RTJ Golf Trail at Cambrian Ridge

The Loblolly and Sherling nines at Cambrian Ridge form one of several eighteen-hole combinations at this Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail facility in south-central Alabama. Opened in 1993 as part of Alabama's ambitious public golf initiative, Cambrian Ridge features 27 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. with associate Roger Rulewich. The property sits on rolling terrain characteristic of the region's transition between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, with elevation changes that provide strategic variety and visual interest across the routing. Jones employed his signature design principles here: generous fairway corridors punctuated by strategic bunkering, large undulating greens, and multiple tee boxes to accommodate players of varying abilities. The Loblolly nine takes its name from the native loblolly pines that frame many holes, while the Sherling nine references the property's agricultural heritage. Both nines incorporate natural ravines and elevation shifts into the design, creating holes that play uphill, downhill, and across contoured ground. Water features appear selectively, typically positioned to challenge approach shots rather than dominate entire holes. The course serves as a public facility within the RTJ Golf Trail system, which was established through a retirement system investment to promote tourism and recreation across Alabama. Cambrian Ridge offers a third nine (the Canyon) that can be paired with either Loblolly or Sherling, giving visitors multiple routing options. The facility includes practice areas and a clubhouse consistent with the Trail's accessible, straightforward approach to public golf.