8.02

Oxmoor Valley (Ridge)

Course info

ACCESS
Public
EST.
1992
GRASS
Bermuda
SEASON
Year Round
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
75
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
72
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
9.5
City
Birmingham

Score

8.02
Design
40%
8.1
Conditions
25%
7.8
Desirability
15%
7.7
Scenery
10%
8.2
Fun
5%
8.0
Uniqueness
5%
7.9

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 133

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 9.5

7
15

Walkability Hard

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Low

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
60
$
75
$
90
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

The Ridge course is acclaimed for its roller-coaster elevation changes of over 150 feet and is built atop historic U.S. Steel mining property.

About

The Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley, part of the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, winds through rugged Appalachian terrain with dramatic elevation changes and scenic wooded vistas. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this photogenic layout delivers a thrilling challenge through forested corridors and undulating fairways sculpted on former mining land.

Caddie Tip

On the Ridge Course, smart club selection is critical as dramatic elevation changes can mask true distances. Take more club when playing uphill, and less on the downhill shots. Aim for the safer side of greens, as misses tend to be penalized by steep slopes and heavy tree cover.

The Main Challenge

The Ridge Course’s primary challenge lies in its dramatic elevation changes, which test club selection, stance, and strategy on nearly every hole. Many tee shots are blind or semi-blind, and elevation can make distance control difficult. Tall trees and sloping fairways punish wayward drives, demanding accuracy and course management throughout.

The Good

Golfers rave about the Ridge Course’s spectacular elevation shifts that create both exciting shot values and memorable visuals. The variety of holes—from dramatic par 5s to tight par 4s—plus lush woodlands and panoramic views, ensure a scenic and challenging round that stands out within the Robert Trent Jones Trail.

The Not So Good

The demanding topography means many uphill climbs and long walks between greens and tees, which can be tiring and slow down the round. Some players comment that the rough can be punitive and that pace of play occasionally suffers during busy times, especially for less experienced golfers.

Signature Hole:

#

18

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The 18th hole, a par 5 stretching to 600 yards from the back tees, is the course’s finale and most memorable challenge. From an elevated tee, players must navigate a narrow, undulating fairway guarded by trees and a sharp drop-off left of the landing area, culminating with a well-defended green.

Clubhouse

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The clubhouse includes a pro shop with a variety of golf merchandise, rental clubs, locker rooms, and a grill serving meals and refreshments. A patio overlooks the first tee for post-round relaxation, and staff are known for their Southern hospitality.

Practice Facilities

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The property features a full driving range with target greens, a short game area including chipping and bunker practice, and a sizable putting green. Conditions are consistently good, and the facilities are spacious enough for extensive warm-ups and post-round practice.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Alabama
U.S.A.