Photo of RTJ Golf Trail: The Shoals (Schoolmaster course)

Robert Trent Jones Golf Courses at The Shoals

990 SunBelt Pkwy,

Muscle Shoals, Alabama AL 35661

  • Office

    +1 (800) 949 4444
  • Pro shop

    +1 (256) 446 5111

About the course

  • The Course:

    18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb (especially on the back-nine).

  • Surroundings:

    Woodland and open countryside.

  • Designer:

    Roger Rulewich & Bobby Vaughn

Back
tees
Club
tees
Front
tees
Yards
7971
6160
5249
Par
72
72
72
SSS or slope
78
69.1
70.3

At the same location:

Above distances are for the Schoolmaster course. Also at The Shoals is the 18-hole Fighting Joe course (par-72; 8092 yds from back tees).

Location

Latitude:

34.812704

Longitude:

-87.542347

How to get there:

8 miles E of Florence

From Muscle Shoals (south of the city of Florence in north west Alabama), follow 2nd Street (route 184 east). After approx 8 miles at Underwood Crossroads, turn left into County Line Road (CR 48). After approx 2 miles go straight across River Road (route 40), and into Lime Kiln Road (CR 48). After 1 mile turn left, direction Robert Trent Jones golf. After o.5 mile turn right into The Shoals

RTJ Golf Trail: The Shoals (Schoolmaster course)

4-star: Above average course - well worth a visit.

Est. 2005

RTJ Golf Trail - The Shoals (Schoolmaster course): Here at The Shoals, the Robert Trent Jones Golf trail is represented by two excellent championship courses. Unlike its relatively open, linksy companion (the Fighting Joe course), The Schoolmaster is a more classical, parkland layout. Here you'll find pleasantly undulating tree-lined holes, especially so on the back-nine.

You will doubtless be told that the Schoolmaster will exact a more stringent examination of your straight-hitting game, but don't be fooled into thinking this is a wickedly tight course. Parts of the front-nine feel quite open, particularly as you emerge into an expansive and gently rolling area following the excellent, water-protected par-3 2nd. It is only at the par-5 12th that you get fully immersed amongst the trees again.

There is usually sufficient room to work the ball, although water hazards on six holes, deep grassy rough in the open areas, and plenty of trees on the more wooded holes will all need to be factored into your course management. Anything too far offline will inevitably be punished. The Schoolmaster is an excellent and enjoyable layout, one that will give your game a good work out, while testing and probing for any weaknesses.

Pick of the holes: ultimately the layout offers up a fine reward at the 17th and 18th holes. This closing pair of gently dog-legging par-4s are accompanied by stunning views out onto the wide Tennessee River (Wilson Lake). Another reminder of the great man in whose honour this course is named (see Did You Know section below).

List of courses: Alabama

Visitors

Who can play and when?

Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.

Must book in advance. Bookings can be made directly with each course or via Central Reservations on +1 (800) 949 4444 (toll free) or +1 (205) 942 0444 or e-mail to reservationsrequest@rtj.com.

Green fees

Visitor fee, 18-holes at peak times in high season: c.$90. Golf cart included.

Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2024].

Other information

Walking permitted. Golf carts available to rent.

Practice facilities

Good

Did you know?

The Schoolmaster (or West) course at The Shoals takes its name from President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) whose intellectual prowess earned him the nickname of the Schoolmaster. One of two large dams on the nearby stretch of the Tennessee River also bears his name.

About the RTJ Golf Trail: see Did You Know section for The Shoal's Fighting Joe course.

Where2Stay

  • Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

    800 Cox Green Parkway, Florence AL 35630

    +1 (256) 246 3611

    Visit website

    Located along the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the newly opened Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa blends perfect amounts of southern hospitality, sophistication, and charm. Treat yourself to an entirely new type of Florence Alabama hotel, characterised by upscale luxury accommodations. DIRECTIONS : From I-65 take Hwy 72 West (at Athens). After about 50 miles, just before Florence, turn left into Cox Green Parkway. After 2 miles hotel is on your right (before you cross the river).

    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 5 miles:

      No

    • Golf within 20 miles:

      The Shoals (Fighting Joe and The Schoolmaster courses)

  • Hampton Inn : Florence - MidtownAAA 3-diamonds

    2281 Florence Blvd, Florence, AL 35630

    +1 (256) 764 8888

    Visit website

    DIRECTIONS : From I-65 take Hwy 72 West (at Athens). After about 47 miles hotel is on your right, within one mile of Regency Square Mall, Florence.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 5 miles:

      No

    • Golf within 20 miles:

      The Shoals (Fighting Joe and The Schoolmaster courses)

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