Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Shoal Creek
Shoal Creek
100 New Williamsburg Dr
Shoal Creek, AL 35242-5940
United States
Overview
Asked if a course could be built in a Birmingham forest, Jack Nicklaus scouted the site from lumber haul roads and said of the mountainous terrain, “Well, there are a lot of par 3s out there, that’s for sure.” But then he discovered a gentle valley in which to put par 4s and 5s, so he took the job. It became one of his great early designs. But as it neared 40 years of existence, Shoal Creek needed some reconditioning, so Nicklaus and his former senior designer Jim Lipe (now operating his own firm in Louisiana) literally ripped up every hole and rethought strategies and options. The result was not a restoration but an updating. Gone are huge fairway bunkers, replaced by smaller clusters of traps. Greens have been recontoured, with one, the 12th, actually flowing front to back, unheard of back in the late 1970s when the course was first built. Shoal Creek has twice hosted the PGA Championship and the remodeled layout hosted the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open, won by Ariya Jutanugarn in a four-hole playoff over Hoo-joo Kim.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2015.
Previous ranking: 130th.
2025-'26 ranking: 141st.
100 Greatest: Ranked for 34 years from 1981-2014.
Highest ranking: No. 14, 1985-'86.
Best in State: Ranked first since 2011.
2025-'26 ranking: 1st.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“This Jack Nicklaus designed layout provides a great golf walking experience through a very scenic and natural environment. This relatively straightforward track provides ample fairways so the golfer can hit away on the tee shot. On the other hand, second shot accuracy becomes a premium when attacking the greens. The course has numerous ponds and creeks which come into play. There are number of holes where the golfer must carry the water hazards to get onto the greens. The greens are challenging with subtle breaks at the holes which makes putting a premium. Approach shots that are well placed on the greens gives the golfer a better opportunity to score well. The aesthetics and conditioning of the course significantly enhances the golfing experience."
Read More2024
Review
“Stunning course in divine setting. It was intended to be the sister course of Augusta National and I think it comes reasonably close."
Read More2024
Review
“The winding, uphill drive to Shoal Creek only heightens the excitement of the round to come. Upon arrival you will feel like you have gone back in time approaching the classic clubhouse. Inside the club has a very intimate, comfortable feel. Once on the range your caddy will loosen you up and help tame your excitement. The course itself is straightforward and challenging. I played just a couple weeks before the Women's US Open and the greens had a firmness I've only experienced a few other places."
Read More2023
Review
“World class course by any measure. Not a bad hole on this course and one of the best collections of Par 5's in the US. Interested to see what they do with holes 4-6 since the tornadoes knocked out most of the tree on those holes. Time will tell..."
Read More2022
Review
“Great experience, beautiful setting in-between the mountains/hills. Do what ever you can to play here."
Read More2021
Review
“Hole 14 on a late fall afternoon day is one of the best views on any golf course you will find."
Read More2018
Review
“A very good early Nicklaus design. Lots of tree lined fairways and good water holes. Can be as challenging as you want it to be. Caddies only make for a great day. Site of 2018 US Women's Open."
Read More2018
Review
“Southern hospitality at its best. Par 3's and 5's are very fun. Pool table and shuffleboard in the mens' locker room makes for a fun experience."
Read More2018
Review
“Great ambiance at this course. Beautiful property and great layout. I thought it had some similarities with Augusta National, but yet its own style. If you get the chance to play here, you will not be disappointed."
Read More2018
Review
“Shoal Creek has been a favorite of the PGA and for good reason. It is a strong test. The greens can be a bit sketchy in July and August because bentgrass does not like it severely hot. Consequently the ground can be wet."
Read More2018
