Michigan Golf Journal January 2018

D ue to the influence of the Appalachian Mountains to the east, northern Alabama is very hilly and sometimes mountainous – making for great golf and other outdoor activities for visitors from the Midwest. The Robert Trent Jones Trail is a well-documented collection of 26 golf courses designed by the legendary architect and crew of the trail’s namesake. It was developed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama with a goal of making money for its membership’s pension fund but to also add golf courses in various communities that would spur additional economic activity around them. Mission accomplished. Here is one recommended golf itinerary in the northern one- third of the Heart of Dixie State: Goose Pond, Lakes Course in Scottsboro: Situated near the Tennessee River, water can be seen from all 18 tees at Goose Pond’s Lake Golf Course, but most are for show. Only in a handful of times does water become a hazard on the layout so it’s more for aesthetics – and that’s okay. Favorite stretch: holes 13-15. The 13th is the signature par 3 that has a forced carry over a small inlet of water – a portion that’s connected to one of the many marinas that enter Guntersville Lake. The 14th is a par 4 that goes uphill and makes a sharp right turn downhill to the green and more views of the hundreds of docked boats. The 15th hole is a long par 5 that runs along a Tennessee River tributary on the right, with a pond in play near the elevated green on the left. Par on any of the three holes is a great score. On-property waterfront cottages make for nice overnight accommodations and Guntersville Lake is well known for excellent bass fishing. Hampton Cove, Highlands Course in Huntsville: Hampton Cove is settled in a highland area that’s surrounded by mountains on all four sides, making for excellent panoramic views of the area, littered with a nice mix of sand bunkers and water hazards. NORTHERN ALABAMA GOLF LANDSCAPE LIKE NORTHERN MICHIGAN BUT WITH A LONGER SEASON ________________________________________________________________BY TOM LANG Travel: RTJ Trail