In the late 80’s Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, came up with the brilliant idea of building an enormous golf trail through the entire state. Teaming up with Robert Trent Jones, Sr., arguably the premier golf course architect in the world, who jumped at the chance and emerged from semi-retirement to tackle the project, which is the largest and most successful golf construction project ever attempted anywhere in the world.

Initially seven sites were constructed: Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham, Silver Lakes in Anniston, Grand National in Opelika, Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, Highland Oaks in Dothan, and Magnolia Grove in Mobile.  Capitol Hill in Montgomery was added in 1999 and The Shoals in Florence and Ross Bridge in Birmingham opened in 2005.

One of the best features of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail are the locations of the golf courses.  Every site is close to a major interstate so they are very easy to get to.  You can make a trip straight down I-65 and hit six of the sites.  Another great option is to make a loop from Atlanta to Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Auburn.  Each way is within an hour and a half drive from Atlanta.

The Trail courses are not "manufactured" -- all partake of the natural topography and was extracted from the land, not imposed on it. The RTJ Trail offers genuine championship layouts that will stand the test of time and pose major tests of golf for years to come. The rationale: No one talks about or remembers the easy courses. What sticks in a golfer's mind is the one prefect shot that conquers a tough hole.

Not that they are too tough though, one of the most unique aspects of the Trail are the tee locations. The tee markers are pegged to ability level, not age or gender. The courses measure as short as 4,700 yards and some as long as over 8,000 yards from the tournament tees, with as many as 12 tee boxes in-between, there is a tremendous amount of flexibility. As one Director of Golf put it, "The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is an incredible golfing experience for everyone. The courses will challenge the best golfers in the world, yet at the same time allow an enjoyable outing for the casual to beginning golfer."

Several of the sites now have luxurious resorts on or near the course.  You can’t get any closer to the course when you stay at the Marriott Legends at Capitol Hill, Auburn Marriott at Grand National, Marriott Shoals Resort and Spa or the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort.

Fairways Golf Vacations is the most experienced vacation packager of the Robert Trent Jones Trail.  Call our golf vacation experts at (800) 709-1684 to plan your vacation.