The Regions Tradition Tournament returned to Birmingham earlier this month after a year off, and golf aficionados around town could exhale again. Held from May 5 to May 9 at Greystone Golf and Country Club, this annual tournament drew 81 PGA Tour players this year. And its impact goes deeper than just four days of golf – since 1992, the tournament has generated more than $19 million in donations to charities around Birmingham.
Every year after the Regions Tradition Tournament, a slew of folks get inspired – understandably so – to hit the links themselves. And even if you still want to socially distance, golf can provide that, as well as a healthy dose of both Vitamin D and exercise. You can also buddy up and schedule tee times with friends across Birmingham’s golf courses, enjoying a leisurely Saturday on the fairways and greens. Here are five golf courses around Birmingham where you don’t need a membership to play – just the want, the will, and the time.
Ballantrae Golf Club| Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,310
Ballantreae was designed by internationally renowned golf course architect Bob Cupp and “is known throughout the Birmingham region as a ‘fast, fun, and friendly’ public golf course of 18-championship holes,” according to its website. After you play 18 holes, you can eat at the Fireside Grill on the property.
Highland Park Golf Course | Holes: 18 | Par: 70 | Yardage: 5,801
The oldest golf course in Alabama recently underwent a million-dollar renovation in 2019 which modernized golf course bunkers and putting surfaces. Known for its picturesque views of the Birmingham skyline and historic homes in the neighborhood, the course “is fun and encouraging for novice golfers, yet enticing enough for skilled golfers,” its website says.
Oak Mountain Golf Course | Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,748 – 5,615
Located in Oak Mountain State Park, The Oaks is an 18-hole championship course designed by Earl Stone. This course allows you to see wildlife as you play and has been repeatedly rated by Golf Digest to be among the top 50 to 75 public courses in the United States. Its website calls the course “challenging and affordable,” and after you play, you can dine at the onsite restaurant, The Grille.
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa | Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 8,191
This expansive course spans 330 acres and is a premier course on the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. In addition to top shelf golf, there’s also a 12,000-square-foot full-service spa and salon onsite, overnight accommodations if you choose to make the day a staycation, and a clubhouse restaurant.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Oxmoor Valley
Short Course – Holes: 18 | Par: 54 | Yardage: 3,360
Ridge Course – Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,055 – 4,974
Valley Course – Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,055 – 4,974
The Oxmoor Valley course – designed by Robert Trent Jones – offers three sets of links to accommodate those who want to golf leisurely and those who are golfing on the go. “Sculpted from the peaks and valleys of the Appalachians, the courses offer scenic forests, numerous creeks, and challenging elevation changes,” the course’s website says.
