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RTJ Golf Trail is next for Shanks and the Boys

Monday March 20, 2006 | 14:14:43 391 words, 1192 views
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In addition to our 3-4 day mini-trips that we take throughout the year to Williamsburg or Pinehurst, the boys and I have gotten into the habit of taking one big trip per year, usually lasting one week or longer. And I should point out at this time that the lovely and wonderful Mrs. Shanks is verrrry understanding of my need for such golfing adventures.

After sandwiching a couple of drive & play trips to the Masters around a 2-week foray to the links nirvana of Scotland over the last few years, this year eight of us are flying south to the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama for 9 days in early April. I’m not quite sure how we settled on this destination for 2006, but we have been aware of the Trail ever since it opened in 1992. I’ve always heard nothing but good things about it and am anxious to get a first-hand look at it myself. Several of the courses have held professional events from the LPGA & Nationwide Tour and the newest of them – Ross Bridge – is hosting its first Champions Tour event in May.

The Trail is set up for easy access by locating the course clusters very near the interstates. We will focus on the center of the state to keep the driving to a minimum as well as limiting ourselves to just one motel switch. What that means is we’re only going to see approximately half of the Trail. The combinations other than what we are doing seem endless – you could play the top half of the state, the bottom half, the Eastern half or Western half. Or you could take 2-3 weeks and play them all! Yeah, right.

Several of the the Trail locations actually have some high-end accommodations at or near the courses. My group prefers to forego the nice amenities since we don’t spend much time in our rooms. We will stay at nearby chain motels and put that little savings into sampling the local nightlife. My man Tim McDonald from this very website has given me some dining tips for the region. I hope he knows what he’s talking about. Otherwise the guys will be all over me. The trip starts in 10 days and, frankly, it’s hard to think about anything else. I guess everyone has their cross to bear.

Comments:

Comment from: Bill M. [Visitor]
I will be interested to hear how your trip goes. I am part of a group that has taken an early spring trip for several years. We typically arrive Thursday, play 36 holes both Friday & Saturday, then 18 on Sunday before heading home. We have so far not tried the RTJ Trail since we like to play several courses, and like you, do not want to pack up and relocate several times. Please provide an update after your trip - I think there are several folks out here who might have an interest.
Permalink 03/21/06 @ 09:30
Comment from: Shanks [Member] Email · http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/shanks
Bill, I will definitely report on how the trip goes - probably several reports. Since I'm the planner of my group, I've researched the Trail from a logistics point of view and there are a couple of areas there that would easily accomodate your normal itinerary while allowing you to stay in one hotel/motel.

The Capitol Hill location near Montgomery has 3 18-hole tracks all by itself with another 63 holes within an hours drive. Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham has 2 18-hole courses with the new Ross Bridge layout just 3 miles away and another 27 holes within an hours drive. And that doesn't count the world-class par 3 short courses.

Permalink 03/21/06 @ 10:27
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Muntgumry and Burmanham Y'All! Get it right Shanks.
Permalink 03/23/06 @ 05:47
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Waffle House for breakfast, Cracker Barrel for lunch and Sonny's Real Pit BBQ for dinner. Y'All save some bucks and eat real good Ya hear?
Permalink 03/23/06 @ 05:52
Comment from: Shanks [Member] Email · http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/shanks
Dude, most of my group will be eating breakfast/lunch at the course grills. As they are prone to late nights with a few cocktails, getting up early for breakfast is not something we plan on.
However, for the couple of us do enjoy a leisurely morning meal, it will be at Cracker Barrel instead of Waffle House, if at all possible. That competition is not even close!
Permalink 03/23/06 @ 08:08
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Don't forget to stop by the Cheetah III in Atlanta for lunch one day.
Permalink 03/24/06 @ 04:36
Comment from: Beau [Visitor]
The Delta Queen Steamboat is on the Trent Jones Golf Trail. With a little help from the cruise line it could be a great way to play the trail in northern Alabama and have your room move from course to course. As it is now in a 7 day voyage from Chatanooga, Nashville, or Birmingham you can play 3 of the tracks close to the stops the boat makes. Florence AL.and Decator Al. are schedules ports with a little planning and a night a wawy from the boat you can play 3 or 3 different courses.
Permalink 03/25/06 @ 17:24

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