My Golf Vacation

The Fighting Joe Course at The Shoals in Muscle Shoals, Alabama is one of the most challenging and visually striking layouts on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., this 18-hole championship course sits high above Wilson Lake along the Tennessee River and is known for its dramatic elevation changes, sweeping water views, and bold, modern-style design.

Stretching to more than 8,000 yards from the back tees, Fighting Joe is widely regarded as one of the longest golf courses in the United States. It features wide, rolling fairways, deep bunkering, and expansive greens that demand both distance and precision. While it can be extremely demanding from the championship tees, multiple tee boxes ensure the course remains playable and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, offering a more strategic and approachable test from forward positions.

The course is especially memorable for its closing stretch, where elevated greens and panoramic lake views create a dramatic and scenic finish. With its combination of length, elevation, and water-lined vistas, Fighting Joe delivers a true championship experience and stands out as one of the signature challenges on the RTJ Golf Trail.