About
Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, took the classic movie line, "If you build it, they will come," and applied it to golf. The end result would be the RTJ (Robert Trent Jones) Golf Trail.
Dr. Bronner wanted to attract vacationers and retirees to Alabama and felt golf courses were the ticket. But we're not talking about several courses, but instead, eleven! Adding to this was Dr. Bronner's plan to construct the locations simultaneously.
But these couldn't be your run-of-the-mill varieties, so he hired world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. The courses utilize the various terrains in Alabama to create visually striking and strategically demanding courses.
The Trail would offer 378 holes and over 100 miles of golf, and utilize over 700 pieces of construction equipment. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail became the world's largest golf course construction project done at one time in history!
Two courses, Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley, are 20 minutes from Birmingham, offering world-class experiences for your Alabama getaway. They are also close to landmarks like Red Mountain Park and Oak Mountain State Park, making it easy to plan an action-packed itinerary.
Adding a round of golf at Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley is a must for those wanting to experience (or add to) the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It will be an experience you will treasure.
RTJ Golf Trail: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One unique aspect of the Trail is the tee locations. Instead of traditional settings based on age and gender, all RTJ tees are set based on ability level. Now, let's explore the two courses closest to Birmingham: Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley.
Located in Hoover, Alabama, Ross Bridge holds bragging rights as the longest golf course in the world. With over 8,100 yards, it showcases a monumental layout amidst breathtaking scenery. But don't let its size frighten you! The design is masterfully balanced, ensuring players of all abilities can appreciate the challenge without feeling overwhelmed. Add in the waterfall adjacent to the clubhouse, and you have tranquility that will impress.
Oxmoor Valley is known for its versatility, offering three distinct courses: the Ridge, Valley, and The Back Yard. The Ridge Course takes full advantage of the local terrain with eye-catching elevation, giving players thrilling uphill and downhill shots. The Valley Course has long, flowing fairways requiring technique and finesse. The Back Yard presents a compact challenge, perfect when time is limited.
Beyond the fairways of Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley are plenty of dining opportunities like Pizzeria G.M. and Johnny's Restaurant. Since downtown is close to both courses, you're only minutes from lip-smacking BBQ, artisan fusion, authentic Mexican, and other mouth-watering cuisines.
No matter what level of golfing you're at, playing a round at any of the prestigious Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses is a rite of passage. Scheduling a tee time for Ross Bridge or Oxmoor Valley (or both!) is a must on your Birmingham vacation!
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Birmingham to Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley:
- Head southwest on I-65 S.
- Take Exit 255 for Lakeshore Drive and turn right toward AL-150.
- Follow Lakeshore Drive for 2.5 miles, then turn left to merge onto I-459 S toward Hoover.
- Take Exit 10 to turn onto Highway 150, heading west for 4 miles.
- For Ross Bridge: turn right onto Ross Bridge Parkway and continue for 2.5 miles.
- Address: 4000 Grand Ave, Birmingham, AL 35226
- For Oxmoor Valley: head east from Exit 10, then turn right onto West Oxmoor Road. Continue for 3.5 miles to the entrance.
- Address: 100 Sunbelt Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35211
Local Tips
- Book your tee time in advance, especially during weekends and peak golf seasons.
- The BackYard at Oxmoor Valley has nine holes with no water hazards.
- Check the website for packages and tournaments!
- Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
