Magnolia Grove (Crossings), Mobile, Ala.

This Robert Trent Jones Trail course shouldn't be named Crossings. Sure, train tracks separate the 12th and 13th fairways and players must cross them via cart to get to the 13th tee box, but the tracks have absolutely no bearing on your round.

Instead, this 6,063-yard (from the white tees for wimps like me), playground should bear a name indicative of something that really stands out on the golf course. Take cloverleaf bunkers, for example. There's a ton of them. Their big and they seemingly move in the direction of your golf ball's landing zone.

Let's name the place Cloverleaf Junction, keeping with the train theme.

Regardless, Crossings is a typical RTJ course with plenty of large, undulated greens, sweeping fairways, bunkers in the fairways and obstacles that bring out the target golfer, and long holes that bring out the home run hitters. The course will allow you to use every club in the bag. It has a strong variety of holes, from forced carries to a few doglegs.

The biggest surprise of the Crossings is its surprising undulation. This is Mobile, Ala., folks. Where in the world did these hills come from? The Crossings is very similar to RTJ's Grand National in Opelika, Ala. The only difference is it has very little water, more hills and more than 50 sand traps. Ugh!

Where Crossings lacks water it makes up for in ravines and gullies. A ball into a ravine is the same as a ball into a lake, right? Both are penalties. Water just sparkles and looks pretty.

The Crossings is host to the LPGA Navistar Classic, so it's always neat to play the same greens Natalie Gulbis did.

Word has it that its sister course, the Falls, is more difficult. Wouldn't know. I'll find out one day. Both can be visited online at http://www.rtjgolf.com/courses/magnolia_grove/

The easiest hole on the Crossings is the first, a 364-yard par 4 that's straight as an arrow. Make hay there, because it gets tougher. The third, a 317-yard par 4 features a wicked dogleg to the right. Long hitters off the tee could find themselves in a bunker, so laying up might be an option.

Water comes into play just once on the front nine as the fifth hole's green wraps around a tiny pond that rests at the bottom of the hill. The 378-yard par 4 can be deceiving for those who did not hit long enough off the tee. The hole goes up, then down, and those taking approach shots may not be aware of the wet stuff to the front and left of the green.

Most greens on the back nine are very well-protected by bunkers. Prepare to hit into one, or two, or three. Three traps wrap around the 12th and 13th greens, respectively. Eight bunkers can be found on the 18th hole alone, three on the right side of the fairway.

Two of the neatest holes at the site are the par 3s on the 14th and 17th. The 14th hole, 139 yards, is pretty much and island hole without water. The green is separated from the tee box by underbrush. Shots mildly short of the green can, however, be salvaged.

It's pretty much the same story for the 155-yard 17th, except deep, kidney-shaped traps wrap themselves to the left front and right front of the green. There is little safety here on the tee shot, so bring a mulligan.

After a round of golf at Magnolia Grove, located a few miles west of the city, it's never a bad idea to drive 15 minutes back into town and hit Dreamland, a joint made famous for its BBQ ribs.

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: The high number of sand traps make it frustrating, but the course is such a challenge and delight, it's impossible not to have a good time. Score: 7

Conditions: Played on a hot summer day, but the greens and fairways were very good. There were some rough spots on select greens, but no big deal. Score: 8

Value: RTJ card-holders get a steal for $39. Otherwise, be prepared for fork over $60 or so. Still, that's not a bad deal considering the high quality of this course. Score: 7

Amenities: Solid. Excellent practice facilities. World-class clubouse. GPS on the carts. Carts and cart paths in excellent shape. Beverage cart visited frequently and even offered cold towels. Pro shop is fully-stocked and hungry folks can dine inside at the restaurant. People at this course, and King and Bear, than any course I visited. Score: 10

Difficulty: Again, the traps bring out problems. Undulation in the fairways and tricky greens with well-placed holes make it tough. There's a reason the LPGA plays here. Score: 9.

Overall: First-class facility that makes the most of its 18 holes without much water. There aren't many flaws. Round was finished in four hours and crowds weren't heavy. Score: 8.6

Spruce Creek, Port Orange, Fla.

I've never seen a "please watch for low-flying aircraft" sign on a golf course. Until now.

Designed by Bill Amick, Spruce Creek Country Club (par 72, 6,063 yards from the white tees), the links jewel in the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community, offers a unique challenge with tight, tree-lined fairways, water on the back nine, and the opportunity to make par in the backyard of the rich and famous.

NASCAR stars Mark Martin and Mike Skinner have homes here. It's only about 20 minutes from Daytona International Speedway, so that makes sense. Kevin Harvick had a home here. So did film star John Travolta.

You see, the Fly-In is a gated community where residents have aircraft hangars for garages, pull out of their house in their Cessnas, zip down the runway and fly to whereever duty calls. Planes take off above the eighth and second fairways, so be wary of high-lofted drivers.

For $30 for 18 holes, Spruce Creek is a steal. It's a decent, not pristine, golf course, located in a natural setting of woods, water, and yes, a handful of million dollar homes. It can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.sprucecreekgolf.com/golf.htm.

The course isn't overly demanding and there is very little undulation. Greens are of average size with average speed. It fits all styles of play, from power hitters to shot-makers. One interesting aspect is no water really shows up until the 11th hole. From there out, water rears its head on six of the remaining eight holes. There may be water on the eighth hole, but it's far enough out of bounds, so it shouldn't play into course management.

Spruce Creek tests your power right out of the box with a fairway bunker roughly 200 yards straight in front of the tee box. The hole doglegs to the right, so shots bouncing beyond the bunker are in perfect shape on this 475-yard par 5. Shots left of the bunker aren't as ideal. Shots in the bunker, well ...

The front nine is built for power, with few obstructions forcing the technical game and plenty of trees blocking the wind. When water comes into play on the back nine, it's time to pull the foot off of the gas and grab onto your steering wheel. There are also fewer trees, thus, the wind can become a factor. On a hot central Florida afternoon, it can also be a blessing.

Water pretty much runs the length of the fairway on the 338-yard par 4 11th hole, so you get a taste of what's to come.

The 12th hole, a 487-yard par 5, may be the most treacherous on the property. You must tee off at least 150 yards over a marsh, then snake your fairway shots around another lake that hugs the left side of the fairway all the way to the green. It might also be the prettiest hole on the course.

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: Considering how the back nine and front nine are different, you get a feel that you've played on two courses, which is interesting. It's a mostly flat course, which can be a change for us who've dealt with pedestal greens and rolling hills. The only drawback is the marshal insists all players must play in a group. If you're a solo hoping for a three-hour round, forget it. Score: 7.

Value: For $30, this place blows many others out of the water. Nuff said. Score: 10.

Amenities: Well-stocked pro shop, restaurant on premises. It also has a driving range, putting green, chipping range and golf instruction on-site. Only drawback, there was no beverage cart the day I played. The only drink came from a refreshment stand at the turn. Carts were in good shape. So were the ball washers and cart parths. An interesting note, all carts have sand trap rakes on board. Score: 7.

Conditions: OK. Fairways were average. So was the rough. Some greens were being re-seeded or in need of repair. Traps were in good shape. Only drawback was the a couple of greens, but it wasn't a big deal. Score: 6.

Difficulty: Not the toughest course on the planet, but by no means isn't the easiest either. Place can throw you for a loop because it probably looks easier than it plays. Water on the back nine can kill your score. So can the trees on the front nine. The solution ... hit the ball straight. Score: 7.

Overall: Spruce Creek is one of the better courses in the Daytona Beach area. It's a positive the course, though in the heart of an exclusive community, is open to the public. The atmosphere is relaxed and folks are friendly. Watch out for that humidity in the summertime. Score: 7.4

Reviews on deck

Courses recently played to be reviewed include Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, Fla., North Fulton Golf Course in Atlanta, Magnolia Grove in Mobile, Ala., and Fox Creek, Smyrna, Ga.

Toured the grounds at Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores, Ala., over the weekend and I'm still drooling. At $92 for 18, it was a bit much. But fees decrease as the day goes on and drops to $59 after 1 p.m. The place looked magnificent. Can't wait to lose a few balls there.

Orchard Hills, Newnan, Ga.

Built to resemble a Scottish links-style course, the 27-hole facility at Orchard Hills nearly pulled it off. Located directly off of Interstate 85 in Coweta County, Ga., the open links-style course gives motorists a brief glimpse of the rolling terrain, high grass in the rough and few trees.

Orchard Hills, located at 600 East Highway 16, is divided into three 9-hole courses: The Orchard (3,006 yards), The Logo (2,946) and The Rock Garden (2,941). The good news is, Orchard and Logo are links courses. The bad news is, Rock Garden isn't. On this day, Rock Garden and Logo were played.

Orchard and Logo strongly resemble one another and give this course taste of Scotland, minus the red clay and Southern twang. Maybe they should import some bagpipes. From several vantage points, you can see several other holes. That's not the case on the Rock Garden, which offers mostly tree-lined fairways.

Orchard Hills forces the golfer to use most of the clubs in his or her bag and offers an array of slopes to hit from. You will have your share of uphill/downhill lies, and even a few lies on perfectly flat terrain. Sand traps aren't a big issue here as most greens feature just one of the hazards.

Overall, the course was in decent shape. Nothing special. Greens were okay. The Rock Garden wasn't exactly picturesque. Work can be done at Orchard Hills to really make the place stand out, as far as cleaning up in some underbrush areas. It's got great potential.

Check out the facility's Web site at http://www.orchardhills.com/ or call 770-251-5683 to set up a tee time. Rates range from $39.95 to $49.95, depending on the day. Special twilight and replay rates are also available.

Several holes stand out. The Logo's first, a 306-yard par 4 gives heavy hitters hopes they can reach the green in one. Except there are three problems: 1) the hole travels uphill, and 2) there's a pesky sand trap directly in front of the green, and 3) much of the fairway travels to the right of the green, forcing those wanting to reach the green in one to carry the rough and the trap.

The fourth hole is a pretty, 141-yard par three with an elevated tee box and small pond in front of the green. Landscapers were busy working on the green the day I played, creating a bizarre mental hazard. They motioned to go ahead and hit, then proceeded to work. Not good.

The 97-yard, par 3 eighth hole also forces the player to carry water. It's not a pretty hole, as much of the lakebed was dry, exposing the red clay, and the rough to the rear of the green was overrun with unsightly weeds.

A fun, yet bizarre hole was Logo's ninth. This 536-yard par 5 featured a number of small hills to the right of the fairway, creating a tough second shot for those who land along their slopes. Also, the facility's driving range is just to the right of the fairway and the hills. Any slice to the right, and your ball is one of hundreds of other white ones. Good luck locating it.

Logo was fun and impressive. I'd play it again. I wish my back nine was the Orchard. Instead, I was treated to the Rock Garden. It's an OK nine, but not a links course like I wanted and not pretty enough to drive 75 miles from home to try. But, I did anyway.

Standout holes on the Rock Garden are No. 2 and No. 8.

The par 4, 304-yard second hole features a wicked, 90-degree dogleg to the left. Power hitters might want to steer clear of their drivers off the tee. Anything beyond 250 yards, and perfectly straight, could be trouble. A good 225-yard shot off the tee sets up a nice approach shot back to the left.

The eighth hole, par 4, 295 yards, has another dogleg to the left, just not as wicked. The fairway is undulated, so the approach shot can be fun.

Orchard Hills isn't the most pristine course on the planet, nor is it Scotland in Georgia, but it's worth a try for those in the Atlanta area who want to experience something different at a reasonable price.

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: Links courses are often the exception rather than the norm, so just having the opportunity to play one is fun in itself. This isn't the most difficult place, so that helps too. The hills and high grass offer challenges. Score: 7.

Value: At $40-$50, the price isn't bad. I'd like to see some improved course, and rough, conditions for the money. Score: 6.

Amenities: Orchard Hills offers a stocked pro shop and restaurant. It also has a very nice putting green and driving range. Carts were gas-powered, but worked well. Never saw a beverage cart on the course. Score: 6.

Conditions: Fairways and sand traps in decent shape. Greens were ok despite the summer heat. Underbrush area in Rock Garden was hideous. Score: 6.

Difficulty: Overall, pretty easy. Hills provide some challenges, as do a few doglegs and forced carries. But not a bad course to start your kid on, or one to go for a personal best. Score: 6.

Overall: This is a fun place to play, but didn't meet my personal expectations. Orchard Hills has a lot of pluses and a few minuses. With more work and dedication to making this "Scottish links" course in near-perfect shape, Orchard Hills could really be one of the stronger venues in west central Georgia. I'd enjoy this place more, and give it better ratings, had I played the links-style Orchard nine rather than the Rock Garden. Que sera, sera. Score: 6.2

King and Bear, St. Augustine, Fla.

I learned two more things about Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus: they like sand, and they like water.

King and Bear, the only golf course in the world designed as a joint effort between Palmer (King) and Nicklaus (Bear) is loaded with sand traps (some deep) around the greens, sandy coquina that runs along the fairways, and water that seemingly comes into play on every hole.

Water runs along the fairway from tee to green on some holes. Coquina runs along the fairway on some holes. Sometimes there are both. The best bet is to hit the fairway.

King and Bear (par 72, 6,132 yards from the blue tees, which are second-longest to the tips) forces the player into an afternoon of trying to keep the ball on the grass. With hazards looming on either side of the fairways, it's really not that difficult a golf course if you can keep from slicing or hooking. Otherwise ...

There are a few carry shots, but the course layout gives you the option to lay up, take the safe way around water hazards, or try to carry a few water hazards and land on the green. The aquatic hazards put more of a mental strain on the golfer than anything else. The sight of water to the right, 350 yards from tee to green, can freak you out.

This course, located just a few miles west of the World Golf Village and World Golf Hall of Fame between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Fla., opened in 2001 after Nicklaus and Palmer worked together on the project. The setting is resort atmosphere, with some isolated holes and several holes within plain sight of mammoth luxury homes. It is the World Golf Village's second course, following Slammer and Squire, named after legends Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead.

If you play here, plan to lather up the sunscreen because there is very little shade. Few holes have woods that come into play.

Three holes stick out on the front nine, two of which are reminiscent of Bay Hill's par 5 sixth hole. First, King and Bear's par 5, 519-yard fifth hole wraps around a lake from left to right. It's best to keep the ball to the left or the middle, or your second shot forces you to carry more water than you want. A shot to the left sets up a much safer approach.

The same can be said of the par 5, 529-yard seventh, except this hole wraps around a lake from right to left. The green is reachable in two with a strong tee shot and confidence your second shot will clear 150 yards of H2O.

An interesting hole was the 154-yard, par 3 third hole. The good news is, it had no water. The bad news is, the fairway was mostly sand, or coquina. For a second I thought I was at TPC Scottsdale. No cactus, only palmettos.

Water runs along the ninth and tenth fairways, to the left then right, respectively. You can get into trouble at No. 15, a 311-yard par 4, as water again follows you from tee to green to the right. What adds to the hole's difficulty is the green sticks out into the lake to the right, making a "partial-island" hole. A bad approach shot can easily get wet.

Coquina follows you to the left from tee to green on the par 5, 527-yard 18th hole. The green wraps around the apex of the coquina, turning this into a difficult target. An approach shot to the right of the green would be safe, except for the deep sand trap just before the green.

Greens at King and Bear are somewhat undulated, with only one, the par 3 10th, running seriously uphill-downhill. Greens are large and well-guarded, but are not elevated.

King and Bear can be viewed online at http://www.golfwgv.com/. The pro shop number is 904-940-6088.

Rating (1 to 10)
Fun: Golf is always fun, and knowing that you're on the only course Palmer and Nicklaus designed together adds to the appeal. If you stay out of the water, your afternoon is more fun. Score: 8.

Value: Here's the issue. Rates go from $89 to $129, depending on the time of day. That sure is a lot of money. Imagine how many balls you could buy with that. Better yet, you could get a new Oddysey putter for that price. You still must consider the prestige of the course and its developers, and the fact it's pretty darn nice. But this isn't budget golf. Score: 5.

Amenities: Beverage cart arrived four times. Chilled apples on the first and tenth tee boxes. Unlimited range balls with greens fees. Chipping range and putting green. Cart had GPS signal with immaculate course map in view to tell you exactly where you and other carts were. Attendants were friendly. Pro shop well-stocked. Clubhouse perfect. Restaurant inside clubhouse. Two bathrooms on the course with water fountains. Overall, pretty sporty. Score: 10.
Conditions: I expected them to be immaculate. Instead, they were just very good. Greens were Bermuda and in good shape. Fairways were plush. But hey, this wasn't Augusta National. Score: 8.

Difficulty: Depends. If you're a straight-shooter, it's not that bad. If not, you're toast. There are a few forced carries and your mental game is put to the test because you will find water. Can you bounce back from this? Score: 8.

Overall: This certainly should be on your golf to-do list simply because of who designed it, and for the fact the World Golf Hall of Fame is down the road and there are plenty of things to see there too. It's really on par with Robert Trent Jones Trail courses, or its Honours Golf sister course, Moore's Mill. But King and Bear offers unusual challenges with the redundancy of water and sand. Every part of your game will get tested, and that's what we want anyway. Could be the best course I've reviewed, excluding the steep price of admission. Score 7.8

Cambrian Ridge, Greenville, Ala.

Good God oh mighty! Robert Trent Jones came to Greenville, Ala., and carved one of the most beautiful golf courses in the South.

What stands out about Cambrian Ridge, located approximately 45 miles south of Montgomery, are the elevation changes and scenic changes from one portion of the facility to the other. Cambrian Ridge is comprised of three 9-hole championship-style courses and another 9-hole par 3 layout.

Want to check them out? Go to the Cambrian Ridge Web site at www.rtjgolf/courses/cambrianridge.com and see for yourself.

The Sherling nine (par 36, 3,659 yards from the tips) is far more secluded than the rugged Canyon nine (par 36, 3,746 yards), which is deceptively tighter than it looks, though you can see several holes from many vantage points. Both feature elevated tee boxes and an occasional elevated green, while water comes into play on just three holes each.

The Loblolly nine (par 36, 3,551 yards), not played on this day, is considered the less demanding of the three. Loblolly, named after the gobs of tall pine trees that line the fairways, does feature four water holes. RTJ Trail folks claim Loblolly has an "Augusta-like" quality, considering the pines and terrain.

I was told the Sherling-Canyon combo at Cambrian Ridge would be more difficult than either Grand National Course in Opelika. It wasn't, but it was close. The hilly terrain ranks with the most undulated courses on the RTJ Trail, but the rolling hills were not as severe as warned and made the place a fun, picturesque challenge without making golf unbearable.

Three holes stuck out on Sherling. The par 3, 169-yard fourth hole is a beauty. You must carry nearly 150 yards of water from the tee box to reach the green, which is protected in the front by a bunker and crane or egret, which enjoys white golf balls. Pine trees tower above the hole from the rear and side. It's a real sight, unless you're in the water.

The par 5, 601-yard eighth hole (yes, 601 yards, 636 from the tips), features a pair of punishing fairway bunkers that do not reward a good shot off the tee. Best bet is to split the bunkers down the middle. Good luck with that. If you clear the sand traps, take note that water not visible from the center of the fairway looms in front of the green. A powerful second stroke can wind up in the creek, which comes in from the left. This hole runs uphill-downhill, so many players will take their second stroke unable to see the green, or what lays in front of it. Local knowledge sure helps.

There's a reason why the Canyon Course gets its name. A 50-yard gorge, or canyon, splits Sherling's ninth hole and Canyon's 18th as both fairways race uphill to share a large green just below the clubhouse. On Sherling's par 4, 349-yard ninth hole, you must clear the canyon from the tee -- hitting uphill. Obviously, this hole plays longer than the yardage indicated. The fairway shot to the green is also uphill, and beware hitting the ball to the right -- or that canyon will eat your Top Flite for lunch.

Canyon is far different from Sherling, as stated above, because you can see several holes at one time -- particularly the final four holes. Folks say Canyon is the most difficult of the three courses.

It is.

One tricky hole is the par 4, 421-yard fourth, a dogleg to the right. It's the Sherling-Canyon combo's only true dogleg. A strong, straight, tee shot can spell trouble, so using a three-wood or five-wood might be a suggestion. It's best the hit your tee shot just right of the center of the fairway, which begins a downhill turn just beyond the dogleg.

A truly fun hole is the par 4, 374-yard sixth, where water hugs the length of the fairway to the green down the right side. An errant tee shot can be wet. So can an errant second shot, and so forth. Water wraps the green from the front around the right side to the rear in a semi-circle, so either stick your approach shot, or go left.

Another water hazard awaits on the par 3, 237-yard eighth hole, 258 from the tips. That's a bit long for a par 3, don't you think. And then there's water, which much be carried the length of the tee shot.

As all RTJ Trail courses, Cambrian Ridge will cost those with trail cards only about $40 for a round. Those without cards must pay nearly $70. Check the Web site, listed above, for seasonal rates. But this is about as nice a course as you'll find in Alabama, and it's not too crowded either.

Rating (1 to 10)
Fun: If you're into great scenery and excellent golf, this is the place to go. This course tests your power, precision, and ability to hit uphill and downhill. Great test. Great Fun. Score: 9.

Value: Depends if you carry a RTJ Trail Card. For $35 to $40 with a card, you can't beat it. For $60 to $70 without one, that's getting up there. Score: 8.

Conditions: Perfect. Played after a rainstorm and the course drained really well. Greens were perfect and sand traps well-manicured. Typical RTJ facility. Score: 9.

Amenities: Nice clubhouse with well-stocked pro shop and restaurant. Nearby driving range and putting green. Driving range seemed like a long walk from the clubhouse, so a cart may be necessary. Score: 8.

Difficulty: Nice challenge. Will test your ability on some elevation changes and water. Not terribly tight, but not wide open either. Course can be your friend, or eat you alive. Score: 8.

Overall: Beautiful facility in very small market. Small crowds can lend itself to fast, more enjoyable golf. Changes in scenery make you feel like you've played at two places in one day. It's a must-play in Alabama. Score: 8.4

Indian Pines, Auburn, Ala.

The Auburn/Opelika area is considered by Golf Digest as the best small municipality for golf. The area is blessed with the taj mahal, Grand National, and swanky Moore's Mill and Auburn University Club, but it all started at Indian Pines.

Previously named Saugahatchee, this fun, par 71, 6,411-yard course (from the tips) has been serving customers adjacent to the Auburn-Opelika Airport since 1977. Saugahatchee is now a private club on the south side of Interstate 85. Indian Pines is purely public and features the most affordable golf in Lee County.

Rates at Indian Pines are nearly $30 for 18 holes and a cart. Those who choose to walk play for far cheaper.

"The Pines" as the locals call it, is considered by many as arguably the least difficult golf course in the Auburn-Opelika area, and it is. But least challenging does not make it not challenging at all. Indian Pines offers a number of tricky challenges that require precision. It also features smaller greens, so bring your A-game when chipping.

The knock on Indian Pines is conditions aren't always as pristine as other links. The rough, littered with roots and some rocks, can be hazardous to your clubs. In this case, moving your ball to a safer lie should be acceptable. If it isn't, do it anyway.

After an easy, straight-ahead 367-yard par 4 to kick off your round, the second and third holes provide fun challenges. Your tee shot on the 372-yard par 4 second hole features a straight fairway, but your approach shot offers a challenge. Part of the course's lake separates the green from the fairway, requiring the player to carry the water or lose a ball. If your tee shot falls short, you may be faced with a tough decision on shot No. 2: go for the green, pictured above, or lay up.

The third hole is reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass' 17th. It's a par 3 island hole, minus a few palm trees and prestige. There is no fairway, only tee box and green. Between is 140 yards of water. The wind can be very tricky on this hole. This would be a fun hole to practice 100 shots on, just to see how many you can land on the green.

Perhaps the most interesting hole on the course is the 497-yard, par 5 12th. The hole goes straight ahead, except for the green, which seems detached and off to the left beyond a cluster of trees. The second shot is vital here in order to set yourself up for a good approach shot. Otherwise, your third shot is wasted just trying to get yourself in better position with hopes of saving bogey.

The 13th and 14th holes offer the area's only sets of pulpit-style fairway bunkers. Both are located to the right, and both can be reached from the tee box. Slicers beware.

The par 4, 355-yard 17th is another odd-shaped hole with a sharp logleg to the right. Long hitters off the tee might want to consider an iron, otherwise a John Daly-style longball may fly straight into the trees.

Overall, Indian Pines is a place where many players can achieve lower scores and leave feeling better about their game. Then again, this course can be sneaky hard. If you can't hit the ball straight, chip, or putt worth a darn, it doesn't really matter how difficult a course is. If your on top of your game, The Pines can be a place to really attack the greens and go for personal bests.

That's easier said than done. I've never achieved a personal best at this course and struggled to have a 50 for nine holes the last time I played it. Like I said, it's sneaky tough.

Indian Pines is located at 900 Country Club Drive in Auburn, just off of East University Drive and not far from the Village Mall. It had no Web site at the time of this writing, but you can call the pro shop at 334-821-0880 to set up tee times or get rates for the day.

The course features one of the best pro shops in town and has an excellent assortment of new and used golf clubs, as well as anything else golf-related. The clubhouse was torched in a fire about five years ago, but today's clubhouse may be small, but in very good shape. The course also has a snack bar, driving range and small putting green.

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: That's probably the best quality about Indian Pines. There are a number of challenges, long and short. The average player can break 100 here. That's fun, right? On a down side, Indian Pines is often very crowded, which can create long rounds. It's crowded for a reason. Score: 7.

Amenities: Driving range is in decent shape, but a long walk from the clubhouse. Thankfully, a net catches the long drives from pelting players on the 13th fairway. Putting green nice, but small. Didn't see a chipping green. Saw a beverage cart person before my round, and after my round, sitting at the first tee box talking to the starter. Not good. Snack bar was decent. Not luxurious, but decent. When I'm sweaty, I don't need luxurious. Score: 6.

Difficulty: Arguably the least challenging course in Auburn. But that's a good thing. A few doglegs present a challenge, and the water holes on Nos. 2 and 3 can raise those scores. There are only three water holes on the course, all on the front nine. The scorecard says the fourth hole is a water hole. I don't consider driving over a 10-foot slew a water hole. Score: 6.

Value: Anytime you can play golf for less than $30, that's a deal. Score: 8.

Conditions: Fairways and greens were average. Nothing fancy. No big weeds or dead spots. Areas in the rough were highly uninviting. Score: 4.

Overall: Indian Pines isn't in the same league as some other famous courses in the state, but that doesn't make it not worth playing. It's a fun course. That word keeps coming up. Fun. The greens aren't highly elevated and the sand traps won't hold you prisoner all afternoon. Go to Indian Pines, don't break the bank, and have fun. Score: 6.2

City Club, Marietta, Ga.

Built on the former site of the Georgia Military Institute, City Club Marietta (http://www.cityclubmarietta.com/home.htm) offers players a variety of challenges in a pleasant setting. The course offers rolling hills, elevated tee boxes, a few water holes and fine landscaping, nestled beneath the Marietta Resort and Conference Center, which towers above, and Kennesaw Mountain, which rises in distance.

Look above and you might just see a few fighter jets or B-52 bomber taking off from the adjacent Dobbins Air Force Base.

At just 5,721 yards from the back tees, City Club doesn't burden you with length. Instead, it's a shot maker's course that plays uphill, then downhill, with a number of blind shots off the tee. Many fairways here are forgiving and wide, giving the less experienced player a better chance at success. But undulated fairways and a number of uphill holes that play far longer than their actual distance present a stern test, particularly with your mid-to-low irons.

One thing that's interesting about the course is from many vantage points, one can see a number of holes as much of the course is designed around a massive lake, which serves more for aesthetic purposes and as a geese habitat than anything else. The lake, which figures to be the centerpiece of the facility, actually comes into play on just two holes.

Marietta features just 24 sand traps with some holes having none and others having multiple traps. Hole No. 15 offers three fairway traps by itself.

From the view of the hotel and conference center, pictured above, one can watch hole Nos. 1, 9, 10 and 18 -- a series of down-and-back tee to greens. They're relatively shaped the same with Nos. 1 and 10 downhill off the tee and front and back finishing holes 9 and 18 uphill. Sure, 346 yards doesn't seem like much for a par 4, but that uphill climb makes it difficult, forcing you to hit a good mid- to-low iron shot to even come close to the green on No. 18.

There are a number of opportunistic holes. the par 4 hole No. 2 teases the longball hitter as it rests just 252 yards -- uphill -- from the second tee. Chances of reaching in two are good, giving the player an excellent chance at par. However, the hole veers to the right. A straight shot off the tee will go into the woods. A slice to the right is in order.

The 11th hole, a 285-yard par 4, offers a similar opportunity. The hitch, however, is the player must carry roughly 150 yards of the centerpiece lake. A long bridge, decorated with roses, separates the tee box from the fairway.

One interesting hole is the 472-yard, par 5 fourth. The fairway rises above the tee box, crests at about 200 yards, then sharply drops another 250 yards down to an inviting green. It's difficult in the tee box when you cannot see your desired target. Best bet here is simply hit to the center of the fairway, then hope your ball bounces over the crest of the hill down for extra distance. The second shot, which should be all downhill, gives players a decent shot at reaching the green in two, but the slope doesn't make striking the ball easy.

Another blind shot awaits on the sixth hole, a 370-yard par 4. Beyond the sightline of players on the tee box, below the crest of the fairway, is a bell. Groups are asked to ring the bell, alerting those behind them that they have cleared the area and it is safe to hit.

The par 3, 180-yard 12th hole offers a taste of Augusta National. The green is bordered by tall pine trees and well-manicured shrubs to the left and rear, while water lurks to the front of the green. Just add a few azaleas and dogwoods and we're in business. Also, this green ever so slightly slopes back toward the pond.

The 15th hole, a 320-yard par 4, doesn't appear difficult on paper, but the fairway bunkers to the right, a slight dogleg to the left, and a rock-laden creek in front of the green provide plenty of obstacles.

City Club Marietta is a pretty course that offers a number of different challenges. It's one worth trying, then trying again once you learn what's over the fairway hills.

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: Great variety, views make this course a must-play. Score: 8

Value: Standard rates vary from $48 to $58 depending on the day. This may venture on to the pricy side, particularly the $7.75 for 70 range balls. City Club could do better here. Score: 5

Amenities: Carts offered not just GPS, but an incredible map of each hole with yardage and detail of where each cart was -- warning players of groups ahead. Nice driving range, putting green nearby. Pro shop well-stocked with mini-restaurant next door. Heavier food can be found just yards away at the hotel and conference center. Score: 8

Conditions: Fairways were decent, greens had no flaws and the few sandtraps were white and fluffy. Some areas in the rough could use more work with very hard ground. This place likes to use mulch in the rough. A lot of it. Score: 7

Difficulty: Not long, but hilly terrain and a few wild doglegs can keep you guessing. Greens were not elevated, nor strongly undulated. Score: 7

Overall: This facility is one that golfers across the South should check out when visiting the Atlanta metro area. If offers dynamic views and a strong variety of hole types. Score: 7.0

Moore's Mill, Auburn, Ala.

Bring your shoehorn and lucky penny to Moore's Mill. This place is tight and full of treachery.

This course, opened in 2001, challenges a player's technical side with countless ravines, marshes and tight fairways. Though it plays at 6,871 yards from the tips, Moore's Mill is not a longball hitter's delight. If you can't hit it straight, your dead meat. Plain and simple. It's like a narrow, winding country road with plenty of scenery along the way. Don't mash the gas and overplay your shots or you'll be adding plenty of penalty strokes to the scorecard.

Built as a public course taking club memberships, Moore's Mill has become semi-private. Part of the exclusive Honours Golf family of courses, memberships are becoming limited.

For those of us not into dishing out a few thousand bucks for an initiation fee, it's best to play Moore's Mill as a member guest. Guest rates for 18 holes is $80 on weekends and $50 on weekdays.

Located near Ogletree Village and the Grove Hill subdivisions just south of Interstate 85, this course is slowly becoming populated by upscale homes. However, these scenic real estate beauties in no way interfere with a round of golf. One would have to be a horrific player to shank a Top Flite through a window. Despite a few high society homesteads, Moore's Mill lies in a very natural setting.

Fairways are lined with creeks, ravines and trees, with some undulation. Landscaping borders on the immaculate with a number of classy rock walls near select greens. Greens are well-kept and challenging.

The difficulty in Moore's Mill lies in its unforgiving nature. With obstacles right and left, one cannot afford to hit the ball anything but straight. Also, there are many instances which the player should lay up. Navigate this place with caution until you've mastered the joint. One bit of breathing room comes in the form of bunkers, or lack thereof. Eighteen holes bring just 28 sand traps and only two holes, the second and fourth, with fairway bunkers.

You get a feel for Moore's Mill's thin nature right off of the first tee, a 529-yard par 5. A narrow fairway, with a creek down the left side and small "fairway pond" to the right offers an excellent shot at a mulligan on your first shot. The fairway actually narrows the closer you arrive to the green.

Whereas the par 3 fifth hole (168 yards) and par 4 sixth (390 yards) offer an abundance of water, its the par 4 eighth (550 yards) that creates frustration. Long holes bring out the heavy hitters in most. That can be a problem here. Don't hit it too far off the tee or you'll plow right into the water, which splits the fairway.

The back nine is equally as scenic and challenging. Another tough hole is the par 5, 522-yard 13th. The landing area off the tee isn't as tight as some, but a hook will send your ball into a muddy creek and a slice will put you into the trees. What you decide to do on your second shot greatly depends on how you hit your first. The creek eventually splits the fairway ahead, forcing you to either lay up or take a daring chance and go for the green. A perfect risk/reward situation.

Moore's Mill's finishing hole (par 4, 447 yards) is as difficult as it is picturesque. The old-school English style cobblestone clubhouse rests beyond the 18th green, giving the hole a St. Andrews look. Don't get lulled by its beauty, though. Another darn winding creek awaits roughly 350 yards from the tee. If the tee shot isn't strong, the player must again decide to either lay up or go for the gusto.

In all, Moore's Mill is among the most challenging courses in east Alabama and could very well rival any Robert Trent Jones course for difficulty.

Aside from playing 18, Moore's Mill offers one of the most advanced golf instruction facilities in the state for all ages.

For more on this club, visit its Web site at http://www.mooresmillclub.com/

Rating (1 to 10)

Amenities: Excellent putting green, nice driving range, top of the line golf school, well-stocked pro shop with attractive clubhouse make this place stand out. Score -- 10

Value: For $50 on weekdays or $80 on weekends, it's on the high end of affordability, and you can get on only if you're a guest of a member. However, you get what you pay for, if you're paying for challenging golf on an excellent course. The difficulty lies in actually getting on the course. Those darn private clubs! Score -- 5.

Fun: Depends. If you're really good and want a challenge, you've got one. If you're an Average Joe and don't need a confidence-killer, it can be frustrating. Fun here is up to the person. Score -- 7.

Conditions: Primo. Of course, I figure it's easier to manage out of bounds areas when they are wetlands rather than woodlands. Fairways in great condition. So were the greens. Score -- 8.

Difficulty: It's tight. It's got water. It makes you think. Grip it, rip it, close your eyes and pray. Greens not as difficult as other joints. Fairways make up for that. Score -- 9.

Overall: It's a shame that few can enjoy this place due to its exclusive clientel, but that's the nature and right of private clubs. Architects made great use of the wetlands and built in a few forgiving holes to make up for the triple bogeys. Score -- 7.8

Stillwaters-Highlands Course, Dadeville, Ala.

For a championship course with only one real water hazard, the Highlands Golf Course at Stillwaters presents more than enough challenges.

It's called Highlands for a reason. There's undulation, and lots of it. If you're looking for a flat fairway, look elsewhere. There is nothing flat about this place. Balls roll down. Balls roll up. Sometimes balls roll from side to side. Sometimes they roll over a hill, never to be seen again. Elevated tee boxes make this course picturesque, but second shots taken from the fairway can be very difficult because you're seemingly always on an uphill or downhill slope.

This is a golf course that can be very fun for the accomplished player looking for a challenge and frustrating to the novice who doesn't really need help losing confidence. In 1997, it was named among Golf Digest's best new courses, and it continues to live up to those accolades.

The par 72 Highlands, which plays at 6,906 yards from the tips, is remote with most fairways heavily lined with trees. There are a few gulleys or would-be creeks that snake through the underbrush, but they rarely come into play. The 13th hole, a par 5, offers the only real water hazard, but the pond is mostly off to the left and doesn't require a forced carry onto the green. Wild turkeys were seen on the fairway. Not sure if that makes it a birdie hole.

Despite its challenges, Highlands is a very woodsy, beautiful golf course and one that I'd recommend to anyone willing to score in the triple digits. It's tight, the greens are relatively large with undulation, the elevation changes provide excellent scenery, and some holes offer the challenge of precise shot-making and placement.

The severe elevation changes can hurt and help. There are times when hills on either side of the fairway slope down toward the center of the fairway, creating a funnel effect. An errant drive can bounce off a slope and roll back to the center of the fairway. And there are times when your shot can roll downhill into a gully.

The front nine plays a bit easier than the back, but not much. Notable holes on the front include the 189-yard (from the tips) par 3 eighth, which offers a forced carry over a large wasteland of underbrush to the center and left, and thick trees to the right, and No. 9, which may be the most demanding hole on the course. The ninth, a 539-yard par 5, makes the player hit a long tee shot to have any chance at success. Three long and accurate shots are required for par, or bogey.

One of the most picturesque holes is the par 4 10th, see above, as its tee box towers over the fairway. Good luck with this one. An accurate tee shot will put you in good shape. Don't be deceived by the hole marker in the photo. The blue blob in the middle of the sign isn't water. It's just the fairway.

The most treacherous hole on the course is the 423-yard, par 4 15th. It may not be long, but it will bite you. A marshy area occupies the left side, while trees guard nice homes to the right. What's left in the middle is a thin fairway sloped sharply downhill from right to left. Balls hit to the center can manage to roll into the left underbrush. Wet grass can cushion the speed of their roll.

A very challenging finishing hole awaits at No. 18, a 405-yard par 4. Again, it's not long, but it's got other issues. Canyons. Two of them. The first is a massive thicket you don't want to enter. A 200-yard tee shot is required to clear this first mess. Anything short, and it's mulligan time. Once you've cleared the first canyon, you hope to find your ball at the top of a hill. There, you see canyon No. 2. This one is as deep and steep as the first except it's full of well-kept grass. The preferred second shot will land on the green. The most likely scenario has the player walking into this trench to hit his or her ball up a steep slope and onto the green.

Stillwaters is a resort community located on the banks of Lake Martin, just 10 miles south of Dadeville in the heart of Tallapoosa County. Only a few homes can be seen from the course, but the Stillwaters area offers a number of vacation rentals, mostly on the lake, but a few villas can be rented near the course.

Formerly known as the Traditions Course, the Highlands is the newest of two Stillwaters courses. The sad thing is, the old course, Legacy, has not been open to the public for about four years. Word around the clubhouse was that both courses could be sold. A ranger said the asking price was in the neighborhood of $15.5 million. I didn't have $15.5 million in my pocket, so I purchased a $45 weekend greens fee instead. Greens fees on most weekdays go for $35 plus tax.

For more information about Stillwaters, visit its Web site at http://www.stillwatersgolf.com/

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: This course is more enjoyable for the experienced player, but those less experienced looking for a challenge and don't mind being eaten alive are sure to have a good time. It's set in a remote, relaxing environment. Score -- 7

Value: At $45 on weekends, this borders on pricy. Not a bad deal because you're playing in a great location on a fine course. Score -- 7
Amenities: Clubhouse is relatively large and new with a large pro shop and restaurant that can be used for banquets. A driving range is on the premesis too. Carts are provided and in good shape. Parking lot is nice. Saw one bathroom on the back nine, which is better than most. If you really have to go, there are plenty of woods. Did not see a beverage cart. Score -- 7

Conditions: Overall, quite nice. Fairways were in very good shape. Rough was rough, but it's supposed to be, otherwise it wouldn't be called the rough. Course a bit bumpy, but the earth apparently was made that way here. Some greens could have been in better shape as a few had dead spots, which effect the ball's roll. Score -- 7

Difficulty: If your proficient at hitting the ball on a slope all day, then maybe it's not difficult. Otherwise ... Fairways are tight. Greens are undulating, but fair. A handful of hazards and variety of challenges. Great use of hazards without using water. Score -- 9

Overall: I'd like to see Tiger Woods tackle this place. There's a strong variety of challenges and the scenery is beautiful. Very remote location, which can be relaxing. I highly recommend Highlands. Score -- 7.4

Silver Lakes, Glencoe, Ala.

Silver Lakes, another Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail gem, is where the names live up to its reputation.

Together, Backbreaker and Heartbreaker combine to make America’s 22nd-toughest 18 holes of golf, according to Golf Digest.

The greens are undulated -- and the fairways are too.

“Both are very scenic,” said Silver Lakes Pro Landon Lomax, “And the shots make it seem like you’re hitting uphill.”

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Glencoe, Ala., roughly 10 miles south of Gadsden, Silver Lakes offers elevated tee boxes, elevated greens and picturesque countryside.

“It’s the quietest area on the Trail,” Lomax said. “We’re off the beaten path, out in the country.”
Mindbreaker may be Silver Lakes’ shortest and least difficult championship course, but don’t let it fool you.

“It makes you have to think your way around the golf course,” Lomax said. “It has strategically-placed sand. The greens aren’t as elevated, and all greens are different because of undulation. You have to think about your approach shots.”

Lomax considered Heartbreaker’s No. 9 as “the best finishing hole on the Trail.”

“It goes along the side of a lake. You have to cross the lake off the tee to the fairway.”

Daring golfers can try to reach the green, 314 yards from the tee box, in one stroke. More conservative golfers may choose to stroke the ball to the right of the lake, laying up in the fairway.

Backbreaker’s No. 9, pictured above, is another jewel.

“It’s par 5 and it’s all downhill,” Lomax said.

With mountains in the background, and an elevated tee box, players can try to reach the green in two -- but a creek separates the green from the fairway. That said, it may be best to play safe and lay up -- giving yourself an easier100-yard short iron shot to the green.

Lomax said Backbreaker’s 623-yard par 5 No. 7 was the facility’s “most difficult because of the elevation changes, the greens and the water. That wind comes across the lake pretty good.”

Silver Lakes’ nine-hole short course offers seven water holes, set around the facility’s clubhouse.

For more information, check out Silver Lakes' Web site at http://www.rtjgolf.com/courses/silver_lakes/. Fees range from $43 to $79, depending whether the player holds a RTJ Trail Card.

Silver Lakes could be the most picturesque of the RTJ Trail Courses with mountains in the background and certainly is the most remote. If you're hungry after a day's round, be sure to drive five miles north to the Big Chief in downtown Glencoe. There you can dine on divine onion rings and grape milkshakes, among a long list of other delicacies.

Rating (1 to 10)
Fun: The fun lies in the challenge and knowledge that you are on a pristine course in a beautiful setting. If you can't have fun here, then you can't have fun anywhere. The only drawback is this place can wreck your score, which ultimately leads to frustration. Score -- 8

Value: You can't expect to pay a minimal amount for such a nice golf course. If you're looking to spent $30 for 18 holes, go elsewhere. For $43 with a RTJ Trail Card, you can't beat it. Score -- 9

Conditions: Are you kidding? This is an RTJ course. Fairways immaculate, greens great despite a long drought. Score -- 9

Amenities: Large clubhouse stocked with every golf goodie you want. Decent restaurant with full menu items and relaxing lounge inside, peaceful setting on the veranda. Putting green and driving range too. Score -- 8

Difficulty: This is ranked as the 22nd-most difficult public facility in America. It will break your heart and bend your mind. Score -- 10

Overall: Golf heaven is in little Glencoe, Ala. Can you believe it? Score -- 8.8

Grand National Lake Course, Opelika, Ala.

Another jewel on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is Grand National's Lake Course, a 6,488-yard beast that challenges accuracy off the tee and on the greens.

The sister course to Grand National's Links Course plays along the banks of Lake Saugahatchee with 10 holes offering water hazards. The greens are large, soft and tricky with elevation changes. Fairways are wide, but a number of fairway bunkers can turn otherwise perfect drives into wasted opportunities.

This course is arguably the best in east Alabama. Fairways, greens and traps are in near perfect shape. Carts offer GPS locators. The clubhouse is immaculate, and a separate driving range/putting green is one of the best around.

Difficulty of the Lake Course is relatively the same as the Links. Both offer water and sand, with undulated fairways. The Links course may be a tad tighter and longer, but this doesn't make the Lake Course easier. One great difference is the Lake Course allows players to return to the clubhouse for a break after nine holes. The Links Course does not.

The Lake Course has been the home to a number of top-notch tournaments, including the NIKE Tour (now Nationwide) Championship, the LPGA, and NCAA Men's and Women's Championships. Some of the world's best players have attacked these fairways, including Charles Howell III, Matt Kuchar, Steve Flesch, and Se Ri Pak. It is also a stop on the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour, where tomorrow's stars compete today as kids.

According to the Lake Course's scorecard, its par 4, 381-yard second hole is the most difficult. For those who hit it straight, it's easily reachable in two. But any deviation left or right could spoil the hole. To the left is wind-whipped Lake Saugahatchee. To the right are woods, and along the right side of the fairway (approximately 220 to 250 yards out) lie sand traps. There's danger everywhere.

Another challenge lies on the 521-yard, par 5 seventh hole. There's woods to the left, trees and the lake to the right. Obviously, the best bet is to hit in-between. A strong approach shot, however, can be "rewarded" with your ball falling into one of several sand traps that guard the green. The player can walk away from this hole without hitting a bad shot -- and a double-bogey on the scorecard.

The 10th hole, a par 4, 397-yarder, is wildly undulated. Water does not come into play, but the fairway features more ups and downs than Pamela Anderson's chest. A perfect tee shot in the middle of the fairway can rest on an uphill or downhill lie. Make sure your approach shot does not fall left of the green, otherwise your next shot on to the green will be played far below the hole. The gully to the left is easily 30-40 feet below the putting surface, but its grass is smooth, so your uphill shot should be clean.

One of this course's "signature" holes is the par 5, 493-yard 12th. The left fairway runs entirely along the banks of Lake Saugahatchee, so errant tee shots have great opportunities to get wet. The hole veers toward the left, forcing the player to hit directly over the lake off the tee. Sliced shots go into the woods. A straight drive of 250 yards will perfectly put your ball into the fairway. Once you've cleared the lake and did not drive beside the trees to the right, it's smooth sailing, unless you plunk your second shot into the water.

The course's most attractive hole is the 174-yard, par 3 15th -- pictured above -- which takes aim over Lake Saugahatchee on to a thin green with a bunker to the rear and sharply sloped bank to the front. Tee shots toward this "island hole" are played entirely over water. There is little margin for error as the green is wide from left to right, not front to back. Bring an extra ball to the tee box. Mulligans are accepted.

It's hard to pick between the Lake and the Links Courses at Grand National. I'd say play both, then perhaps head over to Grand National's nifty par 3 course. But that course is for another blog. Greens fees at Grand National vary from season to season. Rounds can vary from $59 to $79. Those with RTJ Trail Cards (purchased for $39) can play rounds for $39 to $44, depending on the day of the week.

For more information about the Lake Course or Grand National's facilities and the complete Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, check out its Web site at http://www.rtjgolf.com/courses/grand_national/

Rating (1 to 10)

Fun: Combine near perfect conditions with natural beauty, a great challenge and a wide variety of holes, Grand National's Lake Course ranks with the best. Score -- 9

Value: Another RTJ course gives Trail Card-holders the chance to play for $40. That's pretty hard to beat. Score -- 8

Conditions: A full-time staff is devoted to keeping this place pristine. Fairways remained perfect green in the winter and didn't wilt in the summer heat. Score -- 9

Amenities: Let's see, large practice facility (though the ground could have been better), putting green, immaculate clubhouse with everything you want, excellent service, ect. Score -- 9

Difficulty: Not as tight as its sister course, the Lake Course still offers a numbers of challenges, including water and sneaky bunkers. Elevated and undulated greens challenge your putting. Score -- 8

Overall: Excuse me while I drool. There is water, woods, beauty, great playing conditions and a strong variety of holes to test all aspects of your game. Score -- 8.6

Augusta National

I’ve never seen a golf course more beautiful than Augusta National. On this day, Monday's practice round, the weather was cold, damp and overcast, but even drab skies couldn’t take away from this course's radiance.

The azaleas and dogwoods were blooming, and coupled with Rae’s Creek and the tall Georgia pines, they painted a stunning masterpiece -- often repeated through reflections in the ponds.

Even after Tiger Woods and his throng of thousands that followed his every move finished Amen Corner, the 11th, 12th and 13th holes outlined with flowers and the meandering creek and its picturesque bridges, many stayed behind. There was nobody to watch. Masters practice was in full swing, but Tiger had little company in his wake. The grandstands that overlooked the 12th hole, Golden Bell, remained packed. At that moment I realized that people weren’t necessarily here to watch Woods, or even golf for that matter. Many were at this very spot simply because it is mesmerizing. People talked, drank and took pictures. They were in golf heaven, sacred ground, and didn’t want to leave.

Watching Masters practice is fun because the players aren’t as serious, other than Tiger spouting a few unnecessary F-bombs, and take numerous turns chipping and putting around the greens from multiple angles. Pin placements will be different each round, so they wanted to get a feel for all areas of the greens.

Another thing that caught my eye was the grass. That stuff is immaculate. It’s so soft and green, it doesn’t look real.

Also, the practice rounds are the only rounds patrons (that’s a fancy term for fans) can bring cameras and photograph PGA Tour stars to death. Everyone wanted Tiger’s picture. That’s why it was so difficult taking close-ups of the tournament favorite. I had no problem standing beside the tee box when defending champ Zach Johnson pulled out his driver and was practically alone when Ben Crenshaw, Trevor Immelman and Steve Flesch approached the second green.

If you’ve always wanted to walk Augusta National, the practice rounds are your best bet. Badges are available along Washington Road, the four-lane street outside the course, from people looking to make a profit. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so why not head to Augusta one year in the near future? Concessions are very inexpensive and the course is fan-friendly. You get to walk across the famous fairways from time to time. That’s like walking across Lambeau Field.

There is no reason to analyze this course from a competitor's standpoint since I will never swing a club here. Sure, this course plays long, its fairways are undulated and its greens devilish, but why examine the best options on how to play the 13th hole, pictured above with Tiger, when that opportunity will not present itself? Instead for us, Augusta National is left to be admired and appreciated from a spectators' standpoint.

This is the Holy Grail of golf. If you drool at the chance to stroll on the grounds and see the world’s best, try heading to a practice round in the future.

Augusta (Ga.) Municipal

It had a reputation to live up to, and it succeeded mightily.

Augusta Municipal Golf Course, "The Patch," doesn't have nice fairways, nice greens, nice cart paths, or nice tee boxes. Golf Magazine said so, and I verified its claims. But that really doesn't matter. It's very inexpensive and still fun. Golf holes are the same diameter whether or not you're playing on Bent Grass Greens or sandpaper.

Augusta Municipal has one thing it's precious neighbor, Augusta National, does not -- accessibility. Anyone can play 18 at Augusta Municipal. Only a select few are ever afforded the opportunity at the National.

Problem areas at Municipal include numerous dead spots on the fairways, weeds on the fairways, weeds growing on the greens, and hard, rocky ground in the rough. The rough at Augusta National is far and away better than the fairway at Municipal. Other issues were uneven tee boxes and gobs of "debris" on the greens in the form of fallen leaves or other pine tree particles.

But the less-than-spectacular shape of the course is part of Municipal's schtick. Otherwise, it couldn't make light of itself with hats that read "The Patch" embroidered on the back. The city could spend thousands to renovate the grounds and replant nicer grass on the fairways and greens, but I don't think that would be in the best interest of the place. The below-par grounds make it more challenging. It's flaws make it special, and inexpensive.

For $14 to walk on weekdays, or $32 to walk and ride on weekends, it's a steal. Cart paths are generally dirt or crushed rock, so put lids on those drinks.

Augusta Municipal is located beside Daniel Field, which is an airport, not a baseball stadium. Jets will time to time buzz overhead. One hole, the par 5 11th, runs parallel to a runway. It's feasible to hook a drive into airport property, which I suppose can be dangerous for aviators.

This course isn't terribly long, but it's greatest challenge lies on its greens. They're small. Very small. Possibly even smaller than the greens at Lakewinds in Alexander City, Ala., a course reviewed last month. Municipal's greens weren't mowed short the day I played and were slower than some, but these greens were set on sloped pedestals and were very difficult to chip on to. Shots landing in the center of the greens often rolled off the back. Chipping has to be perfect.

Since the ground was very hard, some players chose to putt on to the green rather than chip, even from 25 yards out.

The front nine is more challenging than the back from a higher/lower overall score point of view. Why? The front nine has one par 3 and the back nine has three par 3s.

Notable holes on the front nine include the par 4 third hole, which forces the player to carry a 100-yard lake before landing on to the fairway. From there, the hole plays uphill.

One hole that can certainly destroy your psyche is the par 4 fifth, which doglegs to the left. Skilled golfers can cut the corner and drive over a cluster of pine trees. Good shots can leave a player just 30-40 yards from the green. The second shot is arguably the most treacherous on the course. On this day, the hole was placed on the left side of the green, the side of the green that also slopes to the left. Approach shots can easily roll off the green and down a 25-foot embankment. Amen Corner has nothing on this green. Take your shot and say your prayers.

Perhaps the easiest hole on the course is the 279-yard par 4 13th. A strong tee shot gives the player a chance a hole-in-one double eagle. But the hole does play uphill, so you better have some serious muscle to reach the green. The hole's dangerous aspect is the swarm of yellowjackets around a large tea olive tree located next to the tee box, so play fast, or tee off from the kids' box 25 yards ahead. Besides, that's closer to the green anyway.

The 14th hole is a par three the plays entirely over a blueish pond (not sure what's in the water) filled with carp, or perhaps some mutant fish you'd rather not consume. It's only 145 yards, so it's another chance at birdie.

The finishing hole is another par 4 that doglegs a bit to the right. But watch out, great tee shots can be "rewarded" with balls falling into the fairway bunker. The green lies off to the right and features probably the largest circumference on the course.

In all, Municipal is a challenging course without the luxury you'll find at some places. Should that matter? Golf is golf, right?

Municipal does have a driving range and putting green, again with very poor grounds to work with, and a nice clubhouse stocked with goodies.

If you're planning on visiting Augusta and want to play some cheap golf, visit the Web site first:
http://www.augustaga.gov/departments/recreation/municipal_golf.asp

After your round, head to the riverfront for dinner at Pizza Joint, or possibly the eclectic Boll Weevil. If you want fried foods, Rhinehart's is a local favorite.

Rating (out of 10)

Fun: Golf is fun regardless where, right? Score: 6

Value: For $14 walking on weekdays and $32 riding on weekends, that's a pretty good deal. I'd like to have better playing conditions for $32 though. Score: 7

Conditions: Yes, we mentioned conditions. There were weeds and dead spots in the fairways, weeds, dead spots and many pine worms on the greens. I'm not clear this course's desire is to be well-kept, which perhaps gives it its own little personality and charm, if that's the personality and charm you want. It's got to live up to the nickname "The Patch." Score: 2

Amenities: There is a driving range and putting green, but neither are in good shape. The good part about that is they resemble the course. Clubhouse is nice and very large. Pro shop fully stocked. Snack bar decent. Score: 5

Difficulty: Course may not be in good shape and it doesn't appear to be the most challenging in the world, but this course can really bite you if you're not on your game. Short game is very crucial as the greens are pint-size. Again, that's a neat characteristic that gives the Patch some personality. Score: 7

Overall: If you don't mind a less than perfect setting, there's nothing wrong with Municipal. The object of the game is the same no matter where you play. It offers a number of challenges to your game and a round can be finished in less than four hours. Not a bad experience at all. Score: 5.4

Auburn Links, Auburn, Ala.

Auburn Links features a number of challenges and is one of the more enjoyable I regularly play. It has a few tree-lined holes that go straight ahead, but it's also got doglegs, forced carries and a creek that often meanders its way between greens and fairways.

While Auburn Links (par 72, 6,790 yards from the tips) is not wide-open, it's not terribly tight either. Most of the holes are lined by Alabama pines, oaks and sweet gums, but much of the underbrush has been cleared away. Balls into the woods can be found if you take the time to look.

Not sure why the word links appears in the title. Auburn Links is anything but a true Scottish links course. It's very traditional.

Auburn Links was never more attractive than it was on this day. Perhaps the beauty is the fairways coming back to green life after another cold winter. Perhaps it's the clearing of underbrush along the fairways. Whatever it is, the staff did a good job.

Auburn Links ranks as a course with medium difficulty. It may not trash your game and send you home with your tail between your legs, but don't get cocky, because this place has a few holes that can really bite you. It seems the greens are faster now than they were last year.

The front nine plays shorter (3,290 yards) and a tad less difficult than the back nine (3,500 yards). The most challenging hole, according to the scorecard, greets you on the first tee box. At 345 yards from the blue tees, it isn't long, but the first hole features Mill Creek, which slashes through the fairway twice from right to left. The creek's first gully is easy to clear, but the second could cause problems as it zips back. Heavy hitters may choose to lay up. The approach shot goes slightly to the left uphill to a green protected by a front bunker.

Though water can be a factor on some holes, the course's only lake is found on the fourth hole, a 155-yard par 3. The lake, or pond, is small and offers more of a mental challenge from the elevated tee box. This green is sloped from back to front, so par putts don't come easy.

Possibly the widest fairway of the bunch is on the par 5, 545-yard eighth hole. The hole veers a bit to the right, so hitters with mild slices could benefit. The green is guarded by a number of bunkers.

An interesting hole is the par 5, 550-yard 12th. Depending on your tee and second shots, your approach shot to the green, which is separated from the fairway by that darn creek, could wind up in the water. It might be a good idea to lay up and try to reach the green in four strokes instead.

The scorecard reveals the 425-yard, par 4 14th hole as the second-hardest on the premesis. I beg to differ. The hole is dead straight and the only obstacles come from your mind and a few hilly mounds to the right of the fairway. Hit the ball straight and you're on in two. Slice the ball sharply off the tee and it could fly into one of the homes that back against the fairway.

Perhaps the signature hole of the course is the 18th, a par 4, 445-yard beast that's in good view of neighboring South College Street. Danger lurks all around. You cannot see the green or good portion of the fairway from the tee box as the hole turns sharply downhill roughly 150 yards from the tee. The scary thing is, Mill Creek returns at the bottom of the hill. What might be your best hit ball of the day could bounce, and bounce, and bounce again downhill into the creek. A 250-yard shot should be safe, but don't push it much further.

The approach shot is often on a downhill lie. The green is guarded by five bunkers which create the shape of a tiger paw.

Greens fees at Auburn Links (http://www.auburnlinks.com/), which features a clubhouse and pro shop, range from $36 to $44 depending on day and time. Fees include a cart. To get there, take South College Street south of Interstate 85 and turn at the first left (Shell Toomer Parkway). Auburn Links is on your right.

Rating (out of 10)

Fun: Very interesting layout. There are several instances where you may be temped to lay up, so the mental part of your game can get tested. This course offers great challenges, and a few easy holes to make up for the challenges. Score: 8

Value: For $36 to $44, it's pretty much in the middle range for greens fees. What you get is a decent golf course. That's pretty much why we play, right? Score: 7

Conditions: Fairways have struggled in the summer, but the Alabama drought has something to do with that. Greens were in good shape and the fairways have been fine so far this season. Sand traps aren't as fluffy as others, but seem easier to escape. Score: 7

Amenities: Decent pro shop and snack bar. This course comes with a good driving range, chipping range and putting green. You could practice for a while, not hit the course and still have a good time. Score: 7

Difficulty: Not the toughest course in town, but will bite you if you're not careful. Score: 7

Overall: Count on using every club in the bag here. Auburn Links will make you work for a few holes, then give you a break. It's a fun course worth playing if/when you're in the Auburn area. Score: 7.2

Riviera, Ormond Beach, Fla.

Riviera Country Club, just a few miles north of Daytona Beach, surprised me. The Daytona Beach area has a number of golf courses that may be newer, and as a longtime resident of the area I do not recall Riviera having a reputation as a must-play golf destination. Well, this course was in fantastic shape, was very fun and relatively inexpensive ($38 after noon).

At Riviera, there are no tee times. Just show up and play. It's first come, first serve.

The facility was opened in 1953, and you can see its age just by looking at the pro shop and adjacent restaurant/bar. But so what? Fairways are in good shape, greens are fast but in good shape, and the sand traps are well-kept. I can't complain about the groundskeeping. The only drawback was a few instances where the cart path was dirt or gravel. But I didn't come here to drive a golf cart. I came to drive a golf ball.

From the back tees, Riviera's par 71 layout is 6,250 yards. The front nine features three par 3s, so one should expect to have a lower gross score in the first nine holes than the last nine holes. The course itself isn't the most challenging in the world. For the most part, Riviera features wide-open fairways that are outlined by a few palm trees. Bad tee shots don't always mean lost golf balls. There are a number of strategically-placed ponds though, so be careful.

Average-sized greens are often guarded by sand traps and pin placement can be tricky, often right on the edge of a slope or at the edge of the green itself. The greens played fast early, but I overcompensated on the back nine and began putting short of the hole.

Riviera features a number of holes worth mentioning here. The first hole, a par 4, 465-yarder, has a dogleg to the left, so a person with frequent long drives may drive straight ahead into the rough. Some might want to consider starting off with a long iron.

At 520 yards, the par 5 seventh hole is the longest on the course. There's nothing fancy about the hole since it's straight ahead. Be careful not to slice off the tee, or your ball will wind up in somebody's backyard.

Though Riviera is mostly a wide-open facility, the par 3, 158-yard eighth hole, is the most secluded. Trees line the short fairway, while a small pond awaits to the right, with plants that resemble banana trees growing behind them. It's pictured above.

What is considered as the most difficult hole is the 425-yard, par 4 11th. I'm not sure why. It really wasn't that hard. A few trees line the fairway to the left, while the danger on the right is a fairway bunker, which I managed to plow into.

Another attractive hole is the par 3, 142-yard 15th. Tee shots must be lofted beyond a pond decorated with a fountain. The difficulty here lies in bunkers, which guard the green from invaders.

Overall, this was one of the most enjoyable courses I've played simply because it didn't completely destroy my confidence, while at the same time it presented new challenges. It may not be the best golf course in the Daytona Beach area, but it ranks right up there with the most fun.

For more information, visit Riviera's Web site at http://www.rivcc.com/

Fun: 9
Value: 8
Conditions: 6
Amenities: 4
Difficulty: 6
Overall: 6.6

Callahan Golf Links, Waleska, Ga.

I've never played a golf course quite like Callahan Golf Links. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains a few miles north of Canton, Ga., this large tract of farmland has been transformed in the last six months into a Scottish-style golf course, complete with high grass in the rough, a number of creeks and ravines, and a layout smack dab in a prairie.

To sum: trees do not come into play here nearly as often as other places.

This par 72, 6,382-yard facility (from the middle tees) opened in October by the Callahan Family. In fact, they still live on the premesis. Mrs. Callahan said it was her late husband's dream to construct a golf course on their land. He more than got his wish.

At $38 for 18 holes, it's a great bargain. Check out the course's Web site for more details and history of the land: http://www.callahangolflinks.com/

The course may not be as plush as some top-dollar sites in the South, but the scenery is downright beautiful. About half of the course sits in a prairie. The other half -- behind the Callahan homestead -- goes deep into the Georgia woods. Fairways here are sloped, forcing the player to hit the right spots or suffer the consequences of balls either rolling into the rough, or deep into ravines.

Callahan Links offers a number of trouble spots, doglegs and tight fairways that appeal to the more accurate player. Those who seem to hit left and right had better bring a few extra balls. The underbrush on either side of the fairway is thick. Those fortunate enough to find their balls are forced to swing into the thick stuff.

There are a number of interesting holes of mention. The most difficult hole on the course, the par 4, 425-yard fifth, features a strong dogleg to the right with dense woods on either side of the tee box and a very narrow, sloped fairway. The woods love to eat golf balls. If you reach the fairway, beware the large boulder sitting in the center. One ricochet, and you're back in the woods. On the approach shot, the player is forced to either swing for the green, or lay up as a large ravine separates the fairway and green.

The 496-yard, par 5 10th hole offers no trees, but plenty of underbrush and water. Thick grass lines a narrow fairway, with a creek running down the right side. When chipping on to the green, do so with care. Even the slightest stroke beyond the hole can roll off of the green, then speed directly into a goose-filled lake.

The 185-yard, par 3 17th features little or no fairway and a green upon a pedestal. Hit it to the left, and the ball will roll downhill away from the desired target. Hit it to the right, and the ball will fall upon a hill with terrain not desired for hitting golf balls. Hit it beyond the green, and your ball will go swimming.

Since the facility is still very new, it's a safe bet to figure the course will continue to improve. Fairways aren't in perfect condition yet and there's a good amount of stumps and underbrush that can be cleared. Greens and sand traps are in very good condition.

If you're into trying a different type of golf course for a good price, Callahan is worth a try. I'll be back ... when I've learned to hit the ball straight.

Fun: 8

Value: 9

Conditions: 7

Amenities: 3

Difficulty: 9

Overall: 7.2

Lakewood, Phenix City, Ala.

If you're looking for plush, you came to the wrong place. If you're looking for fun golf with a handful of challenging holes, then Lakewood passes the test.

Frankly, this course in northern Phenix City took me by surprise. It doesn't blow you away with well-kept greens or well-conditioned cart paths, but from tee box to the hole, this place truly offers an enjoyable round.
What makes Lakewood so enjoyable? To me it was the elevation changes and a variety of shot selection the course makes you play. Lakewood also offers a variety of doglegs, and holes that are simply straight-on, and a few blind shots where local knowledge is necessary.
It's not a long course, just 6,476 from the tips, and it's not a tight course either.The rough isn't in the best shape, nor are the greens or the cart path. But I really didn't care. But the fairways are fine and the holes are challenging. I don't need pristine to have fun.
The front nine and back nine are drastically different. The front nine offers far more doglegs and elevated tee boxes/greens, while the back nine features a string of four-successive down and back straight-on holes (10 through 14).
The course's second hole (par 3, 150 yards from the center tees) plays much farther than it looks. Why? It's all uphill. I've never reached the green from the tee box. Watch out to the right. A slice from the tee box will send your ball crashing onto the road.
Perhaps the most scenic hole is next. The par 4, 378-yard fourth hole features a tee box high above the fairway and offers a great vantage point of the entire facility and surrounding neighborhoods. The hole hooks sharply to the left after about 220 yards. One could hit it straight out of the box, or go or the gusto and try to fly the ball over a series of pine trees and take a short cut closer to the green.
A tricky hole is the 300-yard, par 4 No. 6. From the tee box, you cannot see what lies beyond a hill. That's where a sharp dogleg to the left comes in. Hit a great shot straight and your ball will likely be lost in a large dirt/rough mound. It may be best to hit a two-iron here.
My personal favorite hole is the par 4, 292-yard No. 16. The green is pictured above. Yes, that's my ball ... that little white thing next to the hole. Somehow it got there in two shots, setting me up for my first birdie in years. I was a foot from an eagle! Heavy hitters have a great chance for low scores here since it's very short for a par 4. The biggest challenge, however, is your ball cannot be followed beyond a ridge at the center of the fairway. Once it clears the ridge, you won't see it again until you clear the ridge also. Cross your fingers and hope it's close to the green. Pine trees line the fairway to the right and left.
The 18th hole, a par 5, 492-yarder, provides each player with the chance to either go for the green in two strokes, or lay up and not chance sending the ball into the water. The best bet is to lay up, then go for the green, which is well-protected by sand traps.
Rates are inexpensive, with fees ranging from $25 to $32, depending on the day. For more information, check out the Web site: http://www.phenixcityal.us/Default.asp?ID=170&pg=Lakewood+Golf+Course
I look forward to playing here again.

Fun: 8

Value: 8

Conditions: 4

Amenities: 5

Difficulty: 6

Overall: 6.2