Highlands at RTJ Golf Trail at Hampton Cove

The Highlands Course at Hampton Cove is one of three courses within the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail property located in the northern Alabama hills near Huntsville. Opened in 1992 as part of the original Trail development, it was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. during the ambitious statewide project that brought championship-caliber public golf to Alabama. The course takes its name from its elevated setting in the Appalachian foothills, where the routing makes extensive use of the property's natural topography.

The layout plays across rolling terrain with significant elevation changes, offering views across the surrounding Tennessee Valley. Jones incorporated his signature design elements throughout: large, undulating greens; strategic bunkering; and water hazards that require careful course management. The Highlands features a more rugged, naturalistic character than its companion course, the River Course, which occupies the flatter land below. Several holes play along ridgelines or drop dramatically from tee to fairway, emphasizing the mountainous setting.

Hampton Cove serves as one of the anchors of the RTJ Golf Trail, which was conceived to promote tourism and economic development across Alabama. The facility includes practice areas, a clubhouse, and lodging, making it a destination for traveling golfers exploring the Trail's multiple sites. The Highlands Course represents Jones's approach to public golf design during this period: challenging length, dramatic visual presentation, and playability across different skill levels through multiple tee options.