Capitol Hill Judge # 1
HE SUBJECT CAME UP AT DINNER the first night we gathered in Alabama , at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort in Point Clear , just south of Mobile . Our host wanted us to be prepared for one particular shot as we traversed the state and visited multiple sites on the famed Robert Trent
Jones Golf Trail — the opening tee shot on the Judge Course at RTJ Capitol Hill .
Still , I don ’ t think I was prepared as we rounded the corner and reached the first tee . Standing on that tee box , the world unfolds below you — trees to the left , an arm of the Alabama River far to the right . It ’ s like hitting off a cliff , and you can only hope you hear the thud of your ball hitting the fairway 200 feet below you .
From magnificent views from the first tee at the Judge , to peaceful lakeside views on the Lake Course at Grand National in Opelika , the RTJ Trail in Alabama has a little bit of everything for everyone . With 26 courses spread over 11 sites all over the Yellowhammer State , the mix-and-match possibilities are endless .
First , a quick summary of the RTJ Trail , the brainchild of Dr . David Bronner , CEO of The Retirement Systems of Alabama , who conceived the trail in 1992 to boost economic growth and diversify the state ’ s pension fund . Designer Robert Trent Jones Sr . teamed with Roger Rulewich ( who performed much of the lead detail work ) to help reshape Alabama into a golf destination with initial plans that included 378 holes at eight sites across the state .
Jones ’ fingerprints can be found across Virginia as well , including at the club bearing his name in Gainesville that will host the 2024 Solheim Cup and at the Golden Horseshoe ’ s Gold Course in Williamsburg .
There are many ways to attack the trail . Our group was trying to see as much as possible , so we attempted to cram five-plus rounds of golf into five days at five different destinations . An unseasonable cold spell hit during the back end of the mid-November trip , which limited the golf . But we gleaned enough information to recommend a few different ways to experience what the Trail has to offer . Due to Alabama ’ s brutal summers ( highs average in the 90s from June through August ), the spring and fall are the most popular time to visit .
COURTESY OF THE COURSES
THE BUDDIES TRIP
The destination : Montgomery Marriott , Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill .
The golf : RTJ at Capitol Hill , featuring three courses — the Judge , the Senator and the Legislator ; optional : Cambrian Ridge , which features the Loblolly , Canyon and Shirling nines along with a short course for 36 challenging holes about an hour south of Montgomery .
What makes Prattville the ideal destination for a friends ’ golf trip ? The hotel ( which is the smallest full-service Marriott in the world ) features two villas with private rooms and a common area featuring a television , pool table , full kitchen and even a grill in the backyard . It ’ s the perfect place to unwind with friends after tackling the challenges that Capitol Hill presents .
vsga . org J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2023 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 35