450 Old Highway (431 South),
Owens Cross Roads, Alabama AL 35763
The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk (although one or two longish green-to-tee walks).
Surroundings:
Woodland and swamp
Designer:
Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Above distances are for the River course. Also at Hampton Cove is the 18-hole Highlands course (par-72; 7428 yds from back tees), and the 18-hole Short course (par-54; 3635 yds).
34.645723
-86.457918
9 miles SE of Huntsville
From the I-565 in Hunstville take exit 19A-19B and follow the 231 South. After approx 1 mile exit onto Governor's Drive (Hwy 431). After approx 9 miles turn left onto Old Hwy 431. After 1 mile turn right into golf club.
Hampton Cove (River)
RTJ Golf Trail - Hampton Cove (River course): Here alongside the Flint River, you'll discover another of the many gems of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The River course at Hampton Cove is from start to finish a wonderfully natural and challenging test of golf.
The layout bears the design hallmarks of a master craftsman - especially when you take into account some of the limitations of building a golf course in a river flood plain. Most noticeably, there are no sand bunkers; they would be swept away on the occasions when the river floods. The greens, several on the small side, are all elevated (although not as high as the electrical control boxes, which are raised 15 feet into the air on wooden platforms).
Around the greens are grass bunkers and steep run-offs, while on them serious slopes and borrows will mesmerise even the best of putters. Matching the sloping greens, the fairways also have their fair share of pleasantly rolling contours. The flood plain also accounts for the lack of any housing around the course, further enhancing its unspoilt naturalness.
This out-and-back layout takes you to the River's edge at the par-5 10th, before you start to wend your way back to the clubhouse, hopefully avoiding the several water hazards along the way. This wonderful course allows you to enjoy golf at its natural best, with maybe a chance to glimpse a deer or two while bagging the odd birdie?
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.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2024].
Walking permitted. Golf carts available to rent.
Good
Hampton Cove's River Course is laid out on former soybean fields in the flood plain of the River Flint. The river, which can be seen alongside the par-5 10th hole, drains into the Tennessee River about 10 miles south of Hampton Cove.
About the RTJ Golf Trail: see Did You Know section for Hampton Cove's Highlands course.
501 Boulevard South, Hunstville, AL 35802
+1 (256) 882 2228
Visit websiteThe Hampton Inn - South Parkway is located off Memorial Parkway, near the Redstone Arsenal's main gate #1 and NASA, just south of Hunstville. DIRECTIONS : From the I-565 near the centre of Hunstville take the 231 South (S. Memorial Parkway). After approx 4 miles (go under only overpass on 231), turn right at next traffic lights onto Blvd South. Hampton Inn is 2nd building on the right.
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No
Hampton Cove (Highlands and River courses).
4804 University Drive, Hunstville, AL 35816
+1 (256) 837 1400
Visit websiteDIRECTIONS : On west side of Huntsville take exit 340 from I-565 East (Research Park Blvd North). After approx 2 miles take Hwy 72 East (University Dr). After approx 2 miles the hotel is on your left.
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No
Hampton Cove (Highlands and River courses).
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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