Public

Backbreaker/Mindbreaker Course

RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes

Glencoe, AL, USA

About this course

The Backbreaker and Mindbreaker courses at Silver Lakes form part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the ambitious public golf development that opened across Alabama in the 1990s. Robert Trent Jones Sr., working with senior design associate Roger Rulewich, created these layouts as two of four courses at the Silver Lakes complex in Glencoe, situated in the northeastern part of the state near Anniston. The Trail was conceived as an economic development initiative to attract tourism and provide championship-caliber public golf throughout Alabama. Both courses reflect Jones's signature design philosophy of strategic challenge and dramatic presentation. The routing takes advantage of the rolling terrain characteristic of the Appalachian foothills, with elevation changes that provide visual interest and strategic variety. Water features appear throughout both layouts, typical of Jones's work during this period, requiring carries and framing approach shots. The courses stretch to considerable length from the back tees, consistent with the Trail's mandate to offer tournament-worthy tests of golf. Silver Lakes serves as one of the Trail's larger facilities, offering resort amenities alongside the golf courses. The Backbreaker and Mindbreaker names reflect the Trail's marketing approach during development, emphasizing the demanding nature of Jones's designs. The courses remain accessible to public play year-round, part of the Trail's mission to provide high-quality golf at affordable rates. The complex sits within reasonable driving distance of Birmingham and Atlanta, drawing golfers from across the Southeast.

Quick facts

Location
Glencoe, AL, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1993
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
7,450 yards
Difficulty
76.3/149

Getting there

The journey to RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes begins at Birmingham-Shuttleworth International Airport (BHM), roughly ninety minutes northwest of the property, or alternatively through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), a two-and-a-half-hour drive south through the rolling foothills of northeastern Alabama. The route transitions from interstate commerce into quieter state highways that wind through dense pine forests and gentle valleys, the landscape gradually settling into the serene terrain surrounding Glencoe. Private aviation is well-served by nearby regional strips, though the final approach by car unfolds along country roads that open onto the manicured grounds and shimmering lakes that define this Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterwork - a fitting arrival at one of the South's most celebrated golf destinations.

FAQ

Common questions about Backbreaker/Mindbreaker at RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Backbreaker/Mindbreaker was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Roger Rulewich.

Yes. Backbreaker/Mindbreaker at RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Backbreaker/Mindbreaker is 72.

Backbreaker/Mindbreaker plays 7,450 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Backbreaker/Mindbreaker is 149.

Backbreaker/Mindbreaker is a 18-hole course.

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