BryanTweed16

The Good: Ross Bridge is the flagship golf course of the 11-site Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and for good reason. It is as impressive in scale of an inland public course as I've played. Fantastic, well-conditioned design has a "poorer" man's Augusta feel with ample, huge fairways and super white sand traps. From the first hole you know you're in for a treat and the design consists of one of the best quartet's of Par 5's I've come across. Great variety in Par 4's and a couple strong Par 3's. Awesome clubhouse includes beautiful dining area, well-stocked pro shop, and expansive banquet and hotel accommodations. Top-notch practice facility and great service/amenities from check-in to the 19th hole. GPS on the carts is a nice bonus. Good value considering the $150 price tag and off-season and twilight rates are great.

The Bad: The green complex conditions were a little disappointing considering the quality of course. The Par 3's are really good but not as memorable as the other holes. Pace of play can be a little bit of an issue.

The Verdict: Ross Bridge is as visually spectacular a course I've played and ranks in my Top 3 golf experiences I've had in my life. A top tier facility in every way. It's a travesty that its not ranked higher by major golf publications.

The Best Hole: The Par 5 1st is one of the best opening holes I've ever played and sets the tone for an unforgettable round.

The Good: The Valley course at RTJ Oxmoor Valley is a nice change of pace to the tough, rugged Ridge course. Starting off with a huge downhill tee shot to a wide fairway, golfers can take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery. Good variety of dogleg Par 4's and some great Par 5's, especially on the closing nine. Nice clubhouse supports all 54 holes and includes a dining area and large pro shop. Good practice facility, especially the amphitheater driving range that is a glimmer of what's to come. Really good value with rates under $80 during peak season.

The Bad: Green complexes could be in better shape. Par 3's are forgettable. Carts lack GPS. The clubhouse restaurant closes in the afternoon and doesn't serve dinner. Our golf trip group found this to be a glaring inconvenience.

The Verdict: While not as interesting a design as the Ridge, The Valley course is a more relaxing, fair test of golf for all skill levels. A great "second day" course for those partaking in a golf marathon.

Best Hole: The short Par 5 12th is a great hole that requires a drive over water. Depending on how much of the dogleg is chewed, a "go for broke" approach must avoid water again!

The Good: Oxmoor Valley is one of the first RTJ sites, built around a former US Steel mining area and you can sense the "quarry" feel on the Ridge course. Significant elevation changes and rugged terrain is the course's trademarks, with severely sloped fairways and extreme green undulation. Good course conditions and slick greens. Fun variety of Par 4's, one excellent Par 5 in particular, and a good group of Par 3's. Nice clubhouse supports all 54 holes and includes a dining area and large pro shop. Good practice facility, especially the amphitheater driving range that is a glimmer of what's to come. One of the better value courses I've played in a long time with rates under $80 during peak season.

The Bad: Green complexes could be in better shape. Carts lack GPS and the yardage markers are lacking. The course rarely has an even lie which can be difficult for the high handicapper. The clubhouse restaurant closes in the afternoon and doesn't serve dinner. Our golf trip group found this to be a glaring inconvenience.

The Verdict: The Ridge is the strongest of the two regulation courses at Oxmoor Valley and a unique golf course in the Birmingham area. Fun, very challenging and favors the fade!

Best Hole: The Par 5 3rd is the most demanding hole on the course and is the best of the 54 holes at the Oxmoor Valley complex. Requires three great shots and an approach to a green atop a huge rock cropping.

The Good: Pursell Farms is an incredible 3,500 acre facility about an hour southeast of Birmingham. The resort centers around FarmLinks, the 18-hole Hurdzan/Fry golf course that is one of their best public designs in the US. Rugged track with severe elevation, yet extremely fair, this course has some of the most fun Par 5's, strong Par 5's (particularly on the front half), and a Top 3 best foursome of Par 3's that I've ever played. Great course conditions and good, large greens that only have slight undulation. Nice clubhouse that has a small dining area, while there is an extremely nice resort area that has multiple restaurants and lodging options. One of the better driving ranges you'll find at a public course. Excellent staff and great value considering the quality of course.

The Bad: Greens were a little slow and the surrounding complexes weren't in great shape, mostly impacted by a tough winter. Overall the design is fantastic, but some of the Par 4's on the back nine tend to blend in or are too similar. Course had us tee-off on the back nine which was odd.

The Verdict: One of the best hidden gem courses in the country. Undoubtedly should get consideration for Top 100 public lists and worthy of high Alabama state rankings. One of the most fun, fair courses you will ever play.

Best Hole: The Par 3 5th has one of the biggest drops from tee-to-green that I've played. Unfortunately I didn't take enough club...twice.

The Good: Beautiful semi-private country club complex near the airport is dubbed as "The Best of Sarasota Golf" and the course doesn't disappoint. Has a Magnolia Lane feel as you drive into the complex with huge parkland style trees for a Floridian course. Ron Garl design is 27-hole complex (played holes 1-18) has plenty of room off the tee but challenging approach shots. Superb Par 5's, good variety in Par 4's, and solid Par 3's (particularly on the opening nine). Very nice course conditions and excellent greens that can pose reach problems if not on your game. Fantastic off-course amenities includes beautiful clubhouse, nice driving range and separate restaurant facility (although only open to non-members on certain day/times). On-course staff is very accommodating. While within a large residential community, you never feel like you're playing within a bunch of condos. Good value for overall quality of course and country club-esque experience (especially if after 11am).

The Bad: No GPS is a bummer given the price tag. Some of the Par 4's have awkward driving angles due to large sentinel or overhanging trees. While I didn't personally experience, several members of my total group felt the staff acted as though as non-members we were a nuisance and the members were snobbish. Pace of play was a serious issue for an afternoon weekday round.

The Verdict: A unique, beautiful parkland style course in western Florida is arguably the best course in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. If it weren't for being treated like outcasts, would recommend even higher.

Best Hole: Of the 1-18 holes, the medium length Par 4 9th has a peninsula green approach that is tough!