interesting.  Absolutely worth the trip!

[PMookie]

I've played all three at Capitol Hill. All are very good!!!

 

 

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[Padreruf]

Played 4 courses last May -- Montgomery and Birmingham -- outstanding value and really challenging courses.  Birmingham is especially 1st class in my mind...will go back again.  I would opt for April...can be iffy weather before that.  You are in the Mid-south and snow or cold is not unknown then.  

[PlaidJacket]

With the regular group we're heading up and across to Birmingham late September. We'll be playing Ross Bridge, Oxmoor (Valley, Ridge & par-3 course) Any thoughts, discussion, interesting info about the courses and or local area?

Any photos?

 

Thanks

[Mr. 82]

I've only played Capitol Hill and Highland Oaks. I wasn't impressed with Prattville, but Dothan is close enough that I want to go back as often as possible. The greens at Highland Oaks are just wicked. I lost count of the number of times I 3-putted.

 

 

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[BigtazzGolf]

I've played the 4 on the north side of the state. Loved all 4. Sorry no photos but my advice on trips is to check yelp, trip advisor and Google for reviews and ratings. To also eat local. That always makes the trip better imo

 

 

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[Har in the Hat]

Check their website for specials. Don't forget the 2 in Muscle Shoals. Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster. I really liked them. We played their on a winter special, year before last and it was a real good deal.

Be cautious though, we can play year round here in the south, but sometimes that means we play in less than perfect weather lol.

BigTazz

Grip in Rip it

Chicks dig the LONG ball!

oh how I wish. Come October up here in Canada,the clubs (and women) go into hiberation until the following spring.