15 Best Golf Courses in Alabama: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Alabama, known for its rich history and southern charm, is also a golfer’s paradise. With its diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to coastal plains, the state offers a wide array of exceptional golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, Alabama’s golf scene has something special for everyone.

Golf tourism plays a significant role in Alabama’s economy, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The state’s commitment to providing top-notch golfing experiences is evident in the quality and variety of courses available. From the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to hidden gems tucked away in picturesque settings, Alabama’s golf courses offer unforgettable experiences for golf enthusiasts.

Methodology

To compile this comprehensive list of the best golf courses in Alabama, we’ve employed a rigorous methodology that considers various factors. Our ranking criteria include:

Course design and layout
Course conditions and maintenance
Scenic beauty and natural surroundings
Difficulty and playability for different skill levels
Amenities and facilities
Value for money
Overall golfer experience

We’ve gathered information from multiple sources to ensure a well-rounded perspective:

Expert opinions from golf course architects and professional golfers
Reviews and ratings from everyday golfers
Assessments from reputable golf publications
Awards and accolades received by the courses
Personal visits and evaluations by our team of golf enthusiasts

By combining these diverse sources of information, we aim to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date guide to the best golf courses in Alabama.

Top 10 Public Golf Courses in Alabama

1. Kiva Dunes Golf Course – Gulf Shores

Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Designer: Jerry Pate
Key Features: Links-style course, coastal setting, challenging layout
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Green Fees: $89 – $139 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 13th hole, a par-3 with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico

Kiva Dunes consistently ranks as one of the top public courses in Alabama. This Jerry Pate design offers a true links-style experience with coastal winds adding an extra challenge. The course’s natural beauty, with its white sand dunes and native vegetation, creates a stunning backdrop for your round.

Pros:

Exceptional course conditions year-round
Stunning coastal views
Challenging yet fair layout

Cons:

Can be windy, affecting play
Pricier than some other public courses in the area

Golfer Testimonial: “Kiva Dunes is a must-play for any golfer visiting the Gulf Shores area. The course is always in immaculate condition, and the coastal setting is simply breathtaking.” – John D., 12 handicap

2. FarmLinks Golf Club at Pursell Farms – Sylacauga

Location: Sylacauga, Alabama
Designer: Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
Key Features: Dramatic elevation changes, bentgrass greens, state-of-the-art practice facility
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Green Fees: $135 – $165 (includes cart and range balls)
Notable Holes: 5th hole, a downhill par-3 with a 172-foot elevation drop

FarmLinks offers a unique golfing experience set against the backdrop of the Appalachian foothills. The course is known for its excellent conditioning and variety of holes that test all aspects of a golfer’s game.

Pros:

Exceptional course conditions
Stunning views and peaceful setting
Excellent practice facilities

Cons:

Remote location
Limited tee times available due to popularity

Golfer Testimonial: “FarmLinks is worth the drive. The course is always in perfect shape, and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a great experience.” – Sarah L., 18 handicap

3. Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa – Hoover

Location: Hoover, Alabama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Key Features: Part of the RTJ Golf Trail, waterfall features, expansive layout
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Green Fees: $100 – $180 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 9th hole, a par-5 with a cascading waterfall behind the green

Ross Bridge is one of the crown jewels of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. This expansive course stretches over 8,000 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest courses in the world. The course’s beauty is matched by its challenge, with strategic bunkering and water hazards throughout.

Pros:

Spectacular course design and features
Excellent resort amenities
Part of the renowned RTJ Golf Trail

Cons:

Can be crowded during peak seasons
Challenging for high-handicap golfers from back tees

Golfer Testimonial: “Ross Bridge is a true test of golf. The course is long and challenging, but fair. The waterfalls and overall beauty of the course make it a must-play.” – Mike R., 5 handicap

4. The Judge at Capitol Hill – Prattville

Location: Prattville, Alabama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Key Features: Dramatic elevation changes, views of the Alabama River, challenging layout
Difficulty Level: Very Challenging
Green Fees: $70 – $130 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 1st hole, a downhill par-4 with a 200-foot elevation drop to a fairway bordered by the Alabama River

The Judge is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging courses on the RTJ Golf Trail. The course offers breathtaking views of the Alabama River and surrounding landscape, with dramatic elevation changes that add to both the beauty and difficulty of the round.

Pros:

Spectacular views and dramatic holes
Excellent course conditions
Great value for the quality of golf

Cons:

Very challenging, especially for high-handicappers
Can be windy, adding to the difficulty

Golfer Testimonial: “The Judge is a bucket list course. The views are incredible, and the challenge is real. It’s a true test of golf that you won’t forget.” – Tom W., 10 handicap

5. Oxmoor Valley (Ridge Course) – Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Key Features: Dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, challenging greens
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Green Fees: $60 – $110 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 3rd hole, a downhill par-3 with a green surrounded by bunkers

The Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley is another gem on the RTJ Golf Trail. Known for its dramatic elevation changes and tree-lined fairways, this course offers a true test of golf in a beautiful setting.

Pros:

Excellent course design with varied holes
Beautiful natural setting
Good value for the quality of golf

Cons:

Can be challenging for beginners
Hilly terrain can be tiring to walk

Golfer Testimonial: “Oxmoor Valley’s Ridge Course is a hidden gem. The elevation changes make for some exciting shots, and the course is always in great shape.” – Lisa M., 15 handicap

6. The Shoals (Fighting Joe Course) – Muscle Shoals

Location: Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Key Features: Links-style layout, views of the Tennessee River, long and challenging
Difficulty Level: Very Challenging
Green Fees: $65 – $120 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 17th hole, a par-3 with stunning views of the Tennessee River

Fighting Joe at The Shoals is known for its length and difficulty. This links-style course offers wide fairways but challenges players with its length, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens.

Pros:

Unique links-style layout in Alabama
Excellent course conditions
Stunning views of the Tennessee River

Cons:

Very long and challenging, especially for high-handicappers
Can be windy, adding to the difficulty

Golfer Testimonial: “Fighting Joe is a beast, but it’s a fair test of golf. The views of the Tennessee River are spectacular, and the course conditions are always top-notch.” – David K., 8 handicap

7. Limestone Springs Golf Club – Oneonta

Location: Oneonta, Alabama
Designer: Jerry Pate
Key Features: Mountain setting, dramatic elevation changes, bentgrass greens
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Green Fees: $75 – $95 (includes cart)
Notable Holes: 14th hole, a par-3 with a 70-foot drop from tee to green

Limestone Springs offers a mountain golf experience with dramatic elevation changes and stunning views. The Jerry Pate design takes full advantage of the natural terrain, creating a course that is both challenging and visually stunning.

Pros:

Beautiful mountain setting
Excellent course conditions
Good value for the quality of golf

Cons:

Remote location
Hilly terrain can be challenging to walk

Golfer Testimonial: “Limestone Springs is a hidden gem. The mountain views are incredible, and the course is always in great shape. It’s well worth the drive.” – Emily R., 20 handicap

8. Craft Farms (Cotton Creek Course) – Gulf Shores

Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Key Features: Coastal setting, numerous water hazards, challenging layout
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Green Fees: $75 – $115 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 18th hole, a par-4 with water all along the right side

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms is an Arnold Palmer design that offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf. The course features numerous water hazards and strategic bunkering, testing players’ accuracy and course management skills.

Pros:

Well-designed Arnold Palmer course
Excellent course conditions
Convenient location in Gulf Shores

Cons:

Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons
Numerous water hazards can be punishing for errant shots

Golfer Testimonial: “Cotton Creek is a great test of golf. The course is always in excellent condition, and the layout requires you to think your way around.” – Robert L., 14 handicap

9. Cambrian Ridge (Sherling/Canyon) – Greenville

Location: Greenville, Alabama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Key Features: Dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, challenging greens
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Green Fees: $60 – $100 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 1st hole on Canyon, a dramatic downhill par-4 with a 200-foot elevation drop

Cambrian Ridge is part of the RTJ Golf Trail and offers 27 holes of championship golf. The Sherling/Canyon combination is particularly challenging, with dramatic elevation changes and demanding shots.

Pros:

Excellent course design with varied holes
Beautiful natural setting
Good value for the quality of golf

Cons:

Remote location
Can be very challenging for high-handicappers

Golfer Testimonial: “Cambrian Ridge is a true hidden gem on the RTJ Trail. The elevation changes are incredible, and the course is always in great shape.” – Mark S., 11 handicap

10. Hampton Cove (River Course) – Owens Cross Roads

Location: Owens Cross Roads, Alabama
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Key Features: Links-style layout, only RTJ course without bunkers, scenic river views
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Green Fees: $60 – $100 (varies by season)
Notable Holes: 18th hole, a par-5 with the Flint River running along the entire right side

The River Course at Hampton Cove is unique among RTJ Trail courses as it’s the only one without a single bunker. Instead, the course uses grass mounds, water hazards, and strategic tree placement to challenge golfers.

Pros:

Unique links-style layout
Scenic views of the Flint River
More forgiving than many RTJ Trail courses

Cons:

Can be wet and play long after heavy rains
Less dramatic than some other RTJ Trail courses

Golfer Testimonial: “The River Course at Hampton Cove is a refreshing change from typical Alabama courses. The lack of bunkers is unique, and the river views are beautiful.” – Jennifer T., 16 handicap

Top 5 Private Golf Courses in Alabama

While not accessible to the general public, these private courses represent some of the finest golf Alabama has to offer:

Shoal Creek Club – Birmingham
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Shoal Creek has hosted multiple PGA Championships and U.S. Amateur Championships.
Country Club of Birmingham (West Course) – Birmingham
A classic Donald Ross design that has stood the test of time, consistently ranked among the best in the state.
Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club – Killen
This picturesque course along the Tennessee River offers stunning views and a challenging layout.
Greystone Golf & Country Club (Founders Course) – Birmingham
Host of a PGA Tour Champions event, this Rees Jones design offers a stern test of golf in a beautiful setting.
The Club at Old Overton – Vestavia Hills
A collaboration between Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio, this course is known for its excellent conditioning and challenging layout.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of 26 golf courses at 11 sites across Alabama. Conceived by Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the Trail was designed to enhance the state’s image and boost tourism and economic growth.

Key features of the RTJ Golf Trail include:

Consistent quality across all courses
Variety of designs to suit different skill levels
Excellent value for money
Convenient locations throughout the state

Some of the best courses on the trail include:

Ross Bridge (mentioned above)
The Judge at Capitol Hill (mentioned above)
Fighting Joe at The Shoals (mentioned above)
Oxmoor Valley (mentioned above)
Grand National (Lake Course) in Opelika

The RTJ Golf Trail has been instrumental in putting Alabama on the map as a golf destination, attracting golfers from around the world and significantly boosting the state’s golf tourism industry.

Golf Destinations in Alabama

Birmingham Area

The Birmingham area is a hotbed for golf in Alabama, offering a mix of public and private courses. In addition to Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley, golfers can enjoy:

Ballantrae Golf Club
Timberline Golf Club
Highland Park Golf Course (the state’s oldest course)

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores and the surrounding coastal areas offer a unique golfing experience with courses featuring coastal views and challenging sea breezes. Notable courses include:

Kiva Dunes (mentioned above)
Gulf Shores Golf Club
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club

Other Notable Regions

Huntsville Area: Home to Hampton Cove and The Ledges
Montgomery Area: Features Capitol Hill and Lagoon Park Golf Course
Mobile Area: Offers Magnolia Grove (part of the RTJ Trail) and TimberCreek Golf Club

Planning Your Alabama Golf Trip

Best Time to Visit

The best time for golfing in Alabama is typically from March to May and September to November. These months offer mild temperatures and less humidity, ideal for a round of golf.

Stay and Play Packages

Many courses, especially those on the RTJ Golf Trail, offer stay and play packages that can provide excellent value. These packages often include accommodations, green fees, and sometimes meals.

Transportation Tips

Most major cities in Alabama have airports with good connections.
Renting a car is recommended for easy travel between courses.
Consider basing yourself in Birmingham or Mobile for easy access to multiple courses.

Conclusion

Alabama’s golf scene offers an impressive array of courses that cater to all skill levels and preferences. From the coastal links of Kiva Dunes to the mountain vistas of Limestone Springs, and the challenging layouts of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the state provides a diverse and high-quality golfing experience.

Whether you’re a serious golfer looking to test your skills on championship courses or a casual player seeking scenic beauty and enjoyable rounds, Alabama has something to offer. The state’s commitment to golf tourism ensures that visitors will find well-maintained courses

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