Alabama is home to some of the best public golf courses in the country, offering a mix of scenic beauty and challenging layouts.
The top five courses are Ross Bridge, FarmLinks at Pursell Farms, Kiva Dunes, Capitol Hill – The Judge, and Silver Lakes.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes each course special.
Ross Bridge (Birmingham)
Course Overview
Ross Bridge, located in Birmingham, is a standout on the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, known for its beautiful design and demanding play.
This course has earned a reputation as a top-tier destination for serious golfers and has hosted professional tournaments, cementing its status as a must-play.
Its combination of challenging holes and stunning landscape makes it a unique experience in Alabama's golfing scene.
Course Layout and Features
Stretching over 8,191 yards, Ross Bridge is one of the longest golf courses in the world, offering a layout that challenges even the most experienced golfers.
The design includes varied elevations, with sloping fairways and greens that demand precision and strategic shot placement.
The course is designed to test every aspect of a golfer's game, from powerful drives to controlled short-game play.
Scenic views are a major draw, with beautiful vistas of lakes, waterfalls, and rolling hills that enhance the experience.
Every hole seems to offer a new perspective, whether it’s a sweeping view of the natural landscape or a water hazard that adds both beauty and difficulty.
The course features wide fairways, but strategic bunkering and water hazards are placed in ways that require thoughtful shot selection.
What to Expect
Golfers should be prepared for higher green fees, averaging around $162, but the overall quality of the course makes it worth the price for those looking for an exceptional golfing experience.
Ross Bridge is known for its immaculate course conditions, with greens and fairways that are consistently maintained to a professional standard year-round.
Managing the long yardage can be daunting, so it’s important to focus on maintaining consistent shot accuracy.
The elevated greens and hazards can add complexity to your approach shots, so club selection is key.
For golfers who thrive on strategy, the varied elevation changes and challenging hole layouts provide an engaging test.
Why Play Ross Bridge
Ross Bridge is perfect for competitive golfers seeking not just a challenge, but a scenic and memorable experience.
The course’s combination of length, elevation changes, and beautiful surroundings make it a unique play for golfers who want to test their skills on one of the longest and most visually striking courses in Alabama.
Whether you're planning a serious round of golf or looking to take in the stunning scenery, Ross Bridge delivers on all fronts.
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms (Sylacauga)
Course Overview
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga is frequently recognized as one of Alabama’s best-designed golf courses.
Located within a luxury resort, it offers more than just a round of golf—it's an ideal destination for a golf getaway.
The course is known for its thoughtful design, stunning natural surroundings, and variety of terrain that cater to golfers of all skill levels, making it a unique experience in the heart of Alabama.
Course Layout and Features
FarmLinks is famous for its diverse layout, which combines rolling hills, wooded areas, and open fairways, keeping golfers engaged with a mix of challenges.
The design thoughtfully incorporates the natural landscape, requiring players to adapt their strategies as they move from one hole to the next.
One of the course's standout features is the par-3 5th hole, which boasts a dramatic elevation change that not only tests your shot accuracy but also offers incredible views.
The varying elevations throughout the course make for a dynamic and unpredictable play experience, rewarding golfers who can adjust their approach to the changing terrain.
Water features, wide fairways, and strategically placed bunkers are interwoven throughout the course, adding both aesthetic appeal and challenge.
Players should expect to use every club in their bag, as the diverse layout will require creativity and strategic shot selection.
What to Expect
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms offers more than just golf; it provides a complete resort experience.
Whether you're there for a weekend retreat or a golf-focused vacation, you’ll enjoy the serene setting and luxurious amenities that go hand-in-hand with your time on the course.
In addition to championship-level golf, guests have access to top-tier dining, lodging, and outdoor activities, making it an excellent choice for a golf getaway.
The course's variety of terrain means that strategy is key to managing your round.
For example, the elevation changes require precise club selection and a solid understanding of how different elevations affect ball flight.
Expect to make adjustments based on the wind and the slope of the fairways, especially when approaching elevated greens.
While the course is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, those who embrace strategy and patience will get the most out of their play.
Why Play FarmLinks
FarmLinks is perfect for both casual golfers looking for a relaxing resort-style experience and serious players wanting to challenge themselves on one of Alabama’s top courses.
Its combination of a luxury resort setting, diverse terrain, and thoughtfully designed holes makes it a destination worth visiting.
Whether you're there for a day on the links or a full vacation, FarmLinks offers an unforgettable golf experience in a peaceful, picturesque setting.
Kiva Dunes (Gulf Shores)

Course Overview
Kiva Dunes, located in Gulf Shores, offers a unique coastal golf experience that blends a links-style design with stunning Gulf Coast views.
Designed by former professional golfer and architect Jerry Pate, this course provides a scenic yet challenging round for golfers of all skill levels.
Its combination of strategic elements and natural beauty consistently earns it a spot among Alabama’s top public courses.
Course Layout and Features
Kiva Dunes spans over 7,092 yards, and its layout takes full advantage of the natural coastal environment.
The course design incorporates wide fairways with large, undulating greens that demand precision on approach shots.
Coastal winds are a significant factor here, adding an extra layer of difficulty that forces players to think carefully about each shot.
The shifting winds can turn an otherwise straightforward hole into a strategic challenge, making club selection critical.
Water features are prominent throughout the course, particularly around the greens and along the fairways.
These hazards require golfers to carefully plan their shots, balancing risk and reward at several points throughout the round.
The overall design strikes a balance between challenge and playability, allowing golfers to enjoy the coastal scenery while still testing their skills.
What to Expect
Kiva Dunes is consistently ranked as one of the best public golf courses in Alabama, and for good reason.
The course is well-maintained year-round, ensuring that fairways and greens are in excellent condition regardless of the season.
Golfers should be prepared for the coastal winds, which can shift quickly and significantly alter how each hole plays.
Adjusting to these conditions is crucial for a successful round.
To navigate the water hazards effectively, approach shots need to be carefully calculated.
Playing conservatively on certain holes can help avoid costly mistakes, while more aggressive golfers might take advantage of the risk-reward opportunities the course presents.
Overall, it’s important to remain flexible with your game plan, as the conditions can change unexpectedly.
Why Play Kiva Dunes
Kiva Dunes is a must-play for golfers who enjoy a scenic yet strategic round.
The combination of Gulf Coast views, links-style design, and the added challenge of coastal winds makes it an engaging and enjoyable course.
Whether you're a local or visiting the area, Kiva Dunes offers a memorable golfing experience that combines natural beauty with a thoughtful layout.
If you appreciate the mix of strategy and coastal scenery, this course will not disappoint.
Capitol Hill – The Judge (Prattville)
Course Overview
Capitol Hill's The Judge, located in Prattville, is one of the standout courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Famous for its breathtaking views of the Alabama River, this course offers a dramatic and challenging experience for golfers.
Its reputation as one of the more demanding courses in Alabama makes it a favorite among skilled players looking for a serious test of their abilities.
Course Layout and Features
The Judge is renowned for its water hazards, which come into play on many holes, making for a consistently challenging round.
The course begins with a memorable opening hole that offers sweeping views of the river and sets the tone for the rest of the round.
The layout is a mix of tree-lined fairways that require accuracy and open holes that showcase the river and surrounding landscape.
As you navigate the course, you'll face elevated tee boxes, undulating fairways, and well-protected greens that demand strategic shot planning.
One of the unique aspects of The Judge is the way water is integrated into nearly every hole.
Whether it’s along the fairways or guarding the greens, the presence of water hazards makes for a more technical and mentally challenging game.
Players need to approach each hole with a plan to avoid these traps while staying mindful of the course’s natural beauty.
What to Expect
The Judge is best suited for competitive and experienced golfers, as the course's difficulty level can be daunting for beginners.
The combination of water hazards, tight fairways, and long distances between holes makes it a course that requires precision and patience.
Expect to adjust your strategy frequently, as each hole presents unique challenges related to its terrain and proximity to the river.
To navigate the course effectively, it’s important to play smart around the water hazards.
Staying conservative on certain holes can save strokes, while more aggressive players may find reward by taking on some of the riskier shots.
Additionally, golfers should pay attention to wind conditions, particularly on the open holes near the river, as these can affect ball flight and overall strategy.
Why Play The Judge
The Judge at Capitol Hill is ideal for golfers who want to test their skills in a visually stunning environment.
Its combination of strategic water hazards, challenging terrain, and beautiful river views make it one of the most rewarding courses in Alabama.
For those who appreciate a tough, competitive round in a picturesque setting, The Judge is a must-play.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your game or simply enjoy a day of golf surrounded by natural beauty, this course delivers a unique and memorable experience.
Silver Lakes (Gadsden)
Course Overview
Silver Lakes, located in Gadsden, is a notable part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and is admired not only for its challenging design but also for its remarkable recovery after a tornado.
The course features three distinct nine-hole courses, offering golfers a variety of options and experiences with each visit.
Known for its elevation changes and beautiful landscapes, Silver Lakes is a go-to destination for golfers seeking both challenge and variety.
Course Layout and Features
One of the unique aspects of Silver Lakes is the ability to combine its three nine-hole courses—Mindbreaker, Heartbreaker, and Backbreaker—into different 18-hole configurations.
This variety ensures that each round can feel fresh and different, even for regular players.
The layout across these courses includes dramatic elevation changes, rolling hills, and scenic views, with each course presenting its own set of challenges and character.
The rolling terrain and elevation shifts make course management crucial.
Players must carefully navigate their approach shots on elevated greens and be prepared for downhill or sidehill lies throughout their round.
Silver Lakes tests a golfer’s adaptability, as each nine-hole segment offers a different type of play.
From tight fairways to wide-open spaces with panoramic views, it has a little something for everyone.
What to Expect
Silver Lakes is particularly appealing to golfers who enjoy variety, as the ability to mix and match the three nine-hole courses keeps each round dynamic.
The course conditions are consistently excellent, with well-maintained greens and fairways that highlight the natural beauty of the area.
Given the layout’s rolling hills and dramatic elevation changes, expect a physically demanding round, with numerous elevation challenges that can affect your club selection and ball flight.
To handle the course’s topography, it’s essential to use thoughtful club selection and have a solid understanding of how elevation impacts distance and trajectory.
The dramatic sightlines on some of the elevated tee boxes may also require adjustments to your typical playing strategy.
Mastering the changing elevations is key to scoring well here.
Why Play Silver Lakes
Silver Lakes is ideal for golfers who appreciate variety and scenic, mountainous terrain.
Its rotating course combinations, stunning views, and challenging elevation changes make it a great option for repeat visits.
Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a new challenge or a casual golfer seeking a visually appealing round, Silver Lakes provides a unique and rewarding experience on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Conclusion
Alabama’s public golf courses offer a wide range of experiences, from coastal views at Kiva Dunes to the dramatic elevation changes of Silver Lakes.
Each of the five courses highlighted provides its own unique challenges and scenic beauty, making them must-play destinations for golfers of all levels.
No matter where you play, these courses promise a memorable round in one of the South’s premier golf states.