If you're a golf lover seeking a mix of incredible design, stunning landscapes, and Southern hospitality, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama is a must-visit destination. Stretching across the state, this collection of championship golf courses offers a blend of challenge, beauty, and history, all while showcasing the best that Alabama has to offer. With 11 sites, 8 resorts, and an incredible 400 holes, planning a trip to the Trail can certainly feel overwhelming. We have taken the time to highlight a loop around the central part of the trail that hits three standout locations: Grand National, Oxmoor Valley, and Ross Bridge.
The History:
The story begins with inspiration from the baseball classic, Field of Dreams. In the movie a majestic baseball field is carved into the middle of a cornfield based on a divine promise that "If you build it they will come." So take Field of Dreams and focus on golf. What came next was an immense coordinated project by the state of Alabama to simultaneously construct 375 holes of golf (now expanded to 400.) The goal was to draw golf enthusiasts and travelers to the state and boost the state economy. To lead the architecture was non other than Robert Trent Jones. His philosophy of working with what the land gives you rather than forcing a course onto the land proved critical for the success of the project. The courses are uniquely Alabama and celebrate the natural features and contours of the state. The end result is a can't miss destination for an epic collection of golf and hospitality. There are many ways one can experience the Trail, here is one example to pique your interest.
Getting Around:
Spread out across all of Alabama, it’s no secret that travel time between sites on the trail can get long. If you are looking to experience more than one site on your trip - be ready to spend some time in the car. The good news is that most sites have multiple courses and lodging options to choose from. If time in the car isn’t your thing, you are able to experience at least 2 within an hour of each other, no matter where you decide to visit.
Popular “home bases” for the trail include Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville. If flight flexibility is a key consideration, flying into Atlanta gives you access to 8 of the 11 sites within a 3.5 hour drive. Otherwise, all three “home base” locations have access to international airports, although options may be somewhat limited. Birmingham or Montgomery are best bets for three courses we have highlighted below, with incredible on site resorts or multiple other options within a short drive.
We recommend scheduling at least 4 nights / 5 nights for any trip - this will allow plenty of time to take in all the RTJ trail have to offer while not totally overweighting on 36-hole days!
Sample Itinerary (3 RTJ stops, 7 courses):
Day One: Fly into Birmingham, drive to Grand National. Stay on property.
Pro tip: Don’t sleep on Pursell Farms (not RTJ). It’s the #3 public course in Alabama and on the way to Grand National - a great option for travel day golf.
Day Two: Grand National - play the Links & Lakes course. Stay on property
Day Three: Grand National - early morning round at the Short Course, drive to Oxmoor Valley and play The Backyard. Stay at Ross Bridge.
Day Four: Oxmoor Valley - The Ridge and Valley courses. Stay at Ross Bridge.
Day Five: Early morning round at Ross Bridge, afternoon flight home.
Grand National (Auburn-Opelika)
Located in Auburn-Opelika, Grand National is the crown jewel of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It features three spectacular courses: the Lake Course, the Links Course,and the Short Course - all offering stunning views of Lake Martin. The Lake Course is particularly memorable for its challenging layout, scenic vistas, and strategically placed water hazards that come into play on nearly half of the holes.
Grand National has played host to many PGA events and is well-loved for its unique design, including elevated tee boxes, sweeping fairways, and undulating greens. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior, the course provides a thrilling test of skill while allowing golfers to take in some of the most stunning views on the trail.
Oxmoor Valley (Birmingham)
Located just outside Birmingham, Oxmoor Valley is one of the most distinctive and accessible destinations on the RTJ Trail. The course offers two 18-hole layouts—The Ridge Course and The Valley Course—each showcasing Robert Trent Jones' design brilliance in different ways. Also on site is The Backyard, a 9 hole par 3 course - walking only and designed with minimal hazards that makes it perfect for a few cocktails and friendly wagers with your crew.
The Ridge Course is a challenging track that winds through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With dramatic elevation changes, narrow fairways, and tricky greens, this course will keep you on your toes. For those seeking a less demanding round, The Valley Course provides a more forgiving experience with wide-open fairways and water coming into play on several holes, particularly on the back nine.
What sets Oxmoor Valley apart is its proximity to Birmingham, making it an easy stop on your golf tour. You can expect stunning views, excellent course conditions, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for golfers of all levels.
Ross Bridge (Birmingham)
If you're seeking a blend of championship-level play with a luxurious stay, Ross Bridge in Birmingham is the place to be. This 18-hole course, ranked among the best in the country, stretches over 8,000 yards, making it one of the longest in the world. The course has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including PGA events, and boasts a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, deep valleys, and expansive water features.
The layout of Ross Bridge is both challenging and scenic, with dramatic elevation changes, well-placed bunkers, and strategic water hazards. The signature 18th hole is a true test of skill, requiring a precise drive over water with a towering bridge as a backdrop. After your round, unwind at the luxurious Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, where you can relax and recharge in style.
Best Time to Visit the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
The ideal time to visit the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s°F (15-25°C), making for comfortable rounds. Spring brings lush, green fairways and beautiful blooming flowers, while the fall season is marked by vibrant foliage.
Summer can get hot in Alabama, with temperatures often climbing into the 90s°F (30s°C), but if you're prepared for the heat, you’ll still find plenty of excellent conditions and less crowded courses. Plus, the off-season in winter offers lower prices and fewer players.
Final Thoughts
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama is a golfer’s dream, offering world-class courses that cater to all skill levels, spectacular views, and an immersive Southern experience. Resort style lodging and that classic southern hospitality will help golfers of all skill levels unwind after long days on the course. Although logistically the trail presents challenges compared to other destinations we have highlighted, each stop on the trail is memorable and well worth the visit. Go on and add RTJ to your bucket list...and with multiple options to choose from, it will be fun to check if off more than once. Reach out if you'd like help building an RTJ itinerary you won't soon forget.
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