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