Alabama's Unique Golf Trail Combines Affordable Player-Friendly Courses With Excellent Southern BBQ

For the , dreaming of where their next tee time is always top of mind. They may set their sights on courses in a tropical paradise, such as Hawaii, or in ritzy enclaves, such as New England's dazzling golf coast, made up of over 40 courses. Some enthusiasts may also travel to budget-friendly Wisconsin, ranked the best state for public golf by Golf Digest. Little do they know that the  holy ground for football, is also an unlikely epicenter for the game.

Alabama has earned its reputation as a golf destination thanks to foresight and investment by state leaders who created the astonishing , many of which offer picturesque views. Add to the fact that Alabama is part of the region's "" with its of  and you have the fixings for quite a vacation. 

, was to boost economic development, the retirees' coffers, and tourism. It was an idea conceived by the organization's chief executive officer, Dr. David Bronner. That's why these and are within a three-hour drive of one another, reachable by interstate highways.  For those flying round-trip or using one-way flights for different airport arrivals and departures, , is your best bet if you plan to stay in central Alabama. The top-rated Huntsville International Airport, with its short security lines and an on-site hotel, is an option for And, Atlanta, Georgia, which is home to the world's busiest airport with many direct flights, is just a

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is by prolific architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., with each area including at least one 18-hole course. The and : the Hampton Cove at Huntsville, Oxmoor Valley at Birmingham, Silver Lakes near Anniston, Grand National in Auburn-Opelika, Capitol Hill at Prattville, Lakewood Club in Point Clear, The Shoals in Muscle Shoals, Cambrian Ridge at Greenville, Highland Oaks at Dothan, and Magnolia Grove at Mobile. Newer to the mix is which  

Where to start, how many courses to try, and where to make that final putt is up to you, but know that the  For starters, you can group Grand National and Capitol Hill as a pair for your trip. that reward golfers with stunning views and potential gaffes, Grand National has two championship courses, Lake and Links, and a shorter executive course. Lake is notable for its hard-to-carry fairway bunkers, elevated greens, and a 230-yard 15th hole with an island green. Capitol Hill is a sprawling location with three 18-hole courses, including the Senator, known for its pot-hole bunkers and towering mounds. Note that's .

You can also   means there are scenic forests, creeks, and many elevation changes. But some take refuge at where teeboxes have (adult) beverage holders and rocking chairs circle a fire pit at the first hole. Bring extra balls to Ross Bridge's 18 holes, where big hills, fairways, and pedestal greens may swallow up your shots. Whatever pairing you land on, each stop on the trail promises unforgettable play and scenery.

The idea that you won't break your piggy bank playing some of the best golf courses of your life is hard to resist. Lucky  Non-residents can save with , such as paying $85 per day for two or more days of winter golf at select courses, including a cart and range balls. That   (at time of writing). Be sure to check the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail official site for the latest prices and announcements. Not only does it list every hole on the championship courses, but it also details options for nearby dining and lodging, ranging from Hampton Inns to Renaissance resorts. Trail amenities  can facilitate travel ease. The trail doesn't provide 

When hunger strikes after a day of golfing, definitely seek out some post-round Alabama barbecue.  is popular for  (it's near RTJ's  and  sites). Another must-visit is a joint    Its Meat Boss Cottage Hill in Mobile got a plug on last year when host Guy Fieri stopped by the restaurant (close to ). He highlighted its Boss burger, a brisket patty topped with cheddar cheese and caramelized "rib candy." The  also does a brisk business in  No matter where your round leads you, rounding it out with authentic Alabama barbecue is the perfect finale.