As long as long as golfers have been “teeing it up” the anticipation of an icy brew at the proverbial ‘19th’ turns a round of joy or frustration into one of reflection, “what if’s” and a settling of friendly wagers. The directive it’s “Time for a Miller” – has seen it’s day as proletarian brews are being replaced by locally crafted beers. Distinctive brands smugly promote regionalism, history and legend with labels subtly suggesting ‘brew maker’s’ bohemian personalities and reputations.
In the early nineties golf began to establish the State of Alabama as a tourist destination and now microbrewers and their craft beer that they perfect are creating a pleasing finish to the state’s tourism goals. In the sixteen counties that make up northern Alabama, from Huntsville to Gadsden and the historic music centre, Muscle Shoals sits the northern limits of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Created in 1992, it was promptly proclaimed by Golf Magazine as “the standard by which all other trails are measured”. The largest golf construction undertaking anywhere, the Trail became the catalyst for the infusion of millions of dollars into the development of a hospitality industry and an impetus for north Alabama’s Craft Beer Trail.
It was the early 2000’s, Jason Wilson and his brother Brad were “enjoying the good life” in Colorado, ‘researching’ the popularity of locally brewed beer. The two residents of Gasden, Alabama, thought to themselves, “it is nuts this isn’t happening in the Deep South.
“Well if no one else is doing craft beer then we’ll do it!”
In 2009, Back Forty Brewing Company became the first of today’s eleven microbrewery operations in the region. Named for the deep-rooted agricultural term the forty acres of land situated furthest from the barn it’s flagship brew, Truck Stop Honey, a medium – bodied English brown ale became, in 2010, Alabama’s first craft brew to be awarded a medal at the respected Great American Beer Festival.
Today, Back Forty is recognized as one of America’s fastest growing breweries with distribution throughout the South,
Canada, China and Mexico. Its brew, Cart Barn Light, featuring the stylized logo of RTJ Golf has become the Trails’ official beer. Once you have savored the ale pick up a six-pack from a local establishment, as it contains a coupon for discounts for golf along the Trail.
Still a burgeoning industry in 2011, in the past five years Alabama has become the fastest growing craft beer State in the Union, exceeding 60,000 barrels* annually.
For generations beer has been regarded as the beverage of choice following a match. Interesting to note that golf has been endeavoring to grow the game, by targetting18 to 34 year old men and women. Craft beer has commendably attained this market segment and continues to expand its market acceptance though all gender and age demographics. A successful golf facility now understands the benefits in serving craft beverages that appeal to these difficult to attract demographics.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail people grasped the significance of supporting local business. With eleven locations featuring twenty-six championship courses Bill Lang, Director of Public Relations stated, “We are currently supporting ten local breweries that operate in proximity to our facilities. It is our desire to provide on-course tasting experiences so that our guests may wish to visit the craft brewers location, enjoy a bite to eat while experiencing flights of beer.”
Golf in Northern Alabama
This northern region of Alabama features three memorable RTJ golf clubs as well as two independent courses complementing the area’s reputation of memorable golf experiences.
A short drive from the downtown of techno-centric Huntsville is Hampton Cove Golf Club featuring 54 holes, including the game improvement Short Course. The River and Highlands are distinctive by their uniqueness.
The Highlands, considered the more difficult of the two, resembles Scottish links with huge bunkering offering ample protection to the challenging greens. The River course is set on the flood planes of the Flint River. Formally soybean fields, the course features sixteen of eighteen holes with water hazards.
West along the Tennessee River is the beautiful town of Florence, and across the water is Muscle Shoals, home of the legendary Fame music studio and the site of the Shoals Golf Club.
Two eighteens are both spectacular in their set-up and historic by their monikers – Fighting Joe and School Master.
Fighting Joe was named in honor of General Joseph ‘Fighting Joe’ Wheeler, the only Confederate general to attain the rank with the Union Army, following the Civil War.
Travel and Leisure Golf was quick to take note of Highlands, nominating it as one of the nation’s premiere courses. It was the first Trail course to exceed 8,000 yards, when opened in 2004. The course can be really long, so choose the correct tees for your ability and an enjoyable round is your reward.
SchoolMaster, named for President Woodrow Wilson, known in politics as “the Schoolmaster”. Tree lined, the course embraces the banks of the Tennessee River featuring undulating terrain and one of the Trails finest finishing holes – the 383 yards par four. Situated on the high bluff the downhill tee shot should find a less than level fairway. With your target the clubhouse veranda the approach shot is at least and extra club to an elevated inclined green.
Silver Lakes Golf Club is located in Alabama’s northeast, close to the town of Gasden, home of Back Forty Brewing. Thirty-six holes of forest, wetlands and dramatic elevation changes bounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills boasting monikers humorous in name but genuine in their reputations; Heartbreaker, Mindbreaker, Backbreaker and the Short Course, all unique in appearance and memorable by their individuality.
The creation of the RTJ Golf Trail led to the resurgence in golf throughout the state possessing 252 courses. Two facilities that are gems to play are Goose Pond Colony Resort’s 36 hole and TP Country Club.
Goose Pond’s Lake Course, located in Scottsboro, is a George Cobb design. Located on Lake Guntersville and regarded as one of the states best bass fishing lakes, the courses are recipients of numerous accolades including among the “most fun courses to play in north Alabama”. Golf Digest has provided a four star rating, designating it as one of the best places to play in the state – a day of fishing and golf is difficult to beat.
The Plantation Course has recently installed MiniVerde grass on all of their greens; this dwarf grass is featured on many professional circuit courses today. It is now a “Tee it Forward’ facility providing additional enjoyment for every level of golfer.
It is not always how you have played the course that makes it memorable but the little things that a facility provides that has you wishing to return. TP Country Club, once known as Terri Pines, delivers.
Located in Cullman, home to Goat Island Brewing, this eighteen-hole course is one of Alabama’s best-kept golfing secrets. Measuring 6,500 yards, the course is a Tom Jackson design, featuring numerous elevation variations; regal stands of pine trees, and well maintained bent-grass fairways. The enjoyment of TP comes after your round. As you sit on the veranda of the clubhouse, one of the highest points in the county, you’ll find the satisfaction of a Sipsey River Red amber ale with perhaps the finest freshly prepared burgers anywhere is difficult to beat. If you enjoy chocolate chips cookies, like I do, they have the best!
Enjoy first-rate golf and the anticipation of award winning craft beers – a perfect finish to your stay in north Alabama.
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* A barrel is equivalent to 31 gallons.
