ALABAMA GOLF TRAVEL
Golf @The Shoals: Alabama’s Awesome & Alluring Attraction By Mike May, Contributing Writer
W
hile Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail features 11 different locations, 26 different golf courses and 468 golf holes, the one location that may be the best 36-hole championship golf venue on the Trail is the one in the most remote part of the state – The Shoals (990 Sunbelt Parkway, Muscle Shoals, AL; 256446-5111), which is located in the northwest corner of Alabama. While each RTJ Golf Trail venue is wonderfully designed and a thrill to play, there’s something about The Shoals which puts it in a class by itself. It’s the combination of its rural proximity, gently rolling terrain, clever use of penal (but not punishing) lakes, spectacular greens, well-maintained fairways, raised tees, and stunning views of the nearby Tennessee River. And, the genuine Southern hospitality inside the clubhouse at The Shoals is a bonus! The names of the two courses at The Shoals -- The Fighting Joe (opened in 2004) and The Schoolmaster (opened in 2005) – are rooted in history. The Fighting Joe is named after Joe Wheeler. He was a Confederate general in the Civil War who later served as a general in the U. S. Army. Wheeler is the only Confederate general to rise to a similar rank in the U.S. Army, after the Civil War. The Fighting Joe starts with a par five which meanders from left to right. The opening shot is struck from a raised tee box. It’s worth hitting this tee shot from the Orange tees, which improve your chances of admiring the ‘hang time’ of your opening salvo. The Fighting Joe concludes with a rather short par three which overlooks the Wilson Lake on the Tennessee River. When you arrive at the 18th tee, it’s a jaw-dropping perspective. The 18th green is carved into the side of the hill adjacent to the clubhouse. At the 18th, aim left of the pin and enjoy the beauty of the view as you walk from tee and green. Very few courses give you a chance to finish with an ace. In between the first and the last, there are 16
18
The Fighting Joe
holes which you will find entertaining, en- is not just one thing. It’s many. It’s the beautiful landscape. There is no bad view at The thralling, and a joy to play. The Schoolmaster was named after Pres- Shoals -- anywhere. Whether you are setting ident Woodrow Wilson who was responsi- up your shot on the 14th tee of Schoolmaster ble for getting the Wilson Dam built on the or having a beer on the veranda overlooking Tennessee River. Presidential history buffs the Tennessee River, you will not be disapwill remember that President Wilson was also pointed. The fact that we have two uniquely styled courses here at one location is anothknown as The Schoolmaster. The Schoolmaster opens with a straight- er huge plus. The staff here is so welcoming away par four – with a ‘twist.’ Your second shot and we want everyone to have fun! That’s our is to an uphill green, which can make club se- goal. Besides golf, there are a ton of other cool lection tricky, especially if there’s a back pin things to do in our area such as eat at the Ratplacement. The ‘home’ hole at the Schoolmas- tlesnake Saloon, tour the Alabama Music Hall ter is a left-to-right uphill par four which gives of Fame, or visit the Helen Keller home. The you another stunning view of the Tennessee list goes on and on. We may be off the beaten River off to your left. In between the first and path, but it’s well worth the extra drive.” the last, there are 16 holes which will confirm why you play the great game of golf. The locals at The Shoals will agree that The Schoolmaster is wooded, rolling, and spectacular, with an emphasis on the spectacular, beginning with the waterfall on the 2nd hole. If you want to succeed at The Schoolmaster, it’s best to do your ‘homework’ on the course in advance of your visit. After playing 36 holes at The Shoals, FAME Recording Studios you deserve to spend the night in luxuIf you happen to have a strong interest ry. The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (10 Hightower Place, Florence, AL; 256-246-3600), in music, you should be aware of this area’s located just minutes away, is the luxury that strong musical heritage. Muscle Shoals has you deserve. This property’s major attractions many recording studios which have attractare its stunning views from the balconies of ed a number of talented singers and musiall 200 guest rooms; its poolside (indoor and cal groups over the years such as Cher, Etta outdoor) appeal; the 6,000-square foot world James, Aretha Franklin, and the Rolling renowned European-style spa; and the 360 Stones. Those recording artists are still comGrille, which is Alabama’s only revolving ing to Muscle Shoals and the music industry restaurant which sits atop the Renaissance remains vibrant, as is the bass fishing industower at the hotel. Another dining option at try, too. And, did I mention how good the the Marriott is Swampers Bar & Grill. The dé- fried green tomatoes and shrimp ‘n grits are cor inside this restaurant honors Alabama’s in northern Alabama? It might be fair to say that golfers have rich cultural heritage. The food is tasty and ‘FORE’ reasons to visit The Shoals near Musfilling. “I love The Shoals for many reasons,” says cle Shoals: golf, music, bass fishing, and food. Stewart Soto, director of sales & marketing The first tee is awaiting your arrival. And, at The Shoals. “However, I think the appeal don’t be tardy at The Schoolmaster. GRD
GOLF RESORT & DESTINATION MAGAZINE | 2020
