RTJ Golf Trail

Who would've thought you were going to book your next golf trip in some college town in southeast Alabama? Especially with Florida, the golf capital of the world, right next door. I'll tell you why — a man named Robert Trent Jones and the silk road of golf he built in the Heart of Dixie.

The RTJ Golf Trail is renowned for having some of the best public courses in the country. But with over 400 holes spread across the state at 11 different sites, where do you start? Well, you might as well go big or go home, one might say grand, even. RTJ Grand National, just outside of Auburn, is the perfect anchor for your next weekend trip with the guys.

Here's the itinerary: 3 days, 2 nights, 2 sites, 72 holes.

You'll roll into Auburn Friday morning and get settled at the Marriott Resort on the Grand National property. There will be no easing into it. We're starting with an early afternoon tee time on the Links course. From the first tee to the approach on 18 (if you can even get off the 18th tee), this course will push your game to the limits. But it's one of those courses where you're having a blast while getting whooped. It's hard, but it rewards a good shot, and that's all you can ask for.

After you've finished up at Links, take a quick shower and hit the town. Don't know where to grab dinner? Stand at Toomer's Corner. There are at least 15 bars and restaurants in eyesight. Pick a direction and you'll end up exactly where you need to be. My personal recommendation: fill up at Taco Mama, then walk a block over to Skybar. Just don't stay out too late. We're hitting the road early tomorrow morning.

We've spent a lot of time talking about Auburn and Grand National, but Saturday morning we're heading north of Montgomery to play the crown jewel of the Trail. The Judge at RTJ Capitol Hill is one of those courses that will remind you, firmly and repeatedly, that golf is hard. You can't play the Trail without experiencing the nerves on that first tee. There is nothing quite like it. Once the Judge has had its way with you, grab lunch and make your way back to Auburn, where a relaxing evening walk on the Short Course is the perfect way to decompress. Saturday night is your call — wind down at the Marriott or head back into Auburn for round two. There is no wrong answer.

Sunday morning, we're not leaving yet. The Lakes course puts the cherry on top of an incredible weekend of golf. True to its name, water is everywhere, and the wind whistling through those southern pines will keep you honest right up until the final putt. This trip will stick with you and your group for a long time as a reminder of what Alabama has to offer. And remember: after this weekend, you'll have played less than 20% of the Trail. There is a lot more golf, and a whole lot more memories to be had.