Rock Creek Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama

You feel like you might be in the Carolinas the first few holes at the Rock Creek Golf Club in Mobile, Alabama, before it flattens out a bit as you reach the middle stretch of the front nine. There are some interesting holes, but never anything too overwhelming. Aside from the elevation, Rock Creek smiles at you and says, "go low."

It's 7,000 yards from the back tees and designed by Earl Stone, known for designing old-school, playable golf courses. Stone is a throwback himself, eschewing assistants or apprentices. Stone, now 79, has designed around 40 courses, all but one in the Southeast, including at least 15 in Alabama. Rock Creek is the only one to get 4½ stars from Golf Digest.