Alabama’s state parks offer more than fishing, hiking, and sugar-sand beaches. They’re also home to championship golf. These three parks feature affordable courses set against stunning natural backdrops, with two resort properties perfect for a full golfing getaway.
Recent upgrades to greens, equipment, and facilities — plus easy online tee-time reservations — make hitting the links better than ever. Whether you’re after casual play, a budget-friendly round, or a family-friendly setting to pass on the love of the game, Alabama’s state park courses deliver.
The Oaks Golf Course
State Park: Oak Mountain State Park
Location: Pelham, AL
More Info: alapark.com
Head to Alabama’s largest state park to enjoy a beautiful 18-hole championship course designed by esteemed course architect Earl Stone. Golf Digest has consistently rated The Oaks at Oak Mountain State Park as one of the top courses in Alabama and among the top 100 public courses in the country. Alabamians seem to agree; it’s the most popular of the three state park courses.
The course draws everyone from experienced golfers to families teaching their kids the game. Holes are challenging enough to ensure a fun round for all, and many golfers find the course one of the most walkable in Birmingham.
If you’re looking for a quick round, book your tee time during the week, as the greens are pretty slow on weekends. After the game, head to the Pro Shop for lunch at The Grille — grab a sandwich, burger, or fried chicken strips made to order, and cap off your afternoon with an ice-cold beer (but keep in mind that The Grille is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
While you can’t miss the brand new golf carts on the course, you might not know that thanks to a partnership with the Lakeshore Foundation, these carts are accessible for people with disabilities. Plus, the park recently added lighting to the driving range and extended its hours until 9 p.m. daily, so you can hit a bucket after work (and after the heat of the day).
Nine-hole green fees range from $20 to $48, and 18-hole fees range from $27 to $63. Schedule your tee time here.
The General Golf Course
State Park: Joe Wheeler State Park
Location: Rogersville, AL
More Info: alapark.com
Tee up beside the Tennessee River at The General Golf Course in Joe Wheeler State Park. Another Earl Stone design, The General offers rolling hills that add to the fun and challenge of the course, so be prepared to use just about every club in your bag. Joe Wheeler State Park is a game sanctuary, so expect to share the course with various wildlife.
Most fairways are surrounded by lush forest that makes you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle, and you can even take in the views of Wheeler Lake on the stunning No. 14 hole, which some locals hail as one of the best par threes in North Alabama.
If you’re itching for a golf trip, Joe Wheeler State Park offers a Stay and Play golf package that includes accommodations at The Lodge, the park’s waterfront resort featuring a restaurant and pool, all with gorgeous views, along with one round of golf per night.
Spend the day enjoying all the park has to offer (including world-class fishing, lake cruises, and hiking), then tee up before heading to Daniella’s Restaurant for dinner overlooking the lake.
The Pro Shop has you covered for lunch with sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers from the grill, and the course cart paths were recently upgraded with rubberized asphalt for a smooth, comfortable ride. Nine-hole green fees range from $17.50 to $27.50, and 18-hole fees range from $23 to $41. Schedule your tee time here.
The Eagle’s Nest Golf Course
State Park: Lake Guntersville State Park
Location: Guntersville, AL
More Info: alapark.com
An hour southeast of Huntsville is Lake Guntersville State Park, home to the state’s largest lake and The Eagle’s Nest Golf Course. Resting atop Taylor Mountain, the championship course provides challenging holes due to its rolling hills and elevation changes, with a USGA slope rating of 118 from blue tees — slightly surpassing the average difficulty rating of 113.
From the fairway, take in the stunning lake views and keep an eye out for bald eagles.
The Eagle’s Nest was renovated in 2009 by former University of Alabama and PGA player Jerry Pate to install TifDwarf Bermuda greens and practice facilities. It also recently underwent a two-million-dollar upgrade project that included expanding paved golf cart paths to all 18 holes.
This upgrade, along with ongoing irrigation improvement projects, will allow the course to be more accessible even after heavy rains, so you can enjoy an affordable round on a beautiful course more often.
Lake Guntersville State Park is another opportunity to turn 18 holes into a golf getaway thanks to its beautiful resort-style lodge. Enjoy tasty meals at the Pinecrest Dining Hall, and have a nightcap at Hickory Lounge before settling into your lakefront room. Split your days between angling and golfing, and be sure to take a dip in the resort pool overlooking the water after a day out on the course.
Nine-hole green fees range from $18 to $36, and 18-hole fees range from $28 to $50. Schedule your tee time here.
Happy golfing!
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