Best golf courses near Huntsville, AL

Perched on a 1,582-foot mountain peak—the highest point in Huntsville—The Ledges offers stunning vistas and dramatic dropoffs. This Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry layout features narrow fairways that are closely guarded by imposing trees and several steep cliffs. The steep rock wall dropoff lurking just steps off the second fairway is both impressive and intimidating. The course offers beautiful views of the valley, downtown Huntsville and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center 12 miles to the west. The Ledges is currently ranked third on our Best in Alabama list.

The River course claims to be the only Robert Trent Jones Sr. design in the world without a bunker. Instead, the track is heavily defended with water on 16 holes, often making the landing areas play tight. The ever-present water, narrow fairways, and relatively small greens provide a stout test. Many holes on the back nine at this northern Alabama layout offer scenic views of the foothills of the Appalachians.

With scenic vistas of the northern Alabama landscape, the Highlands course has a blend of tree-lined and links-style holes. An old mule barn just off the fairway on the fifth hole is one of the more recognizable landmarks on the Trail and will punish a second shot that leaks short and right. Creeks or ponds are in play on 13 holes, including on the 16th and 17th, a strong par-3 and par-5 combo where the approach shots must be precise to avoid water lurking short and right.