GreenlitBETA
Opelika, Alabama

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National

Three championship courses wrapped around a pristine lake where golf legend Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed what he called his greatest natural site ever.

About the Course

Voted the #1 public golf facility in America by the readers of Golf World, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. is on record saying that Grand National was the single greatest natural site for golf he had ever seen. Grand National is built on 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee with 32 of the 54 holes draped along its filigreed shores. The complex delivers an extraordinary lakeside experience across three distinct 18-hole courses—each with its own character and drama. The Lake Course showcases one of the finest collections of par 3s in the country, anchored by the iconic island green 15th that plays 230 yards into swirling winds. The Links Course, despite its name, carves through trees with demanding doglegs and water hazards that punish imprecision, culminating in one of the toughest finishing holes on the Trail. The Short Course—an underrated gem with 18 par 3s—proves that short doesn't mean simple, with more than half its holes hugging the lake.

With countless awards and recognition from every major golf publication, Grand National stands out as perhaps the only property in the country to host the following events and tours: NCAA D1 Men's and Women's National Championships; LPGA Tour; Symetra Tour (LPGA); Korn Ferry Tour (PGA TOUR); PGA TOUR. Groups of golfers will find themselves on the same courses that have hosted major championships and professional tours. The setting is nothing short of breathtaking—lakefront vistas, mature trees lining fairways, and a genuine feeling of escape from the everyday. With exceptional quality at budget-friendly prices, this is a world-class facility that won't break the bank.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • 54 holes across three distinctly different championship courses—Lake, Links, and Short—all playable in a single trip without duplicating the experience
  • Historic significance as the site that hosted PGA Tour events, NCAA Championships, and LPGA tournaments; a bucket-list destination for serious golfers
  • Iconic par-3 15th hole on the Lake Course with its island green surrounded by water and swirling wind—one of the most memorable shots in the country
  • Located just 90 minutes from Atlanta and on-property luxury resort lodging (Auburn Marriott) with full spa and amenities, making it a complete golf destination package
  • World-class conditioning and design excellence at exceptional value compared to other championship courses of this caliber
Courses on Property
Lake Course18 holes · Par 72

7,149 yards of lakeside beauty with 12 holes hugging the shore, anchored by a world-class quartet of par 3s and the signature island green 15th.

Links Course18 holes · Par 72

7,311 yards of tree-lined challenge with water and marsh throughout; a demanding test despite its name, featuring one of the toughest finishing holes on the Trail.

Short Course18 holes · Par 54

3,126 yards of 18 par-3 holes, with more than half touching the lake; an underrated gem that's one of the finest short courses in the nation.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$40–$95/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
No
📅
Best Time to Visit
<cite index="33-21">Auburn-Opelika's mild Southern climate allows golfers to enjoy pristine courses even in the middle of winter—shorts and polos in December are the norm.</cite> Late fall (October-November) and spring (March-April) offer ideal temperatures and lower humidity. Summer can be hot and wet, though playable. <cite index="43-1,43-2">June, August, and September are the peak travel months, with mostly sunny weather and light rainfall.</cite> Avoid the humidity and afternoon thunderstorms of July-August if possible.
ParklandWater FeaturesLake CourseChampionshipBucket ListPGA Tour VenueResortValue PlayGolf TrailHistoric
Stay on Property
<cite index="21-3,21-4">Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National provides 221 updated rooms and exceptional services, facing Lake Saugahatchee.</cite> <cite index="21-8">Resort-style pools with bar service, as well as 8 tennis courts, 13 meeting rooms and the award-winning Spa at Grand National</cite> are available on-site, making it a full destination resort.

<cite index="21-3,21-4">Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National provides 221 updated rooms and exceptional services, facing Lake Saugahatchee.</cite> <cite index="21-8">Resort-style pools with bar service, as well as 8 tennis courts, 13 meeting rooms and the award-winning Spa at Grand National</cite> are available on-site, making it a full destination resort.

Nearby Lodging