RTJ Trail golf scenery

Alabama · AL

RTJ Trail

26 courses, 11 sites, one wild value

ValueBuddiesArchitecture

Best season

Mar – Nov

Mar · Apr · Oct · Nov

Trip cost · per golfer

$1,420–$3,000

5-night trip

Nearest airport

BHM

15 mi · Birmingham

Difficulty

Medium

Handicap 10–36

Overview

Why play RTJ Trail

Embark on an unforgettable golf journey across Alabama, where the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offers world-class golf at incredible value, boasting diverse layouts that challenge and delight every skill level amidst scenic Southern charm.

Top courses

Best golf courses in RTJ Trail

Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.

#1

Ross Bridge

Design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · Par 72 · 7,820 yds

A magnificent track featuring 18 holes of championship golf carved into the Appalachian foothills, known for its extensive bunkering and water features. Play the appropriate tees for your handicap; the course is long and unforgiving from the back.

ChallengingLinks-style with American parkland influences$125–200
#2

Grand National – Links Course

Design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · Par 72 · 7,311 yds

Renowned for its dramatic layout alongside Lake Saugahatchee, offering stunning views and a demanding test of golf. Don't be distracted by the beauty; focus on club selection, especially on windy days.

Moderate to ChallengingTrue links-style with open fairways and strategic bunkering$90–160
#3

Capitol Hill – Judge

Design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · Par 72 · 7,813 yds

A spectacular course with significant elevation changes and waterfront holes along the Alabama River, offering exhilarating golf. Beware of the elevation changes; shots play longer downhill and shorter uphill.

ChallengingTraditional parkland with dramatic elevation changes$90–160
#4

Cambrian Ridge – Sherling/Canyon

Design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · Par 72 · 7,097 yds

A diverse combination of two nines, offering wide-open fairways on Sherling and dramatic canyon views on Canyon. This combo offers great value and a good mix of challenges for all skill levels.

ModerateVaried, from open parkland to rugged canyon$75–125

Stay & play

Where to stay in RTJ Trail

Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Resort

A luxurious resort offering elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and direct access to the Ross Bridge golf course.

Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National

Resort

Located directly on the Grand National courses, this resort pairs Southern charm with top-tier amenities and golf.

Prattville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill

Hotel

Conveniently located near the Capitol Hill courses, offering comfortable accommodations and excellent dining options.

Courtyard by Marriott Greenville

Hotel

A reliable and comfortable option near Cambrian Ridge, offering modern amenities for a relaxing stay.

Off the course

Things to do in RTJ Trail

Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

History & Culture

Explore the pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement through compelling exhibits and artifacts.

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

Nature & Wildlife

Discover a diverse collection of animals from around the world and learn about Alabama's native wildlife.

Chewacla State Park

Outdoor Recreation

Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking in a beautiful natural setting near Auburn.

Capitol Hill

History & Culture

Tour the historic Alabama State Capitol Building and the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery.

Talladega Superspeedway Tour

Sports & Entertainment

Experience the legendary NASCAR track with a guided tour of the grandstands, pit road, and Victory Lane.

Itineraries

Sample itineraries

Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arrive & warm up

    Land at BHM, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at JT's Restaurant.

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Round 1 — Ross Bridge

    Morning tee time at Ross Bridge. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Bass Pro Shops’ Uncle Buck’s FishBowl & Grill.

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Round 2 — Grand National – Links Course

    Morning tee time at Grand National – Links Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Cork & Cleaver.

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Round 3 — Capitol Hill – Judge

    Morning tee time at Capitol Hill – Judge. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Central.

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Final round & departure

    Early tee time at Cambrian Ridge – Sherling/Canyon, light lunch, then transfer back to BHM.

Budget

Budget breakdown · per golfer

Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.

Lodging
5 nights · $203/nt
$1,015
Golf
4 rounds · $120 avg
$480
Food & drink
~$110/day
$550
Ground transport
Rideshare + cart fees
$300
Flights
Search Skyscanner for live fares
Variable
Estimated total · per golfer$2,345

Season

Best time of year to visit RTJ Trail

Southern

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season

When to book: 1-2 months out

Dining

Where to eat in RTJ Trail

From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.

JT's Restaurant

$$

American

Located at Ross Bridge, offering upscale American cuisine with beautiful views of the golf course.

Southern Oak

$$$

Southern

A fine dining experience at Auburn Marriott Opelika, focusing on fresh, local ingredients with a Southern flair.

Bass Pro Shops’ Uncle Buck’s FishBowl & Grill

$$

American

A fun, family-friendly restaurant and bowling alley located near Montgomery, offering casual American fare.

Cork & Cleaver

$$$

Steakhouse

A classic Montgomery steakhouse known for its aged beef, extensive wine list, and sophisticated ambiance.

Central

$$

New American

A popular farm-to-table restaurant in Montgomery, featuring creative dishes and a lively atmosphere.

W.C. Watson's

$

American

A local favorite in Greenville, offering hearty American comfort food in a casual setting.

After dark

Nightlife in RTJ Trail

Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.

Rhythm & Brews

Live Music Bar

A lively bar in Opelika featuring live music, craft beers, and a vibrant atmosphere popular with locals.

Aviator Bar

Cocktail Bar

A sophisticated cocktail bar in Birmingham offering unique drink creations and a chic setting.

The Exchange @ Renaissance Montgomery

Hotel Bar

A stylish hotel bar offering premium spirits, fine wines, and a relaxed ambiance for evening unwinding.

Tee times

Book tee times in RTJ Trail

Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.

FAQ

RTJ Trail golf trip FAQs

What is the best time of year to golf in RTJ Trail?

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Mar – Nov (Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov). Southern

How much does a golf trip to RTJ Trail cost?

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Plan on $1,420–$3,000 per golfer for a 5-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.

What airport should I fly into for RTJ Trail?

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BHM, about 15 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via Birmingham.

How many days should I plan for a RTJ Trail golf trip?

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5 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 4 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.

Is RTJ Trail good for buddy trips?

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Yes — popular with Buddies, Value seekers, Bachelor party. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.

Ready to book

Book your RTJ Trail golf trip

Lock in tee times on GolfNow, secure your stay on Booking.com, or let our AI planner build the entire itinerary for your group in under a minute.

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Trip snapshot

Destination
RTJ Trail, AL
Best months
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Length
5 nights
Per golfer
$1,420–$3,000
Fly into
BHM

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