My Golf Vacation

Alabama welcomes the newest addition to The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Ross Bridge. Beautifully carved into the rolling terrain of Shannon Valley, these 18 holes will challenge even the best golfers. Named one of Zagat’s top new courses, Ross Bridge hosts the Regions Charity Classic, a PGA Champions Tour event each May.

The course meanders through indigenous landscape and around the 259 room Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. Ross Bridge is the third longest course in the world but offers multiple tees for golfers of all levels. Symbolic of an old parkland style course, ten holes play along the banks of two signifi cant lakes connected by a spectacular waterfall dropping 80 feet between the ninth and eighteenth greens. A gristmill added to the waterfall refl ects the history of this old mining site. The beauty and challenge of each hole leads many to believe there is not one signature hole but possibly eighteen.

Like many other Trail courses, the par three holes are incredible. Considerable elevation change combines with water or other natural obstructions to get your attention. Large putting surfaces provide many tempting pin locations that will test golfers’ approach shots. Number seventeen, a long par four, plays to a small, well guarded green. Water frames the right side of this down-sloping hole. In the background is a picturesque view of the ninth and eighteenth holes with the waterfall tumbling between. Seven offers a par five that traverses a ridge high above the rest of the course. The ninth will leave you speechless as it is time to decide how daring you are off the tee. A split fairway allows for either a short challenging route or safer but long hole. Regardless if it is a par three, four or fi ve, Ross Bridge stands ready for your game!