Alabama’s Iconic Route to Championship Golf.
Few destinations embody American golf heritage like the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a visionary network that transformed Alabama into a bucket-list destination for traveling golfers. This collection highlights three of its most celebrated sites: Oxmoor Valley, Ross Bridge, and Silver Lakes. Each offering its own blend of championship challenge, scenic drama, and Southern hospitality.
Featured Golf Courses
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley - Birmingham, AL
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1992); restored by Roger Rulewich
Set across 650 acres of rolling ridges and pine-lined valleys, Oxmoor Valley is classic RTJ, bold shaping, natural contours, and visually compelling shot values. With two 18-hole championship courses plus a fun 9-hole par-3 loop, it’s a perfect all-day golf destination. Expect excellent conditioning, smooth greens, and a serene forest backdrop just minutes from downtown Birmingham. The Ridge Course’s elevated par-3s provide some of the most photogenic shots on the Trail.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge - Hoover, AL
Architect: Roger Rulewich / Bobby Vaughan (2005)
Ross Bridge is the Trail’s grand statement, a sprawling 8,191-yard layout combining resort luxury with championship muscle. Towering elevation changes, broad fairways, and dramatic water features define the experience, including lakes and cascading waterfalls woven throughout the routing. The iconic waterfall backdrop shared by the 9th and 18th holes is one of the most photographed scenes in Alabama golf, especially at sunset.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes - Gadsden, AL
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. / Roger Rulewich (1993); restored by Rulewich
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Silver Lakes offers some of the most scenic golf on the entire Trail. Lakes, hardwood forests, and ridge-top views shape a layout that is both visually striking and strategically engaging. Its three nines, Mindbreaker, Heartbreaker, and Backbreaker, each bring distinct personalities rooted in classic RTJ design values. Expect demanding approaches, sweeping vistas, and a true sense of wilderness golf.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Robert Trent Jones Trail.
Insider Notes:
27-hole day: Play Oxmoor Valley’s Ridge Course in the morning, then finish with the par-3 Short Course for a relaxed afternoon loop.
Ross Bridge’s waterfall: Is at its most dramatic during sunset, enjoy the view from the clubhouse patio after your round.
The Bright Star: Nearby Bessemer for classic Alabama cuisine, or make a quick scenic detour to Noccalula Falls Park near Silver Lakes.
Airport Access:
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Ross Bridge: ~15 minutes
Oxmoor Valley: ~25 minutes
Silver Lakes Golf Course: ~1 hr 15 min
Driving Distances:
Atlanta, GA: ~2.5–4.5 hrs
Nashville, TN: ~2 hrs
Birmingham, AL: ~2 hrs
Memphis, TN: ~4–5 hrs
New Orleans, LA: ~4–5 hrs
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley - Birmingham, AL, CA Reviews
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“This place is 2 of the nicest golf courses that I have ever played. We went in early March of 2025 and everything was gorgeous."
-Ernest
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"The elevation changes are definitely appealing to the eye. Greens would hold just about any shot and weren't as fast as I would like. Overall this a challenging but playable course that I would highly recommend."
-Brian
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"Played the Ridge course in late February. Course was spectacular for winter golf, with overseed of tees, fairways, and greens to make it green. Extreme elevations and very challenging course made it memorable but very hard for average golfers.”
-Paul
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge - Hoover, AL Reviews
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"Ross Bridge Golf Course is an absolute gem in Birmingham! The course was in immaculate shape from tee to green—perfect fairways, pristine greens, and everything looking and playing beautifully."
-Justin
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"TOP NOTCH! A+++. Fairways were in great shape. Tee boxes are in fantastic shape. The greens are quick....like interstate in Texas quick. Be prepared! But they roll true.”
-Brad
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"Absolutely great experience here today - Jerry was so delightful to talk to and was a great starter! Course was in phenomenal shape - couldn’t ask for a better round!"
-Peter
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes - Gadsden, AL Reviews
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"My son & friends had a blast on this course. He was on his weekend bachelor getaway & this was one of the things he wanted to do ! Beautiful layout with deceptive challenges !"
-Triple R
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"It was an amazing day on the course! Check in was seamless, Jack at the Clubhouse was informative and personable. Jayda, Mr King and Justin all made our day (as out of towners) extraordinary!”
-Roni
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"This was one of the most prestigious beautiful courses I have played in my life. Might come all the way back from Utah to play it again!”
-Darren
