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