By Tim Cotroneo
You may notice a recurring happening as you play golf within the northern tip of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It seems the more courses you play, the more you’ll be smitten by the gracious hospitality of the people working at these beautiful 18-hole layouts.
For golfers scheduling an action-packed six courses in five days getaway, any encouragement, course tip, or reflection will prove to be a treasured keepsake. What golfers new to North Alabama discover is that the folks in this region, known as Jackson County or The Shoals, share a kindness that is as heartfelt as their mama’s biscuits and gravy recipe.
To truly feel the culture and the warmth of the people, then it’s highly recommended to stay the night, break the bread, and explore the North Alabama sites. A southern mix of great golf and good people will deliver an experience you won’t soon forget.
Huntsville and Hampton Cove Golf
In 2024, Huntsville became Alabama’s most populated city. This thriving setting is known for being the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, as well as Space Camp.
The Highlands Course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove in Huntsville is a great way to begin your North Alabama region golf experience. The superb conditions, old mule barn next to the 5th hole, and the water embracing the 18th hole all make for highlights on this course threading throughout an upscale colonial neighborhood.
Best downtown hotel stay: Within walking distance to restaurants, bars, and business, 106 Jefferson Huntsville, Curio Collection by Hilton features a beautiful rooftop lounge with striking views of the city.
Best Huntsville attraction: U.S. Space and Rocket Center, is billed as ‘the world’s largest space museum.” You’ll find interactive displays of rockets, engines, spacecraft, simulators, and hands-on exhibits.
Schoolmaster Golf Course at the RTJ Golf Trail at the Shoals
Scottsboro on Lake Guntersville
Going off the Trail a bit, about a 40-minute drive northeast of Huntsville is to one of the most popular courses in North Alabama – The Lake Course at Goose Pond Colony Resort.
This 7,100-yard course features views of the Tennessee River and sprawling Lake Guntersville from every vantage point. The region surrounding the golf course is a bass fishing mecca. After your round, there’s no better place to dine than The Docks Restaurant. The restaurant owner’s mom is one of the servers, and Linda will sweep you off your feet with personality, charm, and a shrimp and grits entrée that is second to none.
Best resort stay: Cottages at Goose Pond Colony Resort – the lake views, nature, and fishing are all 5-Star.
Best Scottsboro attraction: Unclaimed Baggage, the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage boasting a treasure trove of great values.
Muscle Shoals Golf and Florence Hospitality
In Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic song, “Sweet Home Alabama,” the lyric “Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers” is a quizzical note unless you’ve heard of the studio session band that placed the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio on the world music map. Not only will you find this studio open for tours to the tune of 90,000 visitors annually, it’s where the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, and Alecia Keys all recorded hits. 71-year-old studio guide Terrell has lived and breathed this musical landmark’s history for decades. His stories on the legends who have come through the Muscle Shoal’s doors are captivating and emotional.
Spend at least two or three days in The Shoals and treat yourself to The Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster Golf Courses. These two scenic RTJ Golf Trail layouts each boast yardage stretching to 8,000-yards. Both tracks will challenge golfers with Fighting Joe featuring water on 16 of 18 holes, and Schoolmaster home to 45 sand traps.
Best hotel stay: The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence is smartly positioned overlooking the Tennessee River. This more than 200-room hotel proudly aligns itself with the area’s musical history. Guests enjoy a vintage jukebox in the lobby, and musical performances each evening.
Dining best bet: If you’re staying at The Marriott, take the elevator to the top floor and take in the rotating view at the 360 Grille. The restaurant’s all glass surround means awesome sunrise and sunset views.
Trekking off the Trail in Rogersville, AL
Alabama honored Joe Wheeler, a general in both the confederate and the U.S. Army, with his name donning a state park, a resort, and a golf course at the state park. The General Golf Course is inside a game sanctuary. Golfers will connect with nature on this course sporting elevated greens, abundant forests, and a throng of deer throughout its 7,200-yards.
For one traveling golfer whose driver broke the day before, a congenial course marshal named Gary generously lent him his new Callaway Epic Flash. Score one golfer who is forever grateful for southern hospitality.
Best resort stay: Joe Wheeler Resort Lodge sits on 2,500-acres and hosts a full-service marina, a lodge, cabins, and lakeside cottages.
Dining: Daniella’s Restaurant looks out on the marina. The Friday Prime Rib Buffet and Saturday Seafood Buffet are menu choices that can’t be beat.
Golf, Music, and Hospitality
For those who’ve never played The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, realize this golf escape is comprised of 25 courses over 11 locations. With so many choices, you’ll find Northern Alabama is a wonderful place to jumpstart your golf trek on The Trail.
Not only is there tremendous golf based at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll discover rockets, amazing music, bass fishing galore, and the best in home cooking. There is so much to see, but there is something else that will leave an imprint on your heart.
North Alabama is where you may be lucky enough to encounter Linda the server, Terrell the music historian, and Gary the golf marshal. If you’re hungry for shrimp and grits, love music history, or need a Callaway driver for a day, there is no place quite like Huntsville, Hampton Cove, and The Shoals, Alabama.
This was originally published in Golf Vacations Magazine in October 2024
