Maintain posture, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting~18 min12 HCP3 drills
Alignment37%
Aim25%
Precision12%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
16
16 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
78
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
5
3 days , 4 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+5 more
Lakes Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Lakes, 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
Scoring 33%Distance Control 23%Aim 15%Accuracy 14%Precision 13%
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.
16.8
Average HCP
11.9
Minimum HCP
29
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Lakes
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting18 min
Putting Aid: Alignment Sticks, Ball Gate, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts from in between two alignment sticks and through the ball gate.
Short Game26 min
Chip | Fairway | Above/Below Feet
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped fairway; one bucket with balls above feet level, one bucket with balls below feet level.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | Birdie-Par-Bogey Radius
Use mid irons only to land the ball inside the radius. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Keep the score relative to PAR.
Short Game26 min
Chip | Deep Rough and Other | Uphill/Downhill
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped deep rough and other extreme grass types; one bucket from the uphill slope and one bucket from the downhill slope.
Short Game26 min
Chip | Scattered Piles | Multiple Targets
Up to 5 players compete to stop a chip shot closest to the multiple target(s). The player with the most points wins the challenge. One bucket of balls per player is needed.
Putting18 min
Putting Aid: Chalk Line, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts over the chalk starting line.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Lakes.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
grandnational@rtjgolf.com
Giving lessons at RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club? 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
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
1992
Google Reviews
Business Claimed
⭐4.6(627 reviews)
View on Google MapsRTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Lakes
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 16 Programs
% match to course practice profileFocus on positive outcomes, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting15-24 min5 HCP6 drills
Scoring33%
Precision25%
Aim19%
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP7 drills
Scoring31%
Alignment17%
Distance Control17%
Avoid big numbers, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP8 drills
Aim28%
Alignment24%
Scoring23%
13 Week Flagship Program for Lakes
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Lakes. 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≤ 3 days
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Reduce Missed Lines On All Shots
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 12.0
Weeks 1–3≤ 6 days
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Reduce Misses On All 9 Foot Putts
Difficulty: Advanced · Program HCP 5.0
Weeks 3–4≤ 6 days
Short Game · Chip
Avoid Three-Putts
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 4–5≤ 3 days
Short Game · Sand
Can you stop the ball close from the sand?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 5–7≤ 7 days
Short Game · Chip
Chip 5–15 Yds From Fringe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 7–9≤ 7 days
Short Game · Flop
Hit Flop & Avoid Big Numbers
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Reduce Wedge Misses
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 10–12≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Vary your targets and hit them every time
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Weeks 12–13≤ 4 days
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Land it near the pin: consistent rollout
Difficulty: Advanced · Program HCP 9.0
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Maximize in regulation, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min0 HCP3 drills
Scoring30%
Precision23%
Dispersion17%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedConsistent short iron rollout, for a 9-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min9 HCP4 drills
Distance Control31%
Scoring25%
Trajectory15%
Match plan to shot, for a 13-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min13 HCP6 drills
Scoring41%
Accuracy34%
Visualization25%
Save par consistently, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP4 drills
Scoring33%
Accuracy19%
Aim14%
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP7 drills
Distance Control26%
Alignment21%
Scoring19%
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP6 drills
Alignment28%
Distance Control24%
Aim22%
Can you stop the ball close from the sand?
Short Game~26 min35 HCP3 drills
Distance Control33%
Accuracy23%
Scoring20%
Pitch long distances, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min6 HCP3 drills
Distance Control29%
Precision21%
Dispersion20%
Improve accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-43 min17 HCP6 drills
Scoring26%
Distance Control26%
Trajectory17%
Control woods rollout, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min11 HCP6 drills
Distance Control30%
Scoring20%
Accuracy19%
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min0 HCP6 drills
Distance Control36%
Scoring31%
Accuracy22%
Advanced accuracy, for a 0-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 minUnknown HCP4 drills
Scoring40%
Precision27%
Dispersion13%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at Lakes
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakes
Get answers to common questions about playing Lakes and what to expect.
How difficult is Lakes for mid-handicap golfers?
From a scoring perspective, Lakes challenges consistency. With a slope of 120, it remains playable for a wide handicap range. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Lakes?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Lakes?
With a course rating of 70 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 Lakes and how does yardage affect play?
Measuring 6500 yards at maximum length, scoring depends more on placement than raw power.
What type of course is Lakes and how should I play it?
Lakes is designed as a Parkland layout. 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 Lakes strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 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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Same Architect
Courses by Roger Rulewich/Robert Trent Jones Sr.
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Lakes
RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club
Opelika, Alabama