By Jim Dickens April 29, 2025
Montana land owners annex public lands by blocking access unless you have a helicopter. Pickleball courts have stacks of racquets on Saturday morning and you need to click your mouse exactly seven days in advance to get a good golf tee time. Public access is getting tougher as the country gets more crowded. Getting a prime time reservation at a restaurant or campground isn’t as easy as it used to be. However you can find exceptions.
In the late 80’s, the Alabama Retirement System invested in the construction of a series of golf courses designed by the famed course architect, Robert Trent Jones. The System reasoned that in addition to being a good investment, the courses would create jobs and attract tourism increasing Alabama’s economic health. They built golf’s Field of Dreams and the golfer’s came. Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Trail of golf spans the state with 11 locations, 26 courses and 468 holes of golf.
The Kid, Sparky and Girds joined me in Birmingham. We played four courses at three sites the second week of April. We bet, laughed and trash talked on the course every morning then watched the pro’s battle it out at the Master’s on TV every evening. The courses were affordable, great and easy to reserve along with lodging, food and drink. If you enjoy golf, I’d highly recommend it.
We think we may do it again and bring some friends. There are 22 courses we haven’t played yet.
R1T Tour 