Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama — header

Alabama

Robert Trent Jones Trail

Courses
8
Best for
Golf tours
Airport
with seamless transfers from the nearest major airport

Robert Trent Jones Trail — overview

The Robert Trent Jones Trail spans 11 locations across Alabama, offering access to 26 courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Each site features at least 18 or 36 holes, set on varied terrain such as woodlands and lakesides. The Trail is best reached by flying into a major Alabama airport, followed by local transfers. High season is spring and autumn, but courses are open year-round. A 5-7 day trip allows play at multiple sites. This destination suits groups and avid golfers seeking variety and extensive play across different regions.

Courses
8 courses
Best months
Year round; high season in spring and autumn
Ideal length
5-10 days

Golf Courses at Robert Trent Jones Trail

Swipe to view all 8 courses

01 / 08

Alabama · Course 1

Fighting Joe

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
8320
Est.
2004

Fighting Joe is a challenging links-style course known for its length and strategic water hazards.

02 / 08

Alabama · Course 2

Schoolmaster

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
7991
Est.
2005

The Schoolmaster course offers a more traditional layout with tree-lined fairways and elevation changes.

03 / 08

Alabama · Course 3

Senator

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
7741
Est.
1999

The Senator is a Scottish-style links course with over 160 pot bunkers and wide fairways.

04 / 08

Alabama · Course 4

Judge

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
7743
Est.
1999

The Judge is known for its dramatic views and challenging water features, starting with a stunning first tee shot.

05 / 08

Alabama · Course 5

Legislator

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
7744
Est.
1999

The Legislator offers a mix of wooded and open holes with a scenic ride through a cypress swamp.

06 / 08

Alabama · Course 6

Sherling/Canyon

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
7019
Est.
1993

Sherling/Canyon is a combination of two nine-hole courses offering diverse landscapes and challenging play.

07 / 08

Alabama · Course 7

Crossings

Holes
18
Par
72
Yards
7115
Est.
1992

Crossings is a scenic course with rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers.

08 / 08

Alabama · Course 8

Short Course

Holes
18
Par
54
Yards
3000
Est.
1994

The Short Course is a par-3 course designed for quick play and skill improvement.

Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama — golf lifestyle

What to Expect at Robert Trent Jones Trail

Why visit

The Robert Trent Jones Trail offers access to over 20 courses across 11 locations in Alabama, each designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Courses feature varied landscapes, including wooded areas, rolling hills, and lakeside settings. The trail is practical for multi-site golf trips, with year-round playability and convenient transfers from major airports. Its distinguishing feature is the extensive network of high-quality courses, allowing for diverse golf experiences within a single itinerary.

Accommodations

On site or nearby hotels at many sites, clubhouses with dining and practice facilities.

Plan Your Trip to Robert Trent Jones Trail

Getting there

The Robert Trent Jones Trail spans several locations across Alabama. The main airports serving the Trail are Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), and Huntsville International Airport (HSV). Transfer times to the nearest Trail site from these airports typically range from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours by rental car, which is the most practical mode of transport due to the spread-out nature of the courses. For example, from Birmingham Airport, Oxmoor Valley is about a 20-minute drive, while Capitol Hill is roughly 1 hour from Montgomery Airport. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility when traveling between sites.

Best time to visit
The Robert Trent Jones Trail is best experienced in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when temperatures are mild, humidity is lower, and courses are in excellent condition. Summers (June–August) can be hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common, while winters are generally mild but can be cool and wetter. Shoulder seasons in early spring and late fall often offer better value and fewer crowds. Peak demand aligns with spring and fall, especially around major tournaments, so booking early is recommended during these periods.
Who it's best for
The Robert Trent Jones Trail is ideal for groups or individuals seeking a value-focused golf tour with high course variety. It's best for those comfortable with fly-and-drive logistics, interested in playing multiple courses across different Alabama regions, and looking for accessible, year-round golf without the need for caddies or luxury extras.
Location
Multiple sites across Alabama, USA
Nearest airport
with seamless transfers from the nearest major airport
Trip style
Tour
Best for
Golf tours, Groups, Bucket-list golf

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert Trent Jones Trail

How many golf courses are included on the Robert Trent Jones Trail?

The Robert Trent Jones Trail features over 20 courses at 11 different sites across Alabama.

When is the best time to play golf on the Robert Trent Jones Trail?

Spring and autumn are considered the peak seasons, but the courses are generally open year-round.

Are caddies offered at any of the Trail's golf courses?

Caddies are not available at any of the Robert Trent Jones Trail courses.

Which airports are most convenient for accessing the Trail?

Major airports near the Trail's sites offer seamless transfer options to the various golf facilities.

What types of golf course settings can I expect along the Trail?

Courses are set on rolling, wooded, or lakeside terrain, all designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Has the Trail hosted any professional golf tournaments?

Yes, the Trail has hosted several events, including LPGA tournaments and the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship at Grand National.

Is it possible to play multiple courses during a single trip?

Yes, the Trail is designed for multi-course tours, with each site typically offering 18 or 36 holes.

On the map

Where is Robert Trent Jones Trail?

Alabama River Cutoff, Alabama, United States

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