
Link Course
RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club

About this course
Grand National's Links Course is where the spirit of the game thrives amidst the sprawling beauty of Auburn-Opelika, Alabama, a testament to accessible championship golf. Designed in the modern era by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course embraces the rolling, open terrain characteristic of inland links, a rarity in the heart of the Deep South. Wide fairways belie the challenge, offering a deceptive invitation off the tee only to reveal intricate bunkering and subtly undulating greens that reward thoughtful approaches and strategic course management. While not steeped in the lore of major championships, the Links Course at Grand National has served as a proving ground for rising stars, most notably hosting the Barbasol Championship, a PGA Tour event that showcases the course's playability and demanding nature, offering both birdie opportunities and tests of resolve. Grand National stands as an example of Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s commitment to bringing challenging yet enjoyable golf to a broader audience. The Links Course is favored for its playability, making it a popular venue for both serious golfers and those seeking a casual round. Its straightforward design and beautiful setting provide a memorable experience.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in AL
Quick facts
- Location
- Opelika, AL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1993
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Roger Rulewich, Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,311 yards
- Difficulty
- 78.1/143
- Course Vaults score
- 7.9
Getting there
The journey to RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club begins at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), roughly ninety minutes northwest, or alternatively through Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), a more intimate arrival point situated just forty-five minutes south. From either gateway, the drive unfolds through the rolling piedmont of east-central Alabama, where pine forests and gentle farmland gradually give way to the manicured grounds of Opelika's premier golf destination. Private aviation is well-served by Opelika-Auburn Airport (OPE), mere minutes from the club, offering discerning travelers a direct and seamless transition from tarmac to fairway. The final miles traverse quiet country roads that open onto the expansive, championship-caliber landscape of Grand National, where Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s design philosophy commands the terrain with unmistakable authority.

FAQ
Common questions about Link at RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Link at RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.9 out of 10 based on 95 logged golfers.
Link was designed by Roger Rulewich and Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Yes. Link at RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Link is 72.
Link plays 7,311 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Link is 143.







