Alabama's golf courses, such as those found on the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (www.rtjgolf.com), which boasts 11 courses, two in Birmingham, have long been a draw for corporate groups convening throughout the state.
As planners know, golf remains a standby networking opportunity for attendees, and in greater Birmingham there are numerous group-friendly courses for play, and in many instances, a pre- or post-gathering in the courses' on-site facilities. And since the area is blessed with an agreeable climate during practically the entire year, golf can be a part of most meeting itineraries booked here.
"Birmingham is an outdoorsy sort of place to spend time," says Michael Gunn, vice president of convention sales at the Greater Birmingham CVB. "The weather is comfortable most of the year, which is one smart reason golfers come here from around the world, so pack your sticks."
Following are three Birmingham golf courses suitable for groups that are enthusiastic about hitting the links.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Ross Bridge (205.949.3085; www.rtjgolf.com/rossbridge) is unique because it can easily be changed into a different course each time it is played, according to Jim Newton, resident golf pro at Ross Bridge.
"The greens complexes are so large that it enables us to rearrange the hole locations to make it a drastically different course according to the needs of the guest," he says. "The size of the entire course, which is the fourth-longest in the world with 8,191 yards from the tips, enables it to be changed quite a bit with multiple tee locations as well."
Because the course is located adjacent to the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, which also features 21,000 square feet of meeting space and on-site restaurants, there are numerous opportunities to partner a fun golf tournament with a meeting, meal or even a spa treatment.
"One of the events that we offer is 'night putting,'" Newton says, explaining that it can be competitive or just for fun. "We set up a nine-hole course complete with glowing balls perfect for after dark. Mobile bars are available, too."
FarmLinks (205.403.4653; www.farmlinksgolfclub.com), located at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Ala., is a resort destination for everyday golfers, overnight guests and even large groups, says Tim Spanjer, director of marketing at FarmLinks.
"Our golf course provides a championship design with length to challenge even the most skilled golfer, but it sets up nicely for those looking for just a casual round of golf," he says, adding that the course's signature hole No. 5 looks out over the property and the Appalachian foothills from an elevation of 170 feet. "There are no words that fully capture the thrill of carving a shot through such an extreme, yet picturesque panorama. And there's no sense of accomplishment that rivals a crack shot landing within mere feet of the hole!"
FarmLinks offers more than a memorable golf experience, as it also accommodates group meetings in its conference rooms and high-tech theater, which is often booked for dynamic presentations.
"We can also accommodate group tournaments and provide meals before, during and/or after a round of golf," Spanjer says. "Space is also available for award ceremonies, and prizes can be supplied for the outing, as well."
Located minutes from downtown Birmingham, the circa-1903 Highland Park Golf Course (205.322.1902; www.highlandparkgolf.com) is the oldest course in Alabama that continues to garner attention and accolades for its award-winning bent-grass greens.
According to Evan Godfrey, PGA director of golf at Highland Park, the golf course has seen many historic events and changes over the past 108 years. He says that before moving to its current location in 1926 when it was named after Birmingham's historic Highland Park neighborhood, the course was originally built as Birmingham Country Club and hosted the Birmingham Open each year.
"This event saw all of the top amateurs and professionals of the time—Bobby Jones even won the event in 1916 as a teenager," Godfrey says.
To this day, Highland Park is a fun golf course for all levels of golfer where corporate groups enjoy hosting events.
"As an Honours Golf facility, customers know they are going to get a PGA staff running a very professional operation," Godfrey says, adding there is an on-site catering operation and a banquet room that accommodates groups of eight to 150-plus people. "The upstairs banquet room offers great views of the city skyline and the golf course."
