Golf On the RTJ Trail

(Par 4 #3 Highlands at Highland Oaks)

Last Wednesday I left frigid Pennsylvania to fly to Panama City Beach, Florida for a few days of golf with a buddy of mine. The first few days in Panama City Beach contained weather not much better than the weather I left behind in Pennsylvania. It improved on my last day in Florida to a pleasant low 50’s day. Thankfully, the last day of golf, the one day outside of Florida, turned out to be the best day of the trip.

As I mentioned last week, I planned on playing Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama my golf partner and I drove back to Pennsylvania. We packed up his truck, stopped for some glorious homemade biscuit breakfast sandwiches and donuts and set out for Dothan, Alabama about 100 miles north.

The drive to Dothan followed rural roads winding through some rolling farmland and vast undeveloped areas. I was surprised to find, minus the mountains, southern Alabama contained similar rolling farmland as some places in Pennsylvania.

We easily found the entrance to Highland Oaks. The entrance road meandered through a development before reaching the clubhouse. The homes we passed indicated we were going to experience something special.

Highland Oaks features three nine-hole courses (Highlands, Magnolia and Marshwood) and the Short Course, a nine-hole par-3. We booked Magnolia and Highlands and were not disappointed.

The pro shop staff greeted us warmly and informed us we had been paired with a husband and wife (Bill and Amy) who played there regularly. The pro told us they were very nice people. Following a warm-up at the massive range, chipping area and putting green, we headed off to the first tee.

Our playing partners were already at the tee speaking with the starter. After introductions, we strode to the first tee.

I have always enjoyed meeting new people on the golf course. With some exceptions, I generally have a good time when paired with new people. Bill an Amy made the day even more enjoyable. They were informative about the course, the area and both played pretty well. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better pairing, and the pro undersold how truly nice and gracious they were.

How about the course?

Magnificent.

Magnolia winds through rolling terrain surrounded by Magnolia trees. No water holes exist on the Magnolia, but the bunkering, terrain and green complexes made up for the lack of water. Bill kept saying the greens were slow. If they were slow, I don’t want to see them when they are rolling at normal speed. In some cases, areas of the greens would have been similar to Pinehurst #2 if they were any slicker.

The Highlands filled similar terrain only white pines lined the fairways instead of Magnolias. Several holes featured water including the par-4 third hole which features a tee shot across water to an angled fairway. A true risk-reward hole where you can try and cut across as much of the water as you dare. Succeed, you have a wedge in your hand for the second shot. Play safe, you are left with mid to long iron into a difficult green. Definitely my favorite hole on the course.

One of the best things about the course is the tee setup. The different color markers are set at distances based on ability level. The starter will help you determine which set of tees you should play based on your ability. It is a great concept, and I wish more courses would implement it.

The biggest surprise?

While I expected the course to be amazing, I did not expect to fall in love with southern Alabama. The course delivered as expected, but I was blown away by the terrain and beauty of the land in southern Alabama. I will definitely be back again.

I found Highland Oaks challenging, beautiful and fun. Golfers of all abilities will find it enjoyable and fair. Because it lived up to my expectations, I will be back. And I can’t wait to visit some of the other great courses on the RTJ Trail.

As always, be grateful when you play. Be thankful for the privilege and opportunity to play this amazing game. Now, go golf!