BIRMINGHAM, AL – GOLF COURSES

OXMOOR VALLEY – The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

BIRMINGHAM » 54 HOLES

Centrally located in the state and just minutes from the newly revitalized downtown Birmingham area, this 54-hole facility was built on former mining land owned by U.S. Steel. Sculpted from the peaks and valleys of the Appalachians, the courses offer scenic forests, numerous creeks and challenging elevation changes.

The Ridge Course offers numerous elevation changes, heavy tree cover, and is incredibly photogenic. As a tribute to the area’s mining past, the green at the par-5 3rd hole is buttressed by a shelf of exposed shale rock.

The Valley Course is considered a more traditional layout, dotted with numerous sand bunkers and picturesque lakes and streams. It stretches two miles downrange along a slender valley. The par-5 12th hole offers the most intimidating of tee shots, with a large lake looming in front of the player, letting the best of golfers bite off as much as they can chew.

The Short Course at Oxmoor Valley is a delightful collection of 18 pure oneshotters. It is listed by Golf Digest’s Places to Play as one of the nation’s Great Value courses in the public category.

ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT OXMOOR VALLEY

100 SUNBELT PARKWAY · BIRMINGHAM, AL 35211 · 205.942.1177

 

ROSS BRIDGE

HOOVER » 18 HOLES

Ross Bridge is the fourth longest course in the world but offers multiple tees for golfers of all levels. Symbolic of an old parkland style course, ten holes play along the banks of two significant lakes connected by a spectacular waterfall dropping 80 feet between the ninth and eighteenth greens. A gristmill added to the waterfall reflects the history of this old mining site. The beauty and challenge of each hole leads many to believe there is not one signature hole but possibly eighteen.

Like many other Trail courses, the par-three holes are incredible. Considerable elevation changes combine with water or other natural obstructions to get your attention. Large putting surfaces provide many tempting pin locations that will test golfers’ approach shots.

Number 17, a long par four, plays to a small, well-guarded green. Water frames the right side of this down-sloping hole. In the background is a picturesque view of the ninth and eighteenth holes with the waterfall tumbling between. The seventh hole offers a par five that traverses a ridge high above the rest of the course. The ninth will leave you speechless as it is time to decide how daring you are off the tee. A split fairway allows for either a short challenging route along the water’s edge or opt for safer play leaving a longer, more difficult approach to the green. Regardless if it is a par three, four or five, Ross Bridge stands ready for your game!

ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT ROSS BRIDGE

4000 GRAND AVENUE · BIRMINGHAM, AL 35226 · 205.949.3085

 

Other Courses In The Birmingham Area

LIMESTONE SPRINGS has been rated by Golf Digest as the number #67 public access course in the United States and the #1 public access course in Alabama – ahead of all RTJ courses.. http://www.limestonesprings.com/newpa… Limestone Springs is located approximately 25 minutes NE of downtown Birmingham and is worth the drive. Beautiful views from several holes are very memorable. Designed by Jerry Pate, Limestone Springsis highly recommend if you are in the area.

FARMLINKS – If you are a golfing fanatic, don’t leave the area without playing Farmlinks, a one-of-a-kind facility located approximately 40 minutes SE of the city in Sylacauga, AL. Farmlinks is a family owned facility and is a “golf demonstration course” where a variety of turfgrasses and fertilizers are tested under real conditions. Farmlinks has an unusual fee structure: It costs $100 to play there. For $100 you can play 18 holes -cart, range balls and lunch included. Or for $100 – you could play 36 holes with range balls, cart and lunch. Or if you could play from dawn to dark – you could do it for….$100. Farmlinks, like Limestone Springs has some stunningly beautiful holes with extremely steep changes in elevation that provide views for miles around. The staff is first rate and you are treated like a king. http://www.farmlinksgolfclub.com/ Farmlinks compares favorably with Limestone Springs.

BALLANTREE – Another very good facility is Ballantrae, a municipal facility owned by the city of Pelham – a suburb approxmiately 22 miles south of downtown. Ballantrae is a Bob Cupp design and has a beautful clubhouse. http://www.ballantraegolf.com/

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK GOLF COURSE – If you are on a budget, Oak Mountain is strongly recommended. The course is located inside Oak Mountain State Park (a 10,000 acre urban state park) one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Oak Mountain’s golf course is approximately 30 years old and has a beautiful layout in a valley floor. The course was renovated in 2005 and is in very good condition. It is downright cheap to play and worth the money. http://www.alapark.com/parks/feature…. Located 20 minutes south of downtown and easily accessible off I-65.

HIGHLAND PARK – Another interesting choice, Highland Park is pure city golf. It is located in downtown Birmingham on a bluff overlooking the city. Views of the skyscrapers downtown can be seen on several holes. Highland Park is one of the oldest golf courses in the United States, opening for play in 1903. Highland Park is a short course at 6000 yards but offers tons of fun for players of all skill levels. The famed Bobby Jones himself played tournaments there in the 1920’s. The course underwent a complete renovation under the supervision of Bob Cupp in 1998 and is in superb shape. Very reasonable rates. http://www.highlandparkgolf.com/highl…