Oxmoor Valley (Ridge)

Oxmoor Valley is one of 11 facilities within the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail of Alabama. Of the 54 holes hosted at Oxmoor, the Ridge course is celebrated as the best route.

The property previously belonged to U.S. Steel; although some property that has previously served for mining purposes is otherworldly because of man’s influence, the terrain at this north-Alabama location is wild all on its own. Immediately from the first tee box, players will see that they’ll be in for a roller coaster ride along the Ridge, with more than 150 feet of elevation change. There are significantly fewer water hazards than at many of the Jones Trail’s other stops, but elevation like this is enough to penalize a poor shot.

The course celebrates its par fives above all, and it’s eager to show them to players: You’ll encounter back-to-back longs almost immediately, at nos. 2 and 3. Despite the stiff start, Jones kept the longest hole in his back pocket until the end of the round. Players would be wise to ride the right-hand side of the fairway all the way to the green during this 600-yard hole; a steep drop off lurks to the left.