The Highlands at Hampton Cove is a picturesque golf course located in Huntsville, Alabama, that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As part of the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, The Highlands provides a challenging yet playable experience for golfers of all skill levels. With three 18-hole courses at Hampton Cove, including The Highlands, golfers can enjoy a variety of layouts and challenges during their visit.
The practice facilities at The Highlands go beyond the typical driving range and chipping greens, offering an 18-hole par three course called the Short Course. This unique feature allows golfers to practice their short game while also enjoying the opportunity for a hole-in-one. In addition to the short course, The Highlands has a spacious driving range, chipping green, and putting green to help golfers hone their skills before hitting the course.
Customer service and amenities at The Highlands are top-notch, with a friendly and helpful staff, a fully stocked pro shop, and a bar and restaurant on-site. The golf carts at The Highlands are equipped with GPS units that provide accurate yardages and detailed maps of each green, making it easier for golfers to navigate the course and maintain a quick pace of play. This attention to detail enhances the overall experience for golfers visiting from out of town or following the Robert Trent Jones golf trail.
The beauty and scenery at The Highlands are a highlight of the course, with rolling hills, lush fairways, and stunning mountain views creating a picturesque backdrop for each round. The course is home to a variety of wildlife, adding to the natural charm of the surroundings. From bluejays to egrets to turtles, golfers may encounter a diverse array of wildlife while enjoying the beauty of The Highlands.
Tee shots at The Highlands present a manageable challenge for golfers, with well-defined landing areas and strategic hazards to test their skills. The course features ponds, fairway bunkers, and tall grasses to keep players on their toes, while the overall layout offers a mix of par 4s and 5s that cater to different playing styles. The manageable length of the course, at 7,428 yards, makes it accessible for golfers of all abilities.
Approach shots at The Highlands require precision and creativity, as greenside bunkers and undulating terrain can present unique challenges on every hole. Unlike its sister course, River, The Highlands features greenside bunkers on every hole, adding an extra layer of difficulty to approach shots. Navigating around the bunkers and hills requires strategic shot-making and careful course management.
The greens and surrounds at The Highlands feature large, relatively flat putting surfaces that offer a fair challenge to golfers. Greenside hazards such as long grasses, trees, and water hazards add to the difficulty of approaching and putting on the greens. Despite the presence of hazards, the greens at The Highlands are the easiest aspect of the course if golfers can start their putts on the intended line.
The overall design of The Highlands offers a mix of links-style holes, water hazards, and tree-lined fairways, providing a diverse playing experience for golfers. Every hole at The Highlands features at least one bunker, adding a consistent challenge to each round. The variety of hole designs and strategic bunkering make playing at The Highlands a unique and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.
Some of the favorite holes at The Highlands include the challenging Par 4 5th hole, which features the iconic Old Mule Barn landmark, and the scenic Par 4 6th hole that rewards accuracy and precision. The Par 5 9th hole offers a memorable uphill challenge with stunning views from the top of the green, making it a highlight of the course. Each hole at The Highlands presents its own unique challenges and rewards, adding to the overall enjoyment of the round.
In conclusion, The Highlands at Hampton Cove is a must-visit destination on the Robert Trent Jones golf trail in Northern Alabama. With its scenic views, challenging yet playable layout, and top-notch amenities, The Highlands offers a memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor following the RTJ trail, The Highlands is a beautiful and fun course that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who plays it.
