Thursday, March 17, 2011

robert trent jones golf trail

I got back last week from a few days with golfing buddies in Alabama on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The trail was built in the early '90's by the Retirement Systems of Alabama as an investment for the pension fund of more than 300,000 members. The $150 million project had the renowned course designer Robert Trent Jones placing 26 courses in 11 different locations throughout the state for a total of 468 holes. From Muscle Shoals to Mobile and almost all points in between, the public can enjoy top quality golf courses and club facilities at very reasonable rates.
Tom decided to fly into Montgomery to save his back, while Damon and I drove more than 12 hours from KC to the state capitol of Montgomery for our golf vacation. We played Monday at Grand National in Auburn/Opelika at the Lake Course in the morning, and the Links Course in the afternoon. I probably would have had better luck on the Short Course, but it was fun despite the challenge.
On Tuesday we had a short drive to Prattville to play The Judge and The Senator. We missed the course called The Legislator, but had plenty of challenges. The morning at The Judge had tons of trees and water to try to avoid. The afternoon on The Senator had more of a links feel, with lots of pot bunkers. There were rolling hills and punishing rough all day if you missed the fairway. Later we drove through the campus of Auburn University and were all impressed with the charm of this college town.
Wednesday we were up early driving north to Birmingham in a torrential downpour to play The Ridge and The Valley at Oxmoor Valley. As we neared the clubhouse the rain was letting up, but we saw water standing in the fairways on some of the lower holes, and the creeks were running high and fast. The attendant in the pro shop informed us that The Valley course was unplayable, but The Ridge drained really well, and if we waited a bit, we could play that course twice if we desired. We had breakfast in the clubhouse and before long were able to get on the course. The elevation changes, rivers and rocks were amazing. This would be a spectacular place if it was sunny and dry.
We ended up playing the front nine again after lunch before running out of time. Still got in 99 holes of golf in 3 days. And if I figured the cost of this trip on how many strokes I took, it was a bargain! The worst part of the trip was the drive home when detours turned a 12+ hour tip into almost 14 hours. And I had to get up and go to work the next day. But overall it was a great time, and it made me long for some of the easier courses we play. If you golf, and you're ever in Alabama, check out "The Trail".

1 comment:

  1. The golf courses look like a lot of fun. I have been putting indoors, but it will be a while before we get out up here.

    Nice Song ! !

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