The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a series of 26 courses in 11 locations across Alabama based on the designs of legendary American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.
The courses have become a powerful tourism marketing tool for Alabama. It is interesting in the history of the courses that the State retirement system primarily funded them starting 30 years ago. The courses include design characteristics from Robert Trent Jones but vary greatly depending on different topography from more level coastal locations in the south to more mountainous regions in the north. All courses have 6 tee positions to make the course as challenging as you think your game is.
The connection between these courses provides a powerful branding opportunity individual courses might be able to do. They even have a phone app that easily schedules tee times and tracks GPS images on each course. They offer an RTJ Trail Card, which can be purchased, and provide discounts on tee times. It is well worth it if you plan to play several courses by purchasing the Trail Card. The RTJ courses do not provide onsite lodging as many resorts do, so part of planning to play several courses requires you to find other lodging accommodations nearby. Playing some of these courses was an item on my bucket list of golf travel experiences, and I was able to schedule four days during which I could play three locations and five rounds in the northern Alabama section of the trail.
