It is a dream vacation for golf enthusiasts seeking a skills challenge or a fun way to make lasting memories.
Much has been written over the years about playing golf in western and southern states like California, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, and Florida. As we all know, the popularity of these fall and winter golf destinations is widely known. Golfing in Alabama generally does not come to mind when a northern or western-tier golf enthusiast plans a Southern winter foray to play and party during the winter off-season.
Minority Golf Magazine recently had an opportunity to tour a few top golf destinations in beautiful Alabama—all now awaiting the completion of your “bucket list.” Let’s take a six-course tour of some fine golfing destinations in the Cotton State:
The 100-mile Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail stretches from north to south to and through Alabama. The trail consists of 26 golf courses, which makes it one of the largest golf course projects ever constructed.
It is essential that where you stay is conducive to relaxation, and fine dining, to match the course you’ve chosen to play.
It doesn’t matter if you stay before you play or after. The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is a luxurious destination offering many amenities and services to ensure a memorable experience. With beautifully designed rooms, a state-of-the-art spa, and multiple dining op
tions, the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is the perfect choice for golf and leisure travelers. The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is conveniently location near the Tennessee River near attractions like the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and a lot more before or after you play.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Fighting Joe RTJ at Muscle Shoals offers a challenging and memorable golfing experience replete with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and breathtaking views of the Tennessee River. The course measures over 8,000 yards from the championship tees, making it one of the longest courses in the United States. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the beauty and excitement of this exceptional course.
It’s no surprise that The Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Huntsville Space Center, offers a fantastic stay for fun on and off the golf course. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, it offers comfortable accommodations and excellent amenities for both business and leisure travelers. With its convenient location near the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, you can easily explore the wonders of space while enjoying a pleasant round of golf.
The River Course at RTJ at Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Alabama, is another masterpiece designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. This course features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Flint River, which originates in Tennessee and flows southerly through Madison County to the confluence with the Tennessee River at Huntsville. With its strategic bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-manicured greens, the River Course provides a true test of golfing abilities. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, you will find plenty of excitement and enjoyment on this beautiful course.
The Hampton Inn in Gadsden, Alabama, is a beautiful hotel that offers a comfortable and convenient stay, especially after 27 holes of challenging golf. Located in the heart of Gadsden, this hotel provides easy access to local attractions such as the Noccalula Falls Park and the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. With its friendly staff, clean rooms, and complimentary breakfast, the Hampton Inn is the perfect choice for your golfing venture during the upcoming winter and spring months. If only a few days or a week, The Hampton Inn welcomes the tired traveler.
Silver Lakes Golf Course in Gadsden, Alabama, is a beautiful and challenging golf course that offers a unique and
memorable golfing experience. As part of the RTJ Golf Trail, the course features 36 holes spread across three distinct nine-hole courses: Backbreaker, Mindbreaker, and Heartbreaker. Each course has its unique layout—and trouble.
What can I say? The Inn at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama, is a charming and picturesque treasure cove of memories in the heart of the central Alabama countryside. This elegant hotel offers a tranquil escape with stunning views, lush gardens, and warm hospitality. You can indulge in luxurious accommodations, enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences, and partake in various outdoor activities besides golf, fishing, hiking, and clay shooting. With its serene ambiance and top-notch amenities, The Inn at Pursell Farms is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a beautiful natural setting.After a day of outdoor adventures, you can relax, compare scores, and unwind in luxurious accommodations.
The Farmlinks Golf Club, not part of the RTJ Golf Trail, is consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Alabama. This 18-hole championship course offers a challenging yet unique experience for players of all skill levels. It is a true golf experience that you will want to visit more than once.
Located in Opelika, Alabama, the RTJ Grand National is considered one of the top golf courses in the state and has received numerous accolades and awards. The course features 54 holes and is divided into three distinct courses, each providing a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The Lake Course is known for its scenic views and water hazards, while the Links Course provides a more traditional links-style layout. The Short Course is perfect for those looking for a quick round or beginners looking to improve their skills.
The Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand National is a stunning and upscale hotel in Opelika, Alabama, and is the perfect start or end of a great
Alabama golfing experience. This beautiful resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy, including the championship golf course, a luxurious spa, and multiple dining options. Resort & Spa at Grand National is the perfect destination for a relaxing and memorable getaway.
Planning your next great golf getaway? Look South to Alabama! Feature image photo:mgm- RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes, Gasden, Alabama.
For information and assistance in planning your golf vacation to Alabama, visit: www.GolfAlabama.org
