Alabama

There are many things that Alabama is associated with that may come to mind before golf. But in the late 1980s a massive step was taken to change that. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, devised a plan to diversify the assets of the state pension fund by bringing more tourist dollars into the state economy. The result was the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Jones’ ultimate accomplishment, the Trail consists of 378 holes spread over eight multi-course facilities. The project didn’t just produce a bunch of golf courses, but an experience that is seeped in everything Alabama. The RTJ Trail is massive and meant to be explored. But it will be hard to err in your exploration as most of the Trail’s courses are regarded as among the finest in Alabama.

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Cambrian Ridge is regarded as the best of the 36-hole facilities. Broken up into four nine-hole courses, The Sherling Course might be the best nine on the entire trail. Here Jones created holes that might never have made it off of paper if he hadn’t had 378 holes to work with. Case in point is the finishing hole, which marches steeply uphill, past a boulder filled ravine to a double green it shares with the final hole of the Canyon nine. The rest of the Sherling Course is nearly as dramatic. It has a slope rating of 142 and reaches 3,681yards. It provides as much excitement as can fit into nine holes.

The Canyon Course at Cambrian Ridge is almost as grand. Cut into an old hunting forest, the Canyon Course’s 501-yard opening hole drops over 200 feet from tee to green. And it’s a par four.

Closer to the Gulf Coast is Magnolia Grove. This 54-hole facility in Mobile features two championship courses and an 18 hole short course. The main course at Magnolia Grove is The Falls Course. Liberally sized greens are surrounded by equally large cloverleaf bunkers. There are few flat holes at the Falls Course. Most are characterized by hilly fairways and elevated greens and tee boxes. The Crossings Course is named after the railroad that you must cross to reach the thirteenth hole. No. 4 is very similar in design to Augusta National’s famous eleventh hole.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail isn’t all Alabama has to offer golfers. There was golf in the state before RTJ Trail and new courses continue to spring up today. These courses offer tradition and Southern hospitality. In Gulf Shores, Kiva Dunes Golf Course has established itself nationally as a gem. A links-style layout, Kiva Dunes was tabbed the second-best new public course in the nation by Golf Digest not long after it opened in April 1995. Its stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico probably had something to do with this immediate success, but it’s continued popularity stems from its Southern charm and timeless feel. It’s not uncommon to run across a local animal during a round. Alligators, rabbits, salamanders, foxes and several species of birds are wander through the course. This is a testament to the course’s attempt to not disturb the local wildlife areas. Designed by Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes might have you examining sand that’s not near the Gulf of Mexico. Pate’s bunkering is varied and numerous. Pine trees and small, wind-ravaged oaks can also cause problems.

Alabama Destination Guide

• On the Road in Alabama: Coastal Dixie Golf Losing Secret Status
• Gulf Shores is nice, very nice, so don't be fooled by the location -- Alabama
• Getting on track with the golf trails of the Southeast
• Along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Roger Rulewich Speaks Out