TR AVEL
The gals take over on this foray into
Alabama
Kiva Dunes Golf Course in Gulf Shores. and boutique hotels. In addition, I learned (par-3) courses, such as 18-hole par-3s at about Alabama’s art and music scene, his- Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Grand Nationhen it comes to golf trips, it tory, and outdoor recreation opportunities. al in Opelika, or Magnolia Grove in Mobile. Fun fact: The Short Course at Magnolia seems men and women have All of these elements make Alabama an Grove was named “The Best Par-3 Course different ideas of what makes ideal spot for a girls’ golf getaway. in America” by Golf Digest. for a good time. Nine-hole par 3s are found at Great courses with lodging Silver Lakes in Gadsden, Highand affordability rank high land Oaks in Dothan, and the for all. But when it comes to new Back Yard at Oxmoor Valwomen planning girls golf ley in Birmingham. The Back getaways, a golf trip calls for a Yard was designed with the few more “like-to-haves” such young junior golfer and beginas spa services, hotels with ner in mind, and can be played lifestyle amenities (fitness within an hour. The best part center, spaces to relax or might be its fire pit for postwork), great food, and culture. Left to right, Battle House exterior and Renaissance spa. round drinks and laughs. In addition, it’s a bonus when golf courses, hotels, and attractions WHY ALABAMA? THE RTJ TRAIL… CONVENIENCE, are easily accessible. A golf trip is no time LET’S START WITH THE TRAIL Alabama has become a destination spot AFFORDABILITY, AND GREAT GOLF for hassles. The nice part about a golf trip to Alafor golfers worldwide, thanks to The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that consists of 25 cours- bama is the strategic and convenient placeWOMEN WANT A GETAWAY THAT MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE THEY’VE es at 11 locations throughout Alabama and ment of courses on and off the Trail. The GOTTEN AWAY was created over 30 years ago by Dr. David average drive time between RTJ course G. Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems locations ranges from 1.5 - 2.5 hours. Plus, The perfect place for this? there are plenty of activities off the trail, as Alabama, where the Robert Trent Jones of Alabama to increase tourism to the state. each course is strategically located close to Golf Trail draws in thousands of golfers Alabama cities and attractions, as well as each year and southern hospitality, great REGARDLESS OF YOUR HANDIother great public courses. food and drink, and unique experiences CAP, YOU’LL FEEL COMFORTABLE PLAYING RTJ COURSES Better yet, golf in Alabama is affordable bring them back. Many of the courses along the trail sites -- the Wall Street Journal has called The have hosted major PGA, LPGA, and other Trail the “biggest bargain in the country.” COME FOR THE GOLF, STAY FOR THE LIFESTYLE In addition to its already reasonable tournaments, but don’t let that be intimidatI’ve been lucky enough to visit Alabama ing. Each RTJ course offers multiple tee box- rates, there are trail cards plus travel packtwice in the past year with fellow golf es catering to golfers of all abilities. Some ages offering golfers additional discounts. writers. During these trips, we played RTJ courses have as many as 12 tee box opcourses both on and off the Robert Trent tions. This means a golfer can choose their IT’S A GOLF TRAIL AND A SPA TRAIL - THE PERFECT Jones Golf Trail, sampled Alabama’s food box based on ability -- not gender or age. In addition, the Trail has multiple short COMBINATION and drink, and stayed at world class resorts by abbey algiers
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