Abbey Algiers for Golf Oklahoma Magazine

Look no further than Alabama for golf and fun, on and off the RTJ Golf Trail and Spa Trail.

When it comes to golf trips, it seems men and women have different ideas of what makes for a good time. Obviously great courses & lodging, and affordability rank high for all. But when it comes to women planning girls' golf getaways, a golf trip calls for a few more “like-to-haves” such as spa services, hotels with lifestyle amenities (fitness center, spaces to relax or work), great food, and culture. In addition, it’s a bonus when golf courses, hotels, and attractions are easily accessible. A golf trip is no time for hassles.

Women want a getaway that makes them feel like they’ve gotten away. The perfect place for this? Alabama, where the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail draws in thousands of golfers each year and southern hospitality, great food & drink, and unique experiences bring them back.

Come for the golf, stay for the lifestyle.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Alabama twice in the past year with fellow golf writers. During these trips, we played courses both on and off the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, sampled Alabama’s food and drink, and stayed at world class resorts and boutique hotels. In addition, I learned about Alabama’s art and music scene, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. All of these elements make Alabama an ideal spot for a girls’ golf getaway.

Why Alabama? Let’s Start With the Trail

Alabama has become a destination spot for golfers worldwide, thanks to The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The Trail consists of 25 courses at 11 locations throughout Alabama and was created over 30 years ago by Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama to increase tourism to the state.

Regardless of your Handicap, You’ll Feel Comfortable Playing RTJ Courses

Many of the courses along the trail sites have hosted major PGA, LPGA, and other tournaments, but don’t let that be intimidating. Each RTJ course offers multiple tee boxes catering to golfers of all abilities. (Some RTJ courses have as many as 12 tee box options!) This means a golfer can choose their box based on ability - not gender or age.

In addition, the Trail has multiple short (par 3) courses, such as 18-hole par 3s at Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Grand National in Opelika, or Magnolia Grove in Mobile. Fun fact: The Short Course at Magnolia Grove was named “The Best Par-3 Course in America'' by Golf Digest.

9-hole par 3s are found at Silver Lakes in Gadsden, Highland Oaks in Dothan, and the new Back Yard at Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham, The Back Yard was designed with the young junior golfer and beginner in mind and can be played within an hour. The best part might be its fire pit for post-round drinks and laughs.

The RTJ Trail… Convenience, Affordability, and Great Golf

The nice part about a golf trip to Alabama is the strategic and convenient placement of courses on and off the Trail. (The average drive time between RTJ course locations ranges from 1.5 - 2.5 hours.) Plus, there are plenty of activities off the trail, as each course is strategically located close to Alabama cities and attractions, as well as other great public courses.

Better yet, golf in Alabama is affordable - the WSJ has called The Trail "biggest bargain in the country.” In addition to its already reasonable rates, trail cards, plus travel packages offering golfers provide additional discounts.

It’s a Golf Trail and a Spa Trail - The Perfect Combination!

Finding accommodations along the trail is easy, thanks to the RTJ Golf Trail Resort Collection. All hotels in the collection offer elegance and relaxation, perfect for a girls getaway, but 6 of its hotels comprise the RTJ Spa Trail. An RTJ Spa Trail Card makes the experience even more affordable.

So Many Choices… Let’s Start with Mobile

In addition to the RTJ Trail courses, Alabama has a variety of public courses throughout the state. With so many choices, it helps to choose a city as a launching pad for golf and fun.

Our group chose Mobile, a charming and historical city that’s undergoing a renaissance. We stayed at the Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa, an RTJ Spa Trail property with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, 3 onsite restaurants, a tennis court and many amenities and extras such as a fitness center with top of the line TechnoGym equipment. Last but not least, if you’re looking for the ultimate spa experience… you’ll find it here.

Across from the Battle House is Las Floriditas - a Cuban themed speakeasy designed to look and feel like the original El Floridita in Cuba. (Be sure to come with the password!) Nearby is Dauphin’s, known for its flavors of French Creole and fresh catch of the day, and gorgeous views of downtown Mobile and Mobile Bay from its perch on the 34th floor of the Trustmark Building.

The dining options really don’t stop in Mobile. If I were returning on a girls’ trip, I’d definitely come back to Felix’s Fish Camp - our group had a blast, thanks to the relaxed vibe, live music, views and amazing food. For off-the-beaten path entertainment try some local recommendations such as Greer’s St. Louis Market for happy hour on the rooftop patio, or Callaghan’s Irish Social Club for nightly live music and greasy cheeseburgers, or The Haberdasher for craft cocktails, wine, or beer. Speaking of burgers, don’t miss Mobile’s Oldest Restaurant, The Dew Drop Inn and finally, head to the Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar for a truly unique dining experience in a historic home in the Oakleigh Garden District (with homes dating to the 1700s) brought to you by renowned Chef Jim Smith.

Mobile and Golf are the Perfect Combo

On the golf end, the RTJ Courses at Magnolia Grove are just a twenty minute drive from downtown Mobile. Magnolia Grove offers three courses - The Crossings, The Falls, and their Short Course. It was easy to see why Magnolia Grove was recently named one of the "Top 50 Public Courses" by Golf World Magazine readers, and Golf Digest named Magnolia Grove in their "Places to Play" as two of the nation's Great Value Courses and "America's Top 50 Affordable Courses."

Golf and More at the Grand Hotel

Just about a half hour out of Mobile find The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. This historic beachfront property has attracted generations of repeat guests since opening its doors in 1847. Beyond its two 18-hole championship RTJ Trail golf courses (the Dogwood and Azalea), The Grand offers numerous amenities - a 20,000 square foot spa with 12 treatment rooms, plus four styling, manicure, and pedicure stations. Nine dining and bar options mean leaving the property is optional, and for more activity, hit one of the ten tennis courts with LED lighting, two championship croquet lawns, or the 11 pickleball courts. Nearby Mobile and Pensacola airports offer direct flights from 20 cities.

Read Abbey's article in its entirety in Golf Oklahoma Magazine here.