Golf is one of the most enjoyable sports of all. One that can be played by people of all ages and of various skill and experience. It is also a great way of socialising and getting to know people. A day out on the golf course on a warm sunny day is an experience that cannot be matched. IMPORTANT: Just be sure to avoid UV damage by using a high SPF sunscreen product.
For residents and also visitors to Birmingham, Alabama, the choice of public golf courses in and around the city are practically endless. But let us try to help you find the right one, here’s our pick of the top public golf courses in the area.
1: Limestone Springs Golf Course
Located just 30 minutes from the city, Limestone Springs is highly rated by golf experts, and is a full 18-hole championship course. Quite challenging, situated in the Appalachian Mountains, you will find some excellent and interesting elevation changes to deal with. This Jerry Pate designed course is almost 7000 yards in total length. Booking is essential at what is ranked by many as the best public course in the state. You’ll find more than adequate facilities here.
2: Bent Brook Golf Course
A 24 mile drive from the center of Birmingham is Bent Brook Golf Course. A popular course offering three 9-hole courses that caters to all levels of experience. Bent Brook has been in operation since 1988 and justly recently went through some high standard renovations. A preferred course is the Windmill Course. Bent Brook offers excellent opportunities for overcoming obstacles as well as being picturesque and pleasant place to play. Check out the other available courses too.
3: Highland Park Golf Course
If you are looking for a course where traveling from Birmingham is a problem, Highland Park sits right in the heart of the city and is another very popular course in the region. This 18-hole course sets in the rolling parkland and a course that has recently had $4.5 million lavished on it. Highland Park is a great place to hone your skills. It attracts beginners and veteran golfers alike. With friendly staff on hand to help and rates that are very reasonable indeed, this is the most convenient course for locals.
4: Timberline Golf Course
If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, you might want to check out Timberline Golf Course. It’s a highly rated destination some 38 miles from the center of Birmingham. Many who play there testify that it is very much worth the trip. It’s another design by Jerry Pate, who is known for his expertise in creating excellent playing conditions. This 18-hole par-71 course stretches to 7000 yards and is continually ranked among the top 10 best courses in Alabama. Well-kept, picturesque and with excellent shade and rolling fairways, it’s a lovely place to spend some time.
5: Woodward Golf Course
Located in the town of Bessemer, just 13 miles and a short drive from Birmingham, Woodward Golf Course is a very popular course that offers both public and private conveniences. The location makes it a great destination right off I-59 and its 18-hole par-71 layout stretches just over 6500 yards. Popular with locals and visitors, it’s also suitable for all levels of skill and experience. This course is certainly worth checking out.
6: Ballantrae Golf Club
One of the most popular courses in Alabama is to be found at Ballantrae Golf Club. It’s located 25 miles outside Birmingham and reachable by major routes for your convenience. This 18-hole course is set in a lovely location with beautiful rolling fairways and a challenging set of obstacles. This is a course where many people who visit a couple of times join the club since it is a semi-public one with some private facilities. Excellent rates and a well-kept course mean you can enjoy an excellent round of golf just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
7: Don A. Hawkins / Roebuck Municipal Golf Course
This 18-hole course with a length of little over 6300 yards is a par-71 municipal course. This course welcomes all levels of experience and skills. It’s popular with newcomers to the sport because it is limited in challenges and makes for an excellent practice course. Good facilities and its convenient location, located in Jefferson County and is a short 13-mile drive from the center of Birmingham, makes Roebuck Municipal Golf Course a good choice especially if you are new to the area.
8: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
This golfing complex, situated just 12 miles from the center of Birmingham, is certainly worth a visit for the many courses and options it has to offer. Four 18-hole courses ranging from length of around 3300 yards, the Short Course, to 8200 yards for the Ross Course, provide a great deal of challenges and diversity in a picturesque location. There’s a specific course to cater to each level of experience. Three courses are par-72 with the Short Course being a par-54. Novices should stick to the par-54 on their first visit. No matter which course you choose, they are all impeccably maintained. The very popular Robert Trent Jones courses also have very reasonable rates.
That’s 8 of the very best golf course in and around the Birmingham area. If you wish to find more, there are in fact over 20 municipal and public courses within easy driving distance of the city. Most are very popular. Golf is a big sport in Alabama and attracts more people every year, so we would advise you to book a tee time in advance at whichever course you decide to visit.
The wonderful landscape of the Appalachian Mountains and other regions of the area lend themselves perfectly to golf, and you will find them among the most attractive you will ever visit.
Dust off your golf clubs and gear, get in shape and take your pick of the many wonderful courses within easy reach of Birmingham.