My Golf Vacation

The River Course at Hampton Cove in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama offers one of the most distinctive golf experiences on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course was developed on a former soybean field situated along the flood plain of the Flint River. Rather than dramatically reshaping the terrain, the design was created to work with the natural lay of the land, giving the course a broad, open appearance and a traditional links-style character rarely found in the Southeast.

The River Course is famously the only course on the RTJ Trail built without bunkers. Instead of sand hazards, the challenge comes from the natural features of the property, including wetlands, water hazards, native grasses, and towering oak trees that line many of the fairways. These massive oaks create strategic sightlines and force players to carefully position tee shots and approaches throughout the round. Combined with the constant influence of wind across the open terrain, the course demands thoughtful shot-making and strong course management.

While the wide fairways make the River Course more forgiving off the tee than the neighboring Highlands Course, the large undulating greens and strategically placed water hazards still require precision and touch around the putting surfaces. Multiple tee boxes allow golfers of all abilities to enjoy the course, whether seeking a relaxed resort-style round or a more demanding championship experience. The relatively flat terrain also makes the River Course one of the most walkable and player-friendly courses on the RTJ Trail.