If you enjoy big splashes of water, large cavernous bunkers, immense undulating greens, and high numbers on your scorecard, the Highlands 9 at Highland Oaks is the perfect test of golf for you. Our 18-hole round was originally scheduled to consist of the 9-hole short course and a 9-hole regular course. But alas, they were replacing all the short course greens so that will have to wait for another beautiful Alabama day.
As we stepped up to Hole #1 our disappointment switched to excitement as we viewed the scene in front of us. The tall, spindly pine trees bracketed the lush green fairway and I was about to play my fourth course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. There are five sets of tees to choose from – black, purple, orange, white, and teal. I chose the white, but as the day progressed, the teal may have been a smarter choice for this senior golfer! As we drove down this par 4, dogleg left, 392 yard hole, my driver, caddy, photographer, and wife tried to run over one of the many black-faced squirrels that call this course home. The first fairway bunker shouldn’t come into play from the white tees, but your initial tee shot should be aimed to the right side. How to describe the first green? Let’s see – large; drops off on both sides; very undulating; and perfect.
Hole #2 is a straightaway par 4 with two fairway bunkers, a rolling fairway, a pot bunker guarding the largest green I have ever seen, and a sizable drop-off to the left of the green. Now we arrive at the number one handicap third hole. This par 4 is “only” 354 yards long, but it will play to its ranking. The first order of business is to clear the lake in front of the teeing area and try to land by the 150 yard stake. Mission partially accomplished, but I am laying 200 yards from the pin. For a 16-handicapper with a low ball flight, this second shot calls for a difficult decision – go for it or lay up? The problem is that there is no path to the green on the ground. In front of the green is a watery inlet that meets a bunker on its right. Of course I’m going for it, but my shot for success is to aim for the bunker. That position is no bargain, as the green slopes away to the left and has a substantial decent leading to the water. So how I did I play the hole? I topped a hybrid into the water and wrote a “6” on the scorecard.
Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Wait, there is a restroom and water cooler right next to the par 3, fourth hole, so I will stop for the necessities! The immense green is surrounded by water on three sides. If you take the safe route and land too far to the right the gentle gradient may guide your ball back to the flag. There are plenty of water hazards on the first four holes, so make sure you have enough ammunition.
Hole #5 is a par 4, dogleg right that has a large tree guarding the bend, and large bunkers laying in wait down the left side. If you find an unobstructed view of the green with your second shot, all you need to avoid is the large bunker to its left and an abrupt drop off the right side. Good news – no water on the hole! These greens are large, but they are difficult. If you are lucky enough to find a safe landing spot, the undulations will give you fits. Any approach that finds the edge of the putting surface might see your ball rolling down and away from the flag.
Hole #6 is a par 3 of 145 yards with a pond and bunker to carry for safe entrance to the green. If you are in sand, a bladed shot may find the bunker or pond behind the green. Hole #7 is the first par 5 and it is 422 yards with a bend to the right. This is the first hole that will play to my “strength”! I have a low ball flight, and usually enter long approach shots with the ball rolling onto the green. This hole has an opening at the front of the green, whereas most of the other holes require a high shot over hazards. The par 4 eighth hole continues with the evil pin placements today. Most of the pins were placed behind a bunker, so your approach shots needed to be hit high and land soft – not my strength!
Hole #9 is a par 5 of 497 yards with a dogleg to the right. There is water to the left (which shouldn’t come into play from the white tees) and a few fairway bunkers that may impede your journey to the green.
Rating – Ace (60 out of 60): What can I say? 60 out of 60 says it all! The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail rocks! The course, amenities, and people are outstanding. This is a 27-hole facility which also includes a 9-hole short course.
904 Royal Parkway, Dothan, AL 36305; 334-712-2820; www.rtjgolf.com
