Ross Bridge - The Best of the Trail

This last summer Glen, myself and our wives had the opportunity to play Ross Bridge Golf Course in Birmingham, Alabama . This course is definitely one of the best courses I have ever played in my life. From tee to green the beauty is unrivaled. The quality of the design - unmatched. This is without a doubt the Jones Family's crowning jewel.

Though the price may seem a bit steep, it is worth every dime you spend. Not only was the course the nicest we played on the Trail, but the Renaissance accommodations were over the top. From the doorman to the cart boy - they treat you like royalty. The little things sometimes make a trip so much better and their attention to detail was precise. The concierge, Lisa, suggested that we try a little local food so we got reservations to The Bright Star. We were treated to a fantastic seafood dinner while seating in the Bear Bryan booth. If you are ever considering a trip to the RTJ Trail, Ross Bridge would be a perfect way to finish any trip. 

Birmingham-to-the-Bay Stops on a RTJ Golf Vacation

I'm starting my Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail vacation in Birmingham at Ross Bridge Resort, then heading south to Lakewood Golf Club on Mobile Bay. Is it worth the price to play both courses at Lakewood or should I go to nearby Magnolia Grove to play its Crossings and Falls courses?

Yes, we would recommend playing one of the courses at Magnolia Grove in lieu of playing both at Lakewood. Here's why:

First, you'll get a nice change of scenery and topography. Second, you're going to Alabama to play the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, right? Well, neither Robert Trent Jones nor any of his design associates did any of the work at Lakewood, as it wasn't originally part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Yes, the original layout there, called the Old Course, was designed in 1947 by the great Perry Maxwell (who did Oklahoma's Southern Hills, site of three US Opens and Four PGA Championships), but rather than keeping the grand Old Course intact, Lakewood mixed and matched it with two additional nines, by Joe Lee in 1966 (to form the Dogwood Course) and Ron Garl in 1986 (to form the Azalea Course). continued...

By: Craig Better of GolfVacationInsider.com