The 5 Most Challenging Public Golf Courses in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL, offers a variety of exceptional public golf courses that challenge golfers of all skill levels. Here are the top five most challenging public golf courses in Birmingham, listed from least to most difficult, along with two honorable mentions.

5. Ballantrae Golf Course

Ballantrae Golf Course Tee Times

• Location: Pelham, AL
• Hardest Tees: Black
• Yards: 7273
• Slope: 125
• Rating: 74.2

Ballantrae Golf Club is a highly sought-after semi-private golf course in Pelham, Alabama. Its convenient location, just four miles east of I-65, makes it a favorite for both residents and visitors alike among the public golf courses in Birmingham. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this course offers something for everyone. With its stunning views and challenging layout, Ballantrae Golf Club is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.

4. Valley – Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley

Valley – Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley Tee Times

• Location: Birmingham, AL
• Hardest Tees: Purple
• Yards: 7167
• Slope: 130
• Rating: 74.6

Valley Course at Oxmoor Valley is part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It features a stunning layout with dramatic elevation changes and strategically placed hazards. The course is known for its challenging design and picturesque views, making it a favorite among golfers seeking a rigorous test of their skills.

3. Ridge – Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley

Ridge – Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley Tee Times

• Location: Birmingham, AL
• Hardest Tees: Purple
• Yards: 7055
• Slope: 141
• Rating: 74.3

The Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley offers a unique and challenging golfing experience. With its undulating fairways and large greens, this course demands precision and strategy. Golfers will enjoy the stunning vistas and the challenging holes that make this course one of the most difficult in the area.

2. Limestone Springs Golf Club

Limestone Springs Golf Club Tee Times

• Location: Oneonta, AL
• Hardest Tees: Gold
• Yards: 6987
• Slope: 139
• Rating: 74.2

Limestone Springs Golf Club is a renowned 18-hole championship golf course and one of the best public golf courses in Alabama. Designed by former U.S. Open winner Jerry Pate, this impressive golf course is nestled throughout 225 acres of the Appalachian Mountains, offering picturesque views and dramatic elevations. Located 30 minutes north of Birmingham, Alabama, Limestone Springs Golf Course stretches almost 7,000 yards from the back tees and has consistently been rated 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. Additionally, it has been ranked in the top five public golf courses in Alabama by GolfWeek and named to America’s Top Golf Courses by Zagat Survey.

1. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge Tee Times

• Location: Birmingham, AL
• Hardest Tees: Black
• Yards: 8191
• Slope: 147
• Rating: 78.1

Ross Bridge is the longest course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and it offers a true test of golfing skill. The course features wide fairways, rolling hills, and water hazards on 10 holes. The signature hole is the 9th, a par-4 with a challenging approach shot over water. The course’s length and difficulty make it a top choice for golfers looking for a rigorous round.

Honorable Mentions

Brook-Bent Brook Golf Course

Brook-Bent Brook Golf Course Tee Times

• Location: Bessemer, AL
• Hardest Tees: Blue
• Yards: 3718
• Slope: 134
• Rating: 74.2

Windmill – Bent Brook Golf Course

Windmill – Bent Brook Golf Course Tee Times

• Location: Bessemer, AL
• Hardest Tees: Black
• Yards: 3485
• Slope: 129
• Rating: 73.9

Birmingham offers a variety of challenging public golf courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a top-tier challenge or a more moderate test, these courses provide a great golfing experience in a beautiful setting.