RTJ Golf Trail Grand National
Experience 54 holes of championship golf on the RTJ Trail, featuring stunning water views and challenging designs like the famous island green.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
RTJ Golf Trail Grand National
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience 54 holes of championship golf on the RTJ Trail, featuring stunning water views and challenging designs like the famous island green.
"What an awesome course. Best one we played at."
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot on the popular courses, especially the Lake Course, by booking tee times well in advance.
⛳️ Choose Your Challenge
Links Course is tough; Short Course is fun but challenging. Pick based on your handicap!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lake Course's Island Green
Lake Course, Hole 15
The iconic par-three 15th hole on the Lake Course features a stunning island green, offering breathtaking views and a memorable challenge.
Links Course Challenge
Links Course
A demanding test for golfers of all skill levels, the Links Course is celebrated for its strategic design and beautiful integration with the natural landscape.
The Short Course Fun
Short Course
Don't let the name fool you; this par-3 course is a blast with a surprisingly challenging back nine, perfect for a quick, enjoyable round.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Understand Course Difficulty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot on the popular courses, especially the Lake Course, by booking tee times well in advance.
⛳️ Choose Your Challenge
Links Course is tough; Short Course is fun but challenging. Pick based on your handicap!
☀️ Play During Cooler Hours
Mornings and late afternoons offer the most comfortable playing conditions, especially in warmer months.
👍 Great Staff & Amenities
Expect friendly service and good bar food to complement your round. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot on the popular courses, especially the Lake Course, by booking tee times well in advance.
⛳️ Choose Your Challenge
Links Course is tough; Short Course is fun but challenging. Pick based on your handicap!
☀️ Play During Cooler Hours
Mornings and late afternoons offer the most comfortable playing conditions, especially in warmer months.
👍 Great Staff & Amenities
Expect friendly service and good bar food to complement your round. [^Review]
📸 Capture the Views
The natural settings are beautiful; don't forget your camera for stunning golf photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National, particularly praising the stunning design and immaculate condition of its courses, especially the Lake Course with its iconic island green. The friendly staff and good amenities further enhance the experience, making it a highly recommended golf destination.
"Well designed course.
Links course is tuff for any handicap.
Greens have been plugged but will come good in a couple of weeks.
The staff are great.
Bar food and drink are good."
Dean Kakouros
"What an awesome course. Best one we played at. We just happened to golf during the Yellowhammer invitational event. The course was immaculate. The greens were smooth and super fast. Beautiful design blending with natural settings.
We picked a few courses for our Texas to NC road trip and lucked out this was one of the golf stops we made. Chatgpt suggested a few other places like Birmingham, but somehow I picked this location in Auburn, AL instead.
Highly recommend!"
Q Pham
"What a fantastic golf track! We played Links and the Short Course. Both were fun and challenging. The Short Course has a name that is deceptive for a Par 3 course. The back 9, amazing!"
Brian Kappus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
RTJ Golf Trail Grand National is located in Opelika, Alabama. The nearest major airport is in Atlanta (ATL), about a 2-hour drive away, or Birmingham (BHM), about a 1.5-hour drive. Driving is the most common way to reach the course, with clear signage from major highways.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the Grand National facility. You'll find it conveniently located near the clubhouse and practice areas.
Absolutely! Using GPS with the address '3000 Grand National Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801' will guide you directly to the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National.
If you plan to play multiple RTJ Trail courses, having your own vehicle is essential for easy travel between locations like Grand National, Capitol Hill, and others.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rates vary depending on the course, time of year, and day of the week. It's best to check the official RTJ Golf Trail website or call directly for the most current pricing for the Lake, Links, and Short Courses.
Yes, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially for the Lake Course, as it's a very popular destination. You can book online or by phone.
The golf courses typically open early in the morning and close around dusk. The clubhouse and pro shop hours may vary, so it's advisable to check their official website for specific operating times.
Discounts may be available for Alabama residents, juniors, seniors, or through package deals. Inquire directly with the pro shop or check the RTJ Golf Trail website for any current promotions.
Walking is generally permitted, but check with the pro shop when booking your tee time, as policies can sometimes vary based on course conditions or time of day. Carts are usually included in the green fee.
🎫 ⛳️ Onsite Experience
Grand National features three distinct courses: the challenging Lake Course (18 holes), the demanding Links Course (18 holes), and the fun-filled Short Course (18 holes, par 3). 
The Links Course is widely considered the toughest, offering a significant challenge for golfers of all handicaps. The Lake Course is also very challenging, especially from the back tees.
The par-three 15th hole on the Lake Course, with its iconic island green, is often cited as the signature hole, offering stunning views and a memorable shot.
Yes, Grand National typically offers practice facilities, including driving ranges and putting greens, allowing golfers to warm up before their rounds.
The dress code generally requires collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or slacks. Denim and athletic wear are usually not permitted. It's always a good idea to confirm with the pro shop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a clubhouse with a bar and grill offering food and drinks. Reviewers mention the bar food and drinks are good. [^Review]
The clubhouse typically serves casual fare, including sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers, perfect for a post-round meal or a quick bite. [^Review]
Beverage carts often operate on the courses, and you can also purchase drinks from the clubhouse. Staying hydrated is key, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The island green on the Lake Course (Hole 15) is a must-photograph spot. The scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape on various holes also make for great shots.
While some promotional content features drone footage,
Expect beautiful rolling fairways, pristine water features, lush greens, and the natural Alabama landscape. The blend of design and nature is very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as while there are amenities, having your own can be convenient. The friendly staff and well-maintained grounds make for a pleasant visit, even for non-golfers who might accompany golfers. The beautiful views offer a nice backdrop for family photos.
🏌️ Budget-Conscious Golfers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when rates might be slightly lower than peak summer. While carts are often included, walking can sometimes be an option to save a small amount, though this should be confirmed with the pro shop.
🏆 Serious Golfers
Be prepared for demanding shots, strategic bunkering, and fast greens. Booking tee times well in advance is crucial to secure your preferred slots on these sought-after courses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National
+1The Lake Course is renowned for its dramatic water features and challenging layout, including the famous island green on the 15th hole. It demands precision and strategic thinking from golfers. The Links Course, true to its name, offers a more open, windswept feel with challenging contours and is considered one of the tougher tests on the trail. For those seeking a quicker, yet still engaging round, the Short Course provides 18 par-3 holes, with its back nine being particularly memorable and surprisingly demanding.
Beyond the golf, Grand National is praised for its well-maintained conditions, with greens often described as smooth and fast when not recently plugged. [^Review] The staff consistently receives positive mentions for their helpfulness and the clubhouse offers good bar food and drinks, rounding out a top-tier golf experience. [^Review] It's a destination that caters to serious golfers and those looking for a scenic and enjoyable day on the links.
Golfing Experience and Course Design
The Links Course presents a different kind of challenge, often characterized by its expansive fairways and undulating terrain that can lead to tricky lies. It requires a solid understanding of ball striking and course management.
Golfers consistently highlight the excellent condition of the courses, particularly the greens, which are often described as immaculate and fast. [^Review] This attention to detail by the course superintendents ensures a high-quality playing experience, reflecting the dedication to maintaining world-class standards across the RTJ Golf Trail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit