Highland Park Golf Course

Highland Park Golf Course occupies a hillside setting in Birmingham's historic Highland Park neighborhood, designed by Bob Cupp and opened in the mid-1990s. Cupp, known for his work with Jack Nicklaus before establishing his own practice, brought his characteristic attention to strategic bunkering and green complexes to this municipal facility. The course serves as Birmingham's public golf option in a city with a strong private club tradition, providing accessible golf in an urban environment where elevation changes are a defining feature of the landscape. The routing works across rolling terrain with significant grade shifts that create both visual interest and strategic considerations off the tee. Several holes play uphill or downhill with enough slope to affect club selection and shot planning. The property's natural contours allow for varied hole corridors, and Cupp incorporated these elevation changes into green sites that often sit at different levels than their fairways. Bunkering follows his typical style of clean lines and strategic placement rather than excessive quantity. Highland Park functions as a community course serving Birmingham's recreational golfers and competitive junior programs. The facility reflects the practical realities of municipal golf operations while maintaining playability across different skill levels. Its location within the city limits makes it a convenient option for Birmingham residents, and the course has hosted various local amateur events over the years. The layout provides a straightforward test of golf without excessive length, emphasizing accuracy and course management over pure distance.