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

Lakewinds, Alexander City, Ala.

I wasn't sure what to expect upon arriving at this rural course in Tallapoosa County just a stone's throw from Lake Martin. I knew Lakewinds, located along U.S. Highway 280 beyond Jackson's Gap, wasn't exactly going to be Augusta National, but I don't need a plush course to have a good time.

What I found was a golf course set on a hilly terrain with extremely small greens, brown grass in the fairways and locations in the rough that weren't fit for hitting a golf ball. The rough was hard in some locations -- either rocky or filled with above-ground tree roots. No problem. I just moved my ball to safer spots. Is this cheating? Maybe. But I didn't bend my 4-iron.

But let's get past this course's maintenance blemishes and tough terrain. It's a fun little course that offers a ton of challenges. The hills create pretty views from the tee boxes -- some uphill, some downhill.

There isn't a lot of water to navigate, but you must carry the water off the tee on three holes, including the par 3 No. 14, which is pretty close to being an island hole. My favorite hole was the par 4 No. 15, which offers a sharp dogleg to the left.

Another interesting hole is the par 5 No. 8, which offers a long, straight fairway with woods to the left and water to the right before forcing the player to turn his focus beyond the lake to a green located on a hill to the right.

The par 5 16th forces you to carry the ball 150 yards over water before climbing a sharp hill on the second shot. But players cannot see what lies on the other side of the hill, which can make for an interesting second shot. Beware of the lake to the left on your approach.

The par 70 Lakewinds has two distinguishing characteristics: it's very short (5,500 yards from the back tees) and it has some of the smallest greens I've ever seen. The small greens really put a premium on your approach shots and wedges.

Greens fees are reasonable, $23 for 18 holes with a cart. There is no driving range. Lakewinds won't make Golf Digest, but it's a unique challenge worth taking on a Saturday afternoon.

For more information, check out the course's Web site at http://www.alexcitypr.com/golfcourse.htm

Fun: 8
Value: 8
Conditions: 3
Amenities: 3
Difficulty: 7
Overall: 5.8

Grand National Links Course, Opelika, Ala.

I've said this more than once in the past week, Grand National Links is the most beautiful golf course I have ever played. Yes, it can be treacherous. Yes, there is no club house after the ninth hole. And yes, an overload of patrons can create long waits.

But this place, all 6,574 yards of it, is a masterpiece.

Why?

First, fairways and greens remain in pristine, green condition despite the winter cold, while grass in the rough turned a light shade of tan. What you get is a neat contrast of green, tan, green, tan, etc.

Second, Lake Saugahatchee provides a natural obstacle on 11 holes. There are a number of forced carries, but much of the lake outlines either the left or right side of the fairways, so it's a good thing to keep your shots straight. The lake's north perimeter is very marshy, giving it a different look.

This is a long course that demands accuracy off the tee and in your approach shots. Few of the holes are straight, and those that are offer other challenges ... like sand traps, and large greens that can't decide to slope to the left, to the right, or both.

It's been said the course's "signature" hole is its 427-yard, par 4 18th, where players must clear the lake and a large rock embankment in order to reach the green in two and have a chance at birdie. It might be a good call to simply aim to the right of the green and not gamble losing your ball. Or you could do what I did and launch your ball down the cart path, all the way to the edge of the green. Yeah, I got lucky.

Three other holes, however, stick out.

The 509-yard, par 5 second hole features three fairway bunkers. You could land in one, hit yourself out of it, and find yourself in the next one. That's what i did.

Links' sixth hole, a 499-yard, par 5, gives players the choice to go for the green in two (or three depending on your power), or lay up and avoid the risky marsh, which separates the fairway from the green by about 80 yards. I layed up and used an 8-iron from there. It was a terrible shot -- a line drive that crashed hard into the swamp -- then skipped back into the air and on to the green. I couldn't do that again if I tried.

Perhaps the most attractive hole on the course is Links' par 3 11th, a 195-yard beast that lulls you to sleep with its beauty. Two fingers of the lake create hazards between the tee and green, which is surrounded by pine trees. A small bridge to the left allows carts to cross the water. It's like Rae's Creek at Augusta, minus the azaleas and tradition.

If you don't mind playing 18 without benefit of a club house after nine holes (the course meanders out and back in true links fashion), I strongly recommend this 18. There are four bathroom opportunities along the way, so that's no big deal. Besides, there are plenty of trees too.

Those who have Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail cards can play 18 here for $43. Fees for non-trail card holders will approach $60 to $70 once golf season gets in full swing.

Grand National features a large clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant, bar, veranda, ample parking and one of the best practice facilities around. The place is a must for any golfer.

Check out the Robert Trent Jones' Grand National Web site for more information. http://www.rtjgolf.com/courses/grand_national/

Fun: 8
Value: 8
Conditions: 9
Amenities: 9
Difficulty: 9
Overall: 8.6