This week I will be in Florida for a few days playing golf. On the way home, I’m planning on stopping to play one of the courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. This has long been a goal of mine to play at least one of the courses spread throughout the state at eleven different locations. All the courses were designed by the famed architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
What is The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail?
The Trail is the single largest golf course construction project ever. In the late 1980’s, Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, needed a way to diversify the assets of the state’s pension funds and help the state of Alabama.
The idea he developed emerged using golf as a vehicle to boost tourism, draw retirees and enhance economic growth. What Bronner envisioned wasn’t a small-scale project but a grand vision which involved 378 holes of golf spread around the state at eight different sites. Even crazier, he wanted all 378 holes of golf to be constructed at the same time!
Bobby Vaughan, former director of golf at Tanglewood in Clemmons, NC, was brought in. He formed the SunBelt Golf Corp, which brought in leading experts in the golf industry to develop, construct and manage the entire operation. The idea of creating accessible, quality, value along with world class service in the public golf space was on its way to becoming a reality.
Robert Trent Jones, Sr., one of the all-time great golf course architects, was offered the project. He jumped at the opportunity and exited his semi-retirement. Jones designed or redesigned over 500 courses worldwide with numerous courses in the top 100.
In 1992, the first eight sites opened with 378 holes encompassing 100 miles of golf.
In 2005, construction on two new sites was completed expanding the Trail to 10 different locations. Additionally, the Lakewood Club underwent renovations and was expanded to 36-holes becoming the 11th location. In total, The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail over 400 holes of golf.
Each course is different and presents championship caliber golf for golfers of all abilities. Course yardage is as short as 4,700 yards up to as long as 8,200 yards. There can be as many as 12 different tee boxes between the shortest tees to the championship tees.
The tee markers embrace a different philosophy. They are not defined by age or gender. They are set for ability level
Dr. Bronner’s dream has been hugely successful. The RTJ Trail is a world-class golf destination. No golf venue in the world offers the incredible golf available on the RJT Trail all designed by one of the greatest golf course architects in history.
As always, be thankful when you play. Be grateful for the privilege and opportunity to play this amazing game. Now, go golf!
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