Congratulations to our friend Jay for graduating from Auburn University's EMBA and giving us a terrific reason to get back to AL and the chance to visit with our good friends Tracie and Bruce Smith and golf one more "Marriott" golf course!
While the Grand National RTJT (Robert Trent Jones Trail) is not owned or run by Marriott, it is on the same property as the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center so we considered it one in our Marriott Golf Course quest.
There are two courses on the complex, the Lakes and the Links. We played the Lakes Course - which by the way is hosting the Barbasol Championship (http://barbasolchampionship.com/schedule/) week of July 11th, 2016.
The Lakes course is situated on a stunning and relaxing park-like setting surrounded by nothing but green and water! Many of the approaches to the greens had water "in the way" at one angle or another and the topper was the Par 3 island green on the back 9!
And speaking of the greens, not one of them was flat! They were a challenging combination of undulation, creativity - and fun (if you didn't mind 3-4 putts if you didn't get close enough).
While we love walking courses when we can, this is not the best walking course (not sure if they allow) as there is quite the long bridge to cross from front and back 9. The course was forward friendly, the carts were nice and quiet - but did not have GPS, and while distance markers were ok - we recommend at least one person have some sort of GPS device...thanks Bruce for the use of yours!
Make sure to take time before or after to enjoy a beverage on the deck looking onto the course - it was very inviting and relaxing.
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