Experience the Beauty of Alabama's Public Golf Courses
Golf is Alabama’s favorite sport to enjoy year-round, and there’s no shortage of public golf courses that help you hone your skills. Truth be told, Alabama has its fair share of amazing golf courses that will both challenge and delight even the most seasoned golfer. Bring your A-game to these best public golf courses in Alabama—your first visit won’t likely be your last.
RTJ at Oxmoor Valley, Birmingham, AL
This picturesque golf course will linger in your memories. Full of challenges, rolling landscapes, and history, the course offers 54 holes of varying elevations and skill levels, and you’ll want to stay to play them all. The courses are surrounded by lush tree lines and mountain ranges, so every shot you take also comes with a view you won’t soon forget.
Timber Creek, Daphne, AL
Shapely greens and better-than-average clubhouse fare make Timber Creek a favorite among locals and travelers alike. This 27-hole course is lined by prestigious trees and ponds that are home to area wildlife. There are several challenges throughout the course that golfers of any skill level can appreciate.
Cider Ridge Golf Club, Oxford, AL
Scenic and sophisticated, golfers looking for a challenge will want to play here. Fans love coming here because of the course is well-maintained and presents a new experience every time you visit. There’s no such thing as a bad view here, but visiting in the fall gives you a stunning look at the area’s rich foliage.
Ballantrae Golf Club, Pelham, AL
As one of the most unique golf courses in Alabama, this highlands-inspired course is fit for any royal golfer. Tucked in a sweeping valley and surrounded by woodlands, you’ll feel miles away from the bustle of daily life so you can relax and enjoy your time on the course. You’ll also want to prioritize a stop at the clubhouse, where you’ll find a full bar and reasonably-priced fare.
Rock Creek Golf Club, Fairhope, AL
Impeccably designed and maintained, playing a few holes on this course is truly a treat. Beginners and well-played golfers can enjoy the experience here, thanks to its rolling landscapes and player-friendly layout. They also have an award-winning restaurant on site to sate your appetite after a long round.
Frank House Golf Course, Bessemer, AL
The City of Bessemer’s Frank House Golf Course has a lot going for it: low prices, fun challenges, plenty of tee times (including twilight rounds), and an excellent location that makes playing here enjoyable. Fans love this course because of the friendly staff and low cost, touting it as the city’s best kept secret. You can squeeze in a round of golf here any day of the week.
Oak Mountain Golf Course, Pelham, AL
Part of Oak Mountain State Park, The Oaks is the perfect place for golfers to escape from the city life and take a swing on the wild side. Being in the state park, wildlife may wander onto the course at some point, so every round is an adventure waiting to happen. Players rave about the low prices and variety of challenges on this course.
Goose Pond Colony Resorts, Scottsboro, AL
Don’t be mislead—this golf resort is open to the public and family friendly. Here you’ve got two layouts to choose from: the Plantation Course, an 18-hole Choice of Champions course with Mini Verde greens, and the Lake Course, an award-winning course that attracts both pros and amateurs alike. Either way, you can’t go wrong—every game feels like a vacation.
Cross Creek Golf Course, Cullman, AL
This course lives up to its name—there are water features, creeks, and ponds galore! Players rave about the well-maintained course and pristine landscaping for a public course, so expect nothing but the best here. It’s not overly challenging, but it’s not without its obstacles, either—a perfect blend you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Gateway Golf Course, Montgomery, AL
This nine-hole course is as fun as it is challenging. Touted as one of the most reasonably-priced courses in the area, the course is part of a larger, family-friendly park that offers a little something for everyone, including walking trails, playgrounds, and tennis courts. The area is home to geese and other waterfowl, so don’t be surprised if you have an audience during your round.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Golf is Alabama's favorite sport enjoyed year-round.
- Alabama has many public golf courses for honing skills.
- Best public golf courses in Alabama offer challenges and beautiful views.
- RTJ at Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham offers 54 holes with varying elevations.
- Timber Creek in Daphne has shapely greens and wildlife ponds.
- Cider Ridge Golf Club in Oxford offers a scenic and sophisticated challenge.
- Ballantrae Golf Club in Pelham has a well-maintained course and award-winning restaurant.
- Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope offers a player-friendly layout.
- Frank House Golf Course in Bessemer is affordable and has fun challenges.
- Oak Mountain Golf Course in Pelham is part of Oak Mountain State Park.
- Goose Pond Colony Resorts in Scottsboro has water features and well-maintained landscaping.
- Cross Creek Golf Course in Cullman is reasonably-priced and family-friendly.
- Gateway Golf Course in Montgomery is open to the public.
