At the northeastern end of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Hampton Cove, in Huntsville, is a 54-hole facility where the terrain changes drastically from one side of the property to the other.
The Highlands, a Scottish Links-style course, is my favorite course on the Trail (I live just 2 hours away). It’s a scenic course where thousands of Japanese black pines, oaks, dogwoods, and crepe myrtles have been planted to enhance such features as an old mule barn beside the fifth hole.
The River Course is the complete opposite of the Highlands Course. The only Robert Trent Jones layout without a single bunker, the course is laid out in the flood plain of the Flint River. It’s a throwback to the way courses were built long ago - the dirt was merely pushed up to create the greens and tees, leaving all else, including massive oak trees, as is. The enormous, 250-year-old black oak behind the 18th green is reputed to be the third oldest in the state.
The Short Course at Hampton Cove is very open and links-like, with water in play on 11 holes and a large double green accommodating the 10th and 17th greens.
Green Fees: from $40 to $55;
Reservations: call 1-800-949-4444
Directions:
From I-65, take the I-565 East exit 340. Go 14 miles to exit 17B. Turn right onto Governor's Dr. and go 11 miles to Old Hwy. 431 South. Turn left on old Hwy. 431S and travel 1 mile to the entrance on the right.
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Contact:
Hampton Cove Golf Course
450 Old Highway 431
Owens Crossroads, AL 35763
(256) 551-1818
