| Photo by Michael Clemmer |
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Water features and stonework add upscale
touches to the Robert Trent Jones Golf
Trail's Ross Bridge Golf Course.
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Many flattering words have been justifiably used to describe Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, but, historically, upscale hasn't been one of them.
That's beginning to change thanks to new sites like the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort near Birmingham. Its Ross Bridge Golf Course, the only single-course site on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, is also the Trail's longest and most upscale operation.
Sporting a stadium-golf look that sets it apart from all other layouts on the Trail, Ross Bridge Golf Course was built to host tournaments, and it began doing just that for the Champions Tour's Regions Charity Classic in May of 2006.
Spanning some 330 acres, Ross Bridge Golf Course was built on a grand scale with impressive contours. Many holes have a majestic look as the playing field is framed by hillsides, water, towering pine trees, and several holes ramble through their own little valleys. Two large lakes punctuate the game, and an elaborate cascading waterfall unites the ninth and 18th greens. Handsome stonework, a gristmill (now serving as a comfort station) and arched bridges further lend rich, visual touches to the routing.
Though its enormous fairways and target landing areas suggest a resort setup, Ross Bridge Golf Course is not necessarily an easy test, particularly if it's taken from the back tees, which stretch to 8,191 yards, making it among the top-five longest courses in the world.
That may be one reason rounds can be very slow here, the one caveat to keep in mind. Even when carts can enter the fairways, players have to do a good bit of walking up and down hills.
It's true that the Ross Bridge Golf Course commands the highest green fee on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, but at $75 to $110 (including golf cart), it remains true to the spirit of value upon which the Trail was founded.
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