55% match
For Orange tees
Judge distance carefully, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting18-24 min2 HCP3 drills
Precision45%
Scoring33%
Aim13%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Grand National Golf Course
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
48
48 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
200
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+6 more
Links Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Links, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Distance Control 25%Scoring 24%Aim 18%Precision 17%Accuracy 15%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
18.3
Average HCP
10.6
Minimum HCP
31.4
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Links
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting18 min
Putting Aid: String Line, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row, underneath the hanging string line.
Short Game26 min
Pitch | Scattered Piles | 9 Stop Zones
Up to 5 players compete to stop a pitch shot in the stop zone(s). The player with the most points at the end wins the challenge. One bucket of balls per player is needed.
Driving Range31 min
Wedges (LW to PW) | Takeaway
Work only on takeaway using wedges only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Short Game26 min
Pitch| Scattered Piles | 3 Landing Zones
Scatter a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 8 equal piles of 5 balls and hit-and-land pitch shots inside landing zones. Count the number of successes.
Short Game26 min
Chip | Deep Rough and Other | Above/Below Feet
Up to 5 players hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped deep rough and other extreme grass types; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Short Game26 min
Pitch | Perpendicular Ball Lines | Multiple Targets
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 perpendicular lines 20 balls per line and stop pitch shots close to multiple targets. Count the number of successes.</p>
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Links.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
grandnational@rtjgolf.com
Giving lessons at Grand National Golf Course? Get featured here.
Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801, USA
Course Description
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of championship-caliber golf courses spread across eleven sites in Alabama. It focuses on offering high-quality golf experiences, including renowned layouts and resort-style amenities, for visitors and golf enthusiasts touring the state. The Trail targets national and international players and guests seeking diverse courses and golf vacations within Alabama. Headquartered in the United States, the Trail operates across multiple Alabama locations such as Birmingham, Mobile, and other cities with noted courses.
alabama golf • golf trail alabama • championship golf courses • golf resorts alabama • golf vacation • tee times • golf reservations • golf packages • pro shop • cambrian ridge • capitol hill • grand national • hampton cove • highland oaks • lakewood golf club • magnolia grove • oxmoor valley • ross bridge • silver lakes • the shoals • golf • championship golf • golf course • recreation • outdoor activities
Course Information
Holes
54
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Architect
Roger Rulewich/Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Opened
1993
Google Reviews
Business Claimed
⭐4.6(627 reviews)
View on Google MapsGrand National Golf Course Social Media Presence
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Scorecard
Course Scorecard & Tee Insights
Toggle the colour-coded tees to reveal hole-by-hole pars, handicaps, yardages, and gender-specific ratings for Links, all within a single responsive scorecard.
Scorecard data available for Orange
Men's Tees
Women's Tees
Tee Insight:This course tests players with repeating par four power needs and iron precision under difficulty pressure, plus par fives that tempt reaches but spike bogey risks if missed.
P
Purple Tee
Gender: MalePar 727311 yards6685 metersCR 75.2Bogey 101.6Slope 142
Gender: Male
Front Nine · CR 37.5 · BR 50.7 · Slope 142
Back Nine · CR 37.7 · BR 50.9 · Slope 142
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | IN | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | OUT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap | 7 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 17 | — | 16 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 14 | 2 | — | — |
| Yardage | 423 | 556 | 206 | 425 | 456 | 544 | 472 | 345 | 204 | 3631 | 363 | 260 | 575 | 418 | 467 | 516 | 181 | 429 | 471 | 3680 | 7311 |
O
Orange Tee
Gender: FemalePar 726574 yards6011 metersCR 78.1Bogey 111.8Slope 143
Gender: Female
Front Nine · CR 39.4 · BR 56.0 · Slope 141
Back Nine · CR 38.7 · BR 55.8 · Slope 145
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | IN | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | OUT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap | 7 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 17 | — | 16 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 14 | 2 | — | — |
| Yardage | 396 | 509 | 182 | 409 | 375 | 499 | 446 | 319 | 170 | 3305 | 326 | 195 | 500 | 378 | 422 | 467 | 152 | 402 | 427 | 3269 | 6574 |
W
White Tee
Gender: FemalePar 726015 yards5500 metersCR 74.7Bogey 107.1Slope 138
Gender: Female
Front Nine · CR 37.6 · BR 54.0 · Slope 139
Back Nine · CR 37.1 · BR 53.1 · Slope 136
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | IN | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | OUT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap | 7 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 17 | — | 16 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 14 | 2 | — | — |
| Yardage | 366 | 470 | 165 | 384 | 342 | 460 | 409 | 299 | 133 | 3028 | 289 | 151 | 493 | 343 | 372 | 451 | 118 | 368 | 402 | 2987 | 6015 |
Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Links
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 48 Programs
% match to course practice profile55% match
For Orange tees
Visualize the path to the hole, for a 10-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting15-30 min9 HCP4 drills
Aim36%
Stroke21%
Scoring18%
59% match
For Orange tees
Stop on a dime, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP4 drills
Distance Control30%
Alignment24%
Precision14%
62% match
For Orange tees
Leave inside 5 feet, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min11 HCP9 drills
Accuracy33%
Scoring26%
Distance Control11%
13 Week Flagship Program for Links
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Links. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 13 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 4 days
Putting · Long (20+ ft)
Control Distance
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 2–3≤ 7 days
Short Game · Chip
Avoid Three-Putts
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 3–5≤ 7 days
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Control 3-Wood Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 5–6≤ 3 days
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Reduce Short Misses Through Alignment
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 12.0
Weeks 6–7≤ 4 days
Short Game · Sand
Check your clubface: does it match your target?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 7–8≤ 4 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Control Wedge Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 8–9≤ 5 days
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Focus Aim For Every 9 Foot Putt
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Weeks 9–11≤ 7 days
Short Game · Chip
Stop Chips Near Hole
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 11–13≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Stop Missed Wedge Shots
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
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69% match
For Orange tees
Maximize driver distance, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min0 HCP5 drills
Scoring30%
Precision18%
Trajectory16%
77% match
For Orange tees
Precision mid-irons, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min0 HCP6 drills
Scoring24%
Distance Control22%
Accuracy15%
63% match
For Orange tees
Land inside 2 feet, for a 24-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min24 HCP8 drills
Scoring33%
Accuracy32%
Distance Control12%
48% match
For Orange tees
Control 3-wood dispersion, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP8 drills
Precision28%
Mechanics17%
Trajectory16%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started40% match
For Orange tees
Stop on a dime, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting15-27 min17 HCP4 drills
Distance Control35%
Visualization25%
Dispersion23%
42% match
For Orange tees
Sink All Long Putts
Putting~18 min0 HCP6 drills
Visualization31%
Distance Control31%
Dispersion22%
54% match
For Orange tees
Dial in aim, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP6 drills
Aim32%
Alignment25%
Scoring22%
68% match
For Orange tees
Feel the distance, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min15 HCP6 drills
Distance Control26%
Accuracy18%
Scoring17%
73% match
For Orange tees
Vary landing spot, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min5 HCP9 drills
Distance Control26%
Precision17%
Aim14%
60% match
For Orange tees
Leave inside 5 feet, for a 19-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min18 HCP7 drills
Accuracy32%
Scoring24%
Distance Control14%
72% match
For Orange tees
Up-and-down contest, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game23-26 min35 HCP8 drills
Scoring32%
Aim24%
Distance Control20%
65% match
For Orange tees
Avoid 3-putt, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP9 drills
Accuracy22%
Scoring19%
Distance Control14%
69% match
For Orange tees
Chip through gate, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min1 HCP5 drills
Aim29%
Distance Control19%
Precision18%
60% match
For Orange tees
Pick landing spot, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min22 HCP7 drills
Accuracy30%
Alignment26%
Distance Control24%
38% match
For White tees
Position feet correctly, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting18-30 min12 HCP3 drills
Alignment37%
Aim22%
Stroke13%
48% match
For White tees
Align stance properly, for a 11-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting15-18 min11 HCP5 drills
Aim38%
Scoring18%
Alignment14%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started45% match
For White tees
Feel the green, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min23 HCP3 drills
Distance Control41%
Alignment19%
Trajectory15%
61% match
For White tees
Save par, for a 24-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min24 HCP8 drills
Scoring35%
Accuracy19%
Aim14%
66% match
For White tees
Pinpoint chips, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min18 HCP5 drills
Precision25%
Distance Control22%
Aim20%
53% match
For White tees
Control distance inside 100, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP4 drills
Mechanics23%
Precision22%
Trajectory21%
54% match
For White tees
Control distance, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Distance Control25%
Trajectory22%
Scoring20%
34% match
For White tees
Stop missing fairways, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision29%
Mechanics22%
Trajectory19%
59% match
For White tees
Feel the green, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP3 drills
Distance Control33%
Alignment24%
Scoring18%
65% match
For White tees
Chip close, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP9 drills
Accuracy24%
Distance Control14%
Alignment14%
69% match
For White tees
Hit intended line, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min1 HCP5 drills
Aim29%
Distance Control19%
Precision18%
58% match
For White tees
Make par, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min23 HCP9 drills
Accuracy30%
Alignment22%
Scoring16%
56% match
For White tees
Feel the green, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min26 HCP6 drills
Distance Control32%
Alignment20%
Accuracy18%
61% match
For White tees
Hit intended line, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP8 drills
Aim32%
Scoring16%
Alignment16%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started70% match
For White tees
Pick landing spot, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min15 HCP5 drills
Accuracy25%
Scoring25%
Distance Control20%
73% match
For White tees
Turn into birdies, for a 8-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min7 HCP5 drills
Scoring23%
Distance Control19%
Precision19%
62% match
For White tees
Pitch close, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP5 drills
Accuracy34%
Distance Control27%
Alignment18%
83% match
For White tees
Vary landing spot, for a 20-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min20 HCP9 drills
Distance Control29%
Scoring24%
Precision15%
78% match
For Purple tees
Sand from longer range, for a 14-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min13 HCP6 drills
Scoring20%
Aim19%
Distance Control17%
69% match
For Purple tees
Stop pitches near hole, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min5 HCP6 drills
Distance Control32%
Scoring22%
Trajectory14%
61% match
For Purple tees
Land close to pin, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP9 drills
Aim25%
Alignment22%
Scoring18%
73% match
For Purple tees
Maximize control, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min0 HCP3 drills
Scoring31%
Trajectory21%
Distance Control20%
44% match
For Purple tees
Control roll, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision26%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory18%
70% match
For Purple tees
Precision shots, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min0 HCP5 drills
Scoring29%
Dispersion21%
Accuracy14%
68% match
For Purple tees
Pick line and commit, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP9 drills
Aim27%
Scoring21%
Alignment19%
73% match
For Purple tees
Feel the green, for a 15-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min15 HCP3 drills
Distance Control23%
Precision22%
Scoring15%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started76% match
For Purple tees
Vary landing spot, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min6 HCP4 drills
Distance Control18%
Scoring18%
Aim16%
60% match
For Purple tees
Stop close from 30 yards, for a 11-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min11 HCP5 drills
Distance Control40%
Precision19%
Trajectory17%
69% match
For Purple tees
Thread the gap, for a 22-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min22 HCP9 drills
Precision32%
Distance Control23%
Aim18%
67% match
For Purple tees
Avoid Three-Putts
Short Game~26 min35 HCP7 drills
Distance Control26%
Scoring21%
Aim18%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at Links
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
United States
LTU Spring Break Invitational
3/10/2026
Stroke
WAGR
Collegiate
men
Open for registration
View full preparation programUnited States
LTU Spring Break Invitational
3/10/2026
Stroke
WAGR
Collegiate
women
Open for registration
View full preparation programUnited States
Dragon Spring Invitational
3/16/2026
Stroke
WAGR
Collegiate
men
Open for registration
View full preparation programUnited States
TMU Spring Invite
3/16/2026
Stroke
WAGR
Collegiate
men
Open for registration
View full preparation programUnited States
K.J. Choi Foundation Texas Junior Championship hosted by Pacificlinks Korea
3/17/2026
Stroke
WAGR
Junior
women
Open for registration
View full preparation programUnited States
K.J. Choi Foundation Texas Junior Championship hosted by Pacificlinks Korea
3/17/2026
Stroke
WAGR
Junior
men
Open for registration
View full preparation programFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Links
Get answers to common questions about playing Links and what to expect.
How difficult is Links for mid-handicap golfers?
Links presents a demanding test. Its 142.0 slope rating signals significant difficulty for players above a 15 handicap. The course rating of 75.2 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Links?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6663 yards. The back tees extend to 7311.0 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Links?
With a course rating of 75.2 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Links and how does yardage affect play?
Stretching to 7311.0 yards from the back tees, it tests distance control and approach consistency.
What type of course is Links and how should I play it?
The course follows a traditional Parkland design philosophy. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Links strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 142.0 and yardage reaching 7311.0 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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Practice Programs for Nearby Courses
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Same Architect
Courses by Roger Rulewich/Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Explore other courses designed by Roger Rulewich/Robert Trent Jones Sr.. These courses share similar design philosophies and architectural features.
Showing 3 Courses
Links
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The Short
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Lakes
RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club
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