Highland Oaks Golf Course

"This facility is one of eight that make up the Robert Trent Jones Trail through Alabama. It has three nine hole courses that are played in three eighteen hole combinations. In addition, the club has a nine hole par 3 course. All of the regulation courses play basically the same. They are typical Robert Trent Jones' designs that feature many large sand bunkers and large undulating greens. These two factors, plus the woods, make solid course management a must. These courses were built on gently rolling terrain, but what is unique about the Highland Oaks Course is its three totally different topographies: wide-open fairways, lots of water coming into play and dense areas of moss-covered hardwood trees. The number one handicap hole on the Highlands Course is #3, a 457-yard, par 4. It is a very intimidating hole that requires a tee shot over water and you need to save enough distance to make an approach shot over more water to a large, domed, and undulating green. The Marshwood Course has many uphill and downhill shots over natural shrubs. Hole #6, a 701-yard, par 5, requires a blind tee shot. Even from the men's tee, the hole plays 616 yards. The secret to this hole is carrying the fairway bunkers and getting some downhill roll in order to place your second shot. Ask the starter for a tip sheet to give you some idea on how to play each hole on the regulation courses. The Magnolia/Highland Course was rated by "Golf Digest" as the 6th "Best Public Course" for 1996, and 6th among the "Top 75 Affordable Golf Courses" for 1996. In addition, "Golf Digest" rated the Marshwood/Magnolia Course 31st best among the "Top 75 Affordable Courses" in their 1996 list of "America's Best Golf Courses Everyone Can Play." A senior discount is offered for all courses Monday through Thursday before 9 AM. You can walk the courses, but pull carts are not allowed. While tee times are taken up to forty-five days in advance, there is a small charge per person if you book more than seven days in advance. Fridays are subject to the weekend green fees. Special "trail passes" are sold that reduce the cost of green fees. If you have a AAA card, each of the clubs will provide a fifteen percent discount off green fees and merchandise in the pro shop. A special for eighteen hole play is offered after 3 PM. For more information or tee time reservations call (800) 949-4444."