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Opened in 1999 , Capitol Hill is rated as the No . 2 public facility in the United States by Golf World readers . We played the Judge , a demanding 18-hole test to say the least . Fourteen holes feature water , including No . 6 , a par-3 with a bulkhead island green that forces players to carry a long stretch of water . From the back tees , the course is 7,807 yards and has a 147 slope rating . The white tees offer a more reasonable test for casual players ( 6,120 yards ). Jones was fond of designing memorable home holes , and the short par-4 18th — featuring a waterfall in front of the green — fits the bill .
The Legislator plays in and out of pine trees and along a bluff overlooking the Alabama River . The Senator offers a different challenge as a Scottish-Links style course with more than 140 pot bunkers and copious mounding .
To extend the trip in this area , head south to Cambrian Ridge . In 2016 , a complete renovation to the 27 championship holes was completed , including a switch to Ultradwarf Bermuda greens .
In town : The state ’ s capital was a major center of events and protests during the Civil Rights Movement , including the Montgomery bus boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches . Guided tours are available . Pop into the Renaissance hotel ’ s bar for a cocktail before heading to
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one of eight Dreamland BBQ locations in Alabama to gorge on ribs , barbecue and — of course — banana pudding .
A FAMILY OUTING
The destination : Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National .
The golf : Grand National features two full 18-hole courses ( the Links and the
Grand National Lake # 15
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Lake ) and an 18-hole short course that measures 3,189 yards from the back .
The Lake Course was ranked No . 2 on Golfweek ’ s list of best courses you can play in Alabama . Twelve of the 18 holes hug the shore of Lake Saugahatchee . Even if you don ’ t play the back tees , stop and snap a photo from the tips on the par-3 15th , one of the prettiest holes on the entire Trail .
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COURSES |