Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail…if you play golf you have undoubtedly heard of The Trail. It’s so popular that many other golf courses have copied the name and now you can find Golf Trails all over the country. But none can compare to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama offers many of the finest courses you will find anywhere and wonderful weather is pretty much guaranteed throughout the year.

The RTJ Golf Trail has earned nearly universal acclaim, winning accolades and awards from numerous golf and tourism magazines. It has transformed Alabama into one of the world’s top golf destinations. The reasonable green fees and the bang for the buck led the Wall Street Journal to declare the Trail as one of the best bargains in America.

If you have never had the opportunity to play one of the RTJ Golf Trail courses, you are missing out on something special. It doesn’t matter which course you experience, you will not be disappointed. One thing I can say without a doubt is that all of The Trail Courses are a Must Play. Some may be more Scenic than others but all will be in excellent condition and leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Oxmoor Valley, Birmingham

Oxmoor Valley holds the distinction of being the first Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail site to open (May 1992). Featuring 54 holes of incredible golf located just minutes from downtown Birmingham. The two championship 18-hole golf courses (Ridge Course and Valley Course) and an 18-hole par-3 Short Course were built on former mining land owned by U.S. Steel. Sculpted from the peaks and valleys of the Appalachians, the courses offer scenic forests, numerous creeks, and challenging elevation changes.

“The Ridge course is, by far, the more popular layout here at Oxmoor Valley,” says Robert Whitt, the head professional at Oxmoor Valley. “The rolling terrain, large bent grass greens, and scenic vistas certainly lend themselves to an incredible experience. It is truly a special course that many request on their return visit.”

From the get-go, on the Ridge, you will get a sense of the roller-coaster ride ahead. The par-4 first tee is high above the fairway and gives you a birds-eye view of the dramatic elevation change ahead and the undulating fairway. Get used to these fairways, which are aesthetically appealing and provide many memorable photo ops.

The Ridge Course Holes to Come Back For

Hole #1 – Par 4

The view from the top makes this a come-back hole. Take your tee shot down the middle on the slight dogleg left opening hole. Be sure your approach carries all the way to the green. Any shot short will roll back toward the fairway.

Hole #3 – Par 5 – Signature Hole

The par-five third hole, the Signature Hole, is cleverly designed as your tee shot must be hit to a peninsula-like fairway. The green, off in the distance, is raised from the fairway and is supported by a shelf of exposed shale rock and a few reclaimed railroad ties. This par 5 is a one-of-a-kind hole. Pars are to be celebrated on the 3rd and birdies are possible.

Number 8 – Par 3

Hole #8 – Par 3

Hole Number 8 is a downhill par-3 that plays one or two clubs shorter than the listed yardage. The wind is a major factor in club selection, you don’t want to be short or long. The tee shot must carry a pond. Because of its downhill nature, you don’t need as much club as the distance would normally indicate. This is a fun hole to play as you watch a well-struck tee shot go pin-seeking. A hole-in-one is always possible.

Hole #12 – Par 5

Long hitters can reach the par-5 twelfth hole in two. The left fairway is a bit shorter but much narrower. Staying right of center is best for your tee shot. Favor the center of the left side of this extremely deep green with your approach as the right side falls off sharply.

Final Thoughts

One thing you can count on with any of the Robert Trent Jones Trail Golf Courses…it doesn’t matter where the course is or how small or large the city is, the golf will be First Rate. If it’s on The Trail, it is a Must Play Course.

Oxmoor Valley is no exception, you will not be disappointed with a round here.

For more information about Oxmoor Valley and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, visit: https://www.rtjgolf.com