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
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
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