RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club

The Lakes Course at Grand National is where Robert Trent Jones, Sr., first sculpted his vision onto Alabama's landscape, setting the tone for what would become the famed RTJ Golf Trail. This late-20th-century design sprawls across gently rolling terrain bordering the shores of Lake Saugahatchee. The course is deceptively open, but water looms on nearly every hole, often requiring forced carries and placing a premium on strategic shot placement over raw power. Grand National briefly entered the PGA Tour spotlight, hosting the Barbasol Championship from 2015 to 2023. This event, held concurrently with The Open Championship, offered an opportunity for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike to test their mettle on Jones' formidable layout. While not steeped in championship lore like some of its trail brethren, Grand National holds a special place in Alabama golf history as the genesis of a state-wide golfing phenomenon. More than a championship venue, the Lakes Course is a popular destination for traveling golfers drawn to its accessible playability and scenic beauty. The course’s relatively forgiving fairways and variety of tee boxes encourage enjoyment for golfers of varying skill levels. You won’t find a signature clubhouse dish, but the post-round camaraderie centers around the 19th hole, swapping tales of near misses and water hazards conquered.