My Golf Vacation

The Lake Course at Grand National in Opelika, Alabama is widely regarded as one of the crown jewels of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course sits along the shores of Lake Saugahatchee and incorporates water into nearly every hole, creating one of the most scenic and memorable golf experiences in the Southeast.

The layout is known for its combination of natural beauty and strategic design, featuring rolling fairways, dramatic bunkering, elevation changes, and expansive greens that place a premium on both shot placement and course management. While the fairways are generally generous off the tee, approach shots require precision due to the course’s heavily contoured greens and frequent water hazards. Multiple tee boxes allow golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the course, whether looking for a relaxed resort round or a demanding championship test.

Several holes on the Lake Course stand out as signature moments on the RTJ Trail, particularly those that hug the shoreline and force players to decide between conservative approaches or aggressive shots over water. The back nine is especially memorable, with sweeping lake views and dramatic finishing holes that showcase the natural setting surrounding the property.

Grand National has earned national recognition for both its conditioning and design, and it continues to host top amateur and collegiate events throughout the year. Combined with outstanding practice facilities, nearby resort accommodations, and the vibrant Auburn-Opelika area, the Lake Course delivers a complete golf vacation experience and remains one of the most popular destinations on the RTJ Golf Trail.