Rankings:
The Takeaway: One of the best courses on the famed Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama, the Links at Grand National is solid from start to finish with shotmaking opportunities, some forced carries, and engaging terrain. Worth a trip from Atlanta or a must when attending an event at nearby Auburn University. Grade B+
Quick Facts
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1992
Cost: $46.00 - $65.00 (Cart is $16) Click for current rates
Phone Number: (334) 749-9042
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Robert Trent Jones Trail at Grand National (Links)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Robert Trent Jones Trail at Grand National (Links)
What to Expect: Grand National is located at the easterly tip of the Robert Trent Jones Trail near the college football town of Auburn. The complex includes two full length courses (Links and Lake) as well as a short course. Generally regarded as the superior track at Grand National, the Links course doesn’t feel like a firm and fast links course at all and instead is carved through trees with water and marsh areas coming into play and requiring an aerial game to maneuver the bunkers and trouble. The holes rarely run parallel to each other and leaving the relatively wide fairways offers little hope of saving par. The course conditions, views, and overall setting are excellent and deliver golfers the feeling of truly “being away from it all” which is such a welcome sensation. There are several holes with significant elevation changes, something you will experience right off the bat with the opening two holes, and the course is a stiff challenge. The Links course at Grand National is my only exposure to the RTJ Trail and if it is any indication of how good of golf is found on the rest of the trail then I’m ready for a two week trip to the Yellowhammer State to experience the gamut.
By the Numbers
Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gold | 72 | 7311 | 75.1 | 135 |
Blue | 72 | 6574 | 72.3 | 129 |
White | 72 | 6052 | 69.6 | 119 |
Red (Women) | 72 | 4893 | 69.6 | 113 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 3rd Hole – 206 Yard Par 3
Best Par 3: 3rd Hole – 206 Yards
Best Par 4: 4th Hole – 425 Yards
Best Par 5: 2nd Hole – 556 Yards
Birdie Time: 8th Hole – 345 Yard Par 4
Bogey Beware: 18th Hole – 471 Yard Par 4