Course Details
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1992)
- Course Type: Resort, Public
- Par: 72
- Rating: 74.3
- Slope: 141
Course Accolades
- Golf Magazine: #10 in Alabama
- Golf Week: #3 in Alabama
- Golf World: Alabama Course of Recognition
- Zagat: America’s Top Golf Courses (2012)
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 7
- Green Complexes: 7
- Amenities: 7
- Practice Facilities: 7
- Service: 7
- Course Design: 7
- Value: 9
The Good: Oxmoor Valley is one of the first RTJ sites, built around a former US Steel mining area and you can sense the “quarry” feel on the Ridge course. Significant elevation changes and rugged terrain is the course’s trademarks, with severely sloped fairways and extreme green undulation. Good course conditions and slick greens. Fun variety of Par 4’s, one excellent Par 5 in particular, and a good group of Par 3’s. Nice clubhouse supports all 54 holes and includes a dining area and large pro shop. Good practice facility, especially the amphitheater driving range that is a glimmer of what’s to come. One of the better value courses I’ve played in a long time with rates under $80 during peak season.
The Bad: Green complexes could be in better shape. Carts lack GPS and the yardage markers are lacking. The course rarely has an even lie which can be difficult for the high handicapper. The clubhouse restaurant closes in the afternoon and doesn’t serve dinner. Our golf trip group found this to be a glaring inconvenience.
The Verdict: The Ridge is the strongest of the two regulation courses at Oxmoor Valley and a unique golf course in the Birmingham area. Fun, challenging and favors the fade!
Best Hole: The Par 5 3rd is the most demanding hole on the course and is the best of the 54 holes at the Oxmoor Valley complex. Requires three great shots and an approach to a green atop a huge rock cropping.
Midwest Golf Tripper 