If you’re looking for the best golf courses near Birmingham, AL, five standouts offer a mix of championship pedigree, scenic layouts, and options for both public and private play.
Shoal Creek, Ross Bridge, the Country Club of Birmingham, Greystone’s Founders Course, and Highland Park are the top picks worth your time.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each of these courses unique.
What Makes Golf Near Birmingham Stand Out?
Golf around Birmingham stands out because it offers more than just great courses—it delivers a full experience that blends natural beauty, historical significance, and a strong golfing culture.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking for a memorable round while visiting, the area provides a surprising variety of high-quality options within a relatively small geographic area.
Diverse Terrain, Ideal Climate, and Rich History
The landscape in and around Birmingham plays a big role in shaping its golf scene.
Courses here take advantage of rolling hills, mature tree lines, and natural water features that elevate both aesthetics and difficulty.
You're not looking at flat, repetitive layouts—each course presents something different, whether it’s dramatic elevation changes, tricky green complexes, or fairways shaped by the land rather than against it.
Pair that terrain with Alabama’s moderate climate, and you’ve got a long golf season.
Spring and fall are especially appealing, with cooler mornings and colorful surroundings that make each round feel special.
Even in summer, early tee times help players beat the heat without sacrificing playability.
Historically, Birmingham has been part of the broader Southern golf tradition, with several courses dating back to the early 1900s.
This heritage contributes to a strong local golf culture that values both course design and the social side of the game.
Long-standing private clubs coexist with accessible public venues, making the sport part of everyday life for a wide range of players.
Accessibility and Golf Tourism Appeal
Birmingham’s location makes it especially convenient for golf travelers.
It's easily accessible from major cities across the Southeast, with a well-connected airport and interstates that bring in players from Atlanta, Nashville, and beyond.
For those planning golf-focused getaways, the city offers a practical balance: high-quality courses without the congestion or price tags of larger golf destinations.
In recent years, Birmingham has grown as a stop on the golf tourism map thanks to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, particularly the Ross Bridge course.
The Trail itself is a major draw for out-of-state visitors, and Birmingham serves as a central hub with hotel, dining, and entertainment options that round out the travel experience.
A Range of Options for Every Kind of Player
What really sets Birmingham apart is the mix of course types available.
On one end, you have private clubs like Shoal Creek and the Country Club of Birmingham offering exclusive, high-end experiences rooted in tradition and elite course design.
These aren’t just places to play—they’re curated environments where members enjoy a certain standard of service, conditioning, and prestige.
At the other end, public courses like Highland Park and Ross Bridge show that you don’t have to be a member to enjoy world-class golf.
Highland Park, with its downtown location and affordable rates, makes the game accessible without sacrificing quality.
Ross Bridge, part of the state-supported RTJ Trail, provides a championship-level challenge in a resort setting that’s open to anyone with a tee time.
This balance between private and public access means that whether you're a member, a tourist, or a local looking for a weekend round, there's a course nearby that fits your preferences—and your budget.
Golf in Birmingham isn’t just about where you play. It’s about how the environment, community, and course variety come together to create a region worth returning to, round after round.
Shoal Creek Club – Championship-Caliber Tradition
Shoal Creek Club isn’t just one of the top golf courses near Birmingham—it’s one of the most respected private clubs in the country.
Located southeast of the city in a quiet, wooded setting, it’s a place where tradition, exclusivity, and world-class golf converge.
A Legacy of Design and Difficulty
Jack Nicklaus designed Shoal Creek in 1977, and from the beginning, the course was built to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.
Its layout was intentionally challenging, shaped to test even the most precise shotmakers.
With a total length of 7,400 yards, a par of 72, a course rating of 76.2, and a slope of 145, it’s clear this course isn’t about casual play—it’s a proving ground.
The routing takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and greens that require thought on every approach.
Even seasoned players find they need to bring both accuracy and course management to get through a round without penalty.
In short, this is not a course that lets you fake your way around.
Exclusive, Private, and Purposefully Understated
As an invitation-only club, Shoal Creek maintains a level of exclusivity that few other courses in the region can match.
Membership is tightly controlled, which allows the club to preserve its elite atmosphere and keep pace-of-play high and course conditions pristine.
If you’re not a member or the guest of one, playing here isn’t an option—something that only adds to its mystique.
This controlled access also supports immaculate upkeep.
Shoal Creek is known for some of the best playing surfaces in the South, with greens that roll true and fairways that feel like carpet.
Maintenance here isn’t just routine—it’s part of the identity.
A Proven Championship Host
Shoal Creek’s tournament pedigree is another key marker of its reputation.
The club has hosted several major events over the years, including the PGA Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open.
These aren’t minor tour stops—they’re headline tournaments that demand the highest standards in course setup and infrastructure.
For those who care about golf history, Shoal Creek holds a unique place. Hosting these kinds of events has only strengthened its standing, drawing comparisons with some of the finest private clubs in the country.
Why It Matters
If you're considering Shoal Creek for business, sponsorship opportunities, or even potential membership exploration, you're not just evaluating a golf course—you're entering a carefully maintained environment designed for high-level experiences.
Everything about the club, from the quiet location to the polished operations, reinforces that it's built for serious golfers and serious networking alike.
For most players, Shoal Creek isn’t just out of reach—it’s out of the public eye.
But for those who get the opportunity, it offers a golf experience that’s as demanding as it is rewarding, and one that consistently ranks among the best in the United States.
Ross Bridge – A Public Marvel on the RTJ Golf Trail
For those looking to experience elite-level golf without the limitations of private membership, Ross Bridge delivers one of the most impressive public golf experiences in the Southeast.
Situated in Hoover, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham, this resort-style course is part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail—and it fully lives up to the brand’s reputation.
One of the Longest Courses in the World
At over 8,000 yards from the back tees, Ross Bridge ranks among the longest golf courses in the world.
That kind of length means this isn’t a course you can overpower without consequence.
The Par 72 layout rewards players who can combine distance with accuracy, but it also offers multiple tee boxes to keep the game approachable for a wider range of skill levels.
Despite its length, the course doesn’t feel repetitive or forced.
It stretches across rolling terrain with dramatic elevation shifts that add character and variety to nearly every hole.
The long par fives feel truly epic, and even shorter holes can play significantly differently depending on the wind and pin position.
A Public Course That Feels Like a Private Resort
Although it’s fully public, Ross Bridge is part of a resort property, which elevates the overall experience.
From the moment you arrive, the service, facilities, and conditions reflect a level of polish more commonly associated with private clubs.
It’s not just about the golf—the resort atmosphere includes a luxury hotel, spa services, and high-end dining, making it a strong option for golf trips, corporate outings, or extended weekend getaways.
Course conditions are consistently excellent. Greens are expansive and fast, with subtle breaks that demand focus.
Fairways are well-kept, and the landscaping blends natural beauty with thoughtful design.
Water features come into play on several holes, especially on the back nine, adding both strategic interest and scenic value.
Designed to Challenge and Impress
Ross Bridge isn’t just long—it’s strategically laid out to test every part of your game.
The elevation changes add complexity to club selection, and the large greens often require careful lag putting even when you hit the surface in regulation.
While you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy it, this course clearly caters to golfers who appreciate a thoughtful, championship-caliber layout.
Still, it’s not punishing. The multiple tee sets ensure that less experienced players or shorter hitters can still navigate the course without frustration.
For more serious players, the full length and intricate hole designs offer a satisfying test of skill and course management.
Why Ross Bridge Stands Out
What makes Ross Bridge truly unique is its ability to provide top-tier golf in an open, accessible format.
You don’t need a member to bring you, and you don’t have to wait for a tournament to see the course in peak shape.
You can book a tee time, show up, and play one of the most memorable rounds in the region.
For out-of-towners, it’s a must-play stop on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
For locals, it’s a luxury-level experience that’s available any time you want to treat yourself to something special.
Whether you're planning a golf-focused trip or just want to play a course that challenges and rewards, Ross Bridge offers a public golf experience that doesn’t feel like one.
The Country Club of Birmingham – West Course Prestige
Tucked into the upscale community of Mountain Brook, The Country Club of Birmingham’s West Course offers a timeless golf experience shaped by decades of design evolution.
It's a private venue that bridges classic architectural roots with modern enhancements—delivering a course that appeals as much to golf purists as it does to players looking for a demanding test.
A Blend of Tradition and Modern Strategy
Originally laid out in 1929 by the legendary Donald Ross, the West Course reflects many of the hallmarks that made his designs iconic: walkable routing, subtle elevation shifts, and green complexes that reward creative shot-making.
But this isn’t just a preserved relic of golf’s golden age. Renowned architect Pete Dye led a series of renovations that introduced more strategic variety and updated the course for modern play without compromising its character.
The result is a blend of old and new—a layout that respects traditional golf values but isn’t afraid to challenge today’s long hitters.
While it retains Ross’s signature emphasis on precision and angles, Dye’s contributions add an extra layer of complexity, particularly around the greens and bunkering.
A Layout That Demands Thoughtful Execution
The West Course measures 7,122 yards from the back tees and plays to a Par 71. Its course rating of 75.2 and slope of 140 tell you what to expect: this is a course that can push even low-handicap players to think through every shot.
It doesn’t beat you up with sheer length, but instead requires strategic play, especially off the tee and into the greens.
Positioning is critical. Fairways often offer multiple lines of play, but only a few will give you a clean look at the pin.
Greens are quick and contoured, with run-offs that penalize poor approach shots or misjudged chips.
It’s a course that rewards course management just as much as physical skill—and that’s exactly why it continues to earn high rankings from publications like Golf Digest.
A Private Experience Rooted in Quality
As a private club, access to the West Course is limited to members and their guests, which helps preserve its pristine conditions and pace of play.
Unlike many modern private courses that emphasize luxury amenities above all, the Country Club of Birmingham leads with its commitment to golf itself.
That said, the club still offers a full-service experience with high-end facilities, making it a compelling option for both serious golfers and those considering membership.
For competitive players, the West Course is a frequent host of regional tournaments and member events, further reinforcing its reputation as a serious golfer’s course.
It’s the kind of place where players come not just to enjoy a round, but to sharpen their game in a setting built for challenge and refinement.
Why It’s Worth Knowing
For decision-makers exploring venues for business golf, networking, or client entertainment, the West Course offers an elite setting backed by historical pedigree and design excellence.
It’s not a flashy, headline-grabbing course—but that’s part of its appeal.
It reflects substance over spectacle, and that makes it one of the most respected golf experiences in the Birmingham area.
If you value thoughtful design, quiet prestige, and a golf experience rooted in both tradition and strategy, the West Course at the Country Club of Birmingham deserves your attention.
Greystone’s Founders Course – Where the Pros Compete
Greystone Golf & Country Club’s Founders Course is one of the premier private golf experiences in the Birmingham area, and it carries the distinction of being a regular host for the PGA Tour Champions’ Regions Tradition.
Located in Hoover, it’s known for both its professional pedigree and its challenging, visually dynamic layout.
Built for Competition and Designed to Test
Originally designed by Bob Cupp with input from U.S. Open champion Hubert Green, the Founders Course was crafted with tournament play in mind.
Stretching to 7,299 yards and playing to a Par 72, it has the length to test today’s power-driven game while also demanding thoughtful decision-making from tee to green.
Its course rating of 76.1 and slope of 142 underscore the level of difficulty.
This isn’t a course that rewards missed shots or passive play.
Elevation changes, tight landing areas, and strategically placed water hazards keep players alert throughout the round.
Rolling fairways often funnel into natural low points, creating uneven lies and forcing careful club selection.
Greens are fast and well-guarded, frequently flanked by bunkers or protected by slopes that punish short-side misses.
Water comes into play on multiple holes, not just as a visual feature but as a real hazard that affects shot strategy—especially on the finishing stretch.
Home of the Regions Tradition
Hosting the Regions Tradition, one of the five majors on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, speaks volumes about the Founders Course’s quality and reputation.
It’s a layout that can be set up for the best senior players in the world, and it consistently delivers competitive drama and fan engagement.
This level of exposure means the course is always kept in peak condition, and it's regularly updated to meet modern tournament standards.
For members and guests, that means you're not just playing a nice course—you’re playing where professionals compete.
That status adds a layer of excitement and credibility for anyone stepping onto the first tee.
A Private Club with a Competitive Edge
As a private facility, Greystone maintains controlled access, offering a premium, low-distraction playing environment.
The club’s membership is active and golf-focused, which has helped sustain a competitive spirit that runs through its events and league play.
For serious amateurs, the Founders Course is particularly appealing. It rewards practice, consistency, and mental discipline.
Many members use it as a testing ground to prepare for state and regional competitions, and its layout encourages the kind of shot shaping and on-course planning that helps players grow their game.
At the same time, amenities at Greystone match the on-course experience.
The club supports both social and competitive golfers with full-service practice facilities, dining, and a calendar of events that blends family-friendly programming with serious tournament play.
Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Radar
If you're looking for a course where you can play the same holes the pros face each year—and do so in a private, refined setting—the Founders Course checks every box.
Its blend of tournament history, architectural challenge, and top-tier maintenance makes it one of the strongest private golf options not just in Birmingham, but in the entire Southeast.
For business leaders, potential members, or competitive amateurs evaluating private clubs, Greystone’s Founders Course stands out as a venue where golf is taken seriously—and every round offers something to learn.
Highland Park – Historic and Approachable Downtown Golf
Highland Park offers a completely different kind of golf experience compared to the other courses on this list—but that’s exactly its strength.
Nestled right in the heart of Birmingham, it combines local history, urban convenience, and an inviting layout that makes it easy to enjoy whether you’re playing your first round or squeezing in nine holes after work.
A Legacy Course with a Modern Feel
Originally established in 1903, Highland Park holds the distinction of being Alabama’s oldest golf course.
Over the years, it’s evolved alongside the city, with a rich history that includes hosting legends like Bobby Jones.
But despite its age, the course doesn’t feel dated.
Recent renovations have refreshed the layout, improved turf conditions, and enhanced aesthetics—all without losing the classic charm that makes it unique.
This combination of historical relevance and modern upkeep gives Highland Park a character few municipal courses can match.
You’ll find mature trees, gentle slopes, and city views that make the setting both scenic and approachable.
Designed for Accessibility and Enjoyment
Highland Park plays to a Par 70 and stretches just 5,801 yards from the back tees.
With a slope of 128 and a course rating of 68.1, it’s intentionally designed to be more forgiving than most championship layouts.
That’s part of what makes it so popular—it’s challenging enough to stay interesting but not so demanding that it turns off beginners or casual players.
The compact design works to its advantage.
Greens are well-protected, but holes aren’t overly long, allowing for quicker rounds and fewer lost balls.
It’s the kind of course where shot placement still matters, but you won’t be punished for not hitting 300-yard drives.
Whether you’re a new player learning the game or a skilled golfer looking to work on your short game and scoring irons, Highland Park offers the right pace and playability.
Convenient, Affordable, and Community-Oriented
Location is another big plus. Being just minutes from downtown Birmingham means Highland Park is one of the most accessible courses in the region.
It’s a favorite among locals who want to get in a quick round without driving out to the suburbs.
Business travelers and tourists staying nearby often find it an easy way to fit golf into a tight schedule.
The course is also known for its affordability.
It’s one of the few places in the area where you can get a well-maintained round in at reasonable rates, often with the option to walk or play twilight hours at a discount.
There’s a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that caters to a wide mix of players—from college students and city professionals to retirees and weekend regulars.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Highland Park may not host PGA Tour events or stretch beyond 7,000 yards, but that’s not what it’s aiming for.
Its strength lies in its balance: historic yet updated, centrally located yet quiet, and friendly without sacrificing quality.
It’s the kind of course that keeps people coming back not for prestige, but for the simple joy of playing good golf in a great setting.
If you’re new to the game, short on time, or just want to enjoy a relaxed round with friends in a scenic downtown environment, Highland Park is an easy recommendation.
It proves that great golf doesn’t always need to be grand—it just needs to be good, accessible, and thoughtfully maintained.
Conclusion
Whether you're after championship-level intensity or a relaxed downtown round, Birmingham offers a course to match your style.
From the exclusivity of Shoal Creek to the public charm of Highland Park, each of these five courses brings something distinct to the table.
Whatever your goals—competitive play, client outings, or weekend escapes—there’s a top-tier option nearby.
