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