Best Public Golf Courses in Birmingham, Alabama

You don't need a membership to play great golf in Birmingham. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.

Oxmoor Valley - Ridge Course public

Birmingham, Alabama · Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1992) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,055 yards

Part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Oxmoor Valley's Ridge Course is a challenging RTJ Sr. design through the Appalachian foothill ridges west of Birmingham. The dramatic routing features 200-foot elevation changes, panoramic valley views, and bold RTJ Sr. bunkering that make it one of the most scenic and challenging Trail courses.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course200-foot elevation changes through Appalachian ridgesPanoramic valley views west of Birmingham

Green Fee: $40–$70 Rating: 4.2/5

Highlands Course at RTJ Capitol Hill public

Prattville, Alabama · Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,630 yards

Part of the RTJ Trail's Capitol Hill complex south of Birmingham in Prattville, the Highlands Course is the most dramatic of the three courses on the property. The 7,630-yard layout features bold elevation changes, sweeping views from hilltop tees, and RTJ Sr.'s ambitious shaping that creates one of the most visually striking public courses in the Southeast.

RTJ Golf Trail Capitol Hill complexSweeping hilltop views and bold elevation changes7,630-yard dramatic public championship layout

Green Fee: $45–$80 Rating: 4.3/5

FarmLinks at Pursell Farms resort

Sylacauga, Alabama · Hurdzan/Fry (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,444 yards

A Hurdzan-Fry design at Pursell Farms resort south of Birmingham, FarmLinks was originally built as an agronomic testing facility, making it one of the most uniquely maintained courses in America. The 7,444-yard layout through rolling Alabama farmland and woodland features innovative turf varieties and outstanding conditioning.

Built as agronomic testing facility — unique maintenanceHurdzan-Fry 7,444-yard resort designRolling Alabama farmland and woodland setting

Green Fee: $80–$150 Rating: 4.3/5

Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa resort

Hoover, Alabama · Robert Trent Jones Sr. (2005) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 8,191 yards

At 8,191 yards from the tips, Ross Bridge is one of the longest courses in the world and a dramatic addition to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The layout through the Shannon Valley in Hoover features stunning lake views, bold RTJ Sr. shaping, and a resort experience at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Hotel.

8,191 yards — one of the longest courses in the worldRobert Trent Jones Golf Trail flagshipRenaissance resort with stunning Shannon Valley views

Green Fee: $60–$120 Rating: 4.3/5

Best Time to Play

March through May and September through November offer ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Alabama winters are mild enough for year-round play. Summers are hot and humid but manageable with early morning rounds.

Booking Tips

For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is centrally located. Shoal Creek is 30 minutes south. The RTJ Trail's Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge are in the southwestern suburbs. Birmingham's dining scene is exceptional — don't miss the thriving local food culture.

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