990 SunBelt Pkwy,
Muscle Shoals, Alabama AL 35661
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
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).
34.812704
-87.542347
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
Shoals, The (Schoolmaster)
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).
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.
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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.
800 Cox Green Parkway, Florence AL 35630
+1 (256) 246 3611
Visit websiteLocated 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).
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The Shoals (Fighting Joe and The Schoolmaster courses)
2281 Florence Blvd, Florence, AL 35630
+1 (256) 764 8888
Visit websiteDIRECTIONS : 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.
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The Shoals (Fighting Joe and The Schoolmaster courses)
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