By Dr. Mark Fagan, Jacksonville State University

The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), a 21 billion dollar pension fund for state employees and teachers in Alabama, is currently financing the largest golf course construction project at one time in history. It is in Alabama and is called The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail which is being developed and managed by SunBelt Golf Corporation. It consists of 378 holes of public golf at five 54-hole complexes (2 championship courses and one 18-hole par-3 course at four and 3 championship courses at one) and three 36-hole complexes (27 championship holes and 9 par-3 holes at each). The "Trail" provides up-scale daily-fee courses with quality normally found at elite private clubs. Robert Trent Jones, Sr. describes the natural sites as the most magnificent courses he has ever designed. The holes have as many as seven tee boxes to allow for enjoyment by golfers of all skill levels. The beauty is derived from the efforts to follow the existing lay of the land and keeping the natural elements undisturbed.

The 150 million dollar project was conceived according to Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of RSA, to stimulate economic development in Alabama by: improving the quality of life and thereby making Alabama more attractive for industrial development; attracting more tourists (Alabama's number one industry); and attracting retirees. Retirees provide income and assets for economic development and as a group pay more in taxes than they require in government services. Alabama launched in 1988 the first state government sponsored effort to attract retirees. There are 94 communities in Alabama that are actively recruiting retirees as new citizens.

This unprecedented growth in public golf is greatly enhancing Alabama's efforts to attract active older adults for their retirement, especially those that enjoy great golf at reasonable prices without expensive up-front membership fees. Retirees that prefer living in quieter natural communities with attractive housing at affordable prices, yet want the experience of quality recreational amenities may find fulfillment around the "Trail". Alabama's moderate four-season climate with mild winters and year-round golfing weather add to the attraction for these outdoor loving retirees.

Tourists can play a different course each day for two weeks and never play the same hole twice. Each complex is within 15 minutes of an interstate highway and is within two hours of another complex. Reasonable annual fees can be purchased which allow unlimited play at all the complexes. Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains and lakes of north Alabama to the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, each course is uniquely different. Some are hilly, some are flatter, some have plenty of water obstacles, and some have no water to play around.

One progressive feature of the "Trail" is the "Short Course" found at each complex. "I took my favorite Par-3 holes, and reproduced them for these courses probably creating the finest collection of Par-3 holes in the world" said Mr. Jones. These Short Courses, 9 holes at the 36-hole complexes and 18 holes at the 54-hole complexes have holes averaging 185 yards with multiple tee boxes, water hazards, sand and grass bunkers and large multi-level greens. Golfers can play these courses for half the cost and half the time.

Other features are the signature clubhouses at each complex with wrap-around verandas providing spectacular views. Inside is a full-service dining room and bar, meeting rooms, pro-shop, and locker rooms. State-of-the-art practice facilities and a training academy at each complex offer skill development for interested golfers.

The Academy of Golf on the Trail is a CompuSport Teaching Center offering private lessons, 2-day and 3-day schools, and clinics for individuals and groups, beginners to professionals. This state-of-the-art golf instruction program is based on the research and advanced technology developed by biomechanics expert Ralph Mann, Ph.D. and utilizes a composite, computer swing model developed from filming and analyzing the swings of over 100 of the best players in the world. A model swing is created for each student and adjusted to his/her body type, then superimposed over high-speed video playback of their swing. This computer model is stored for future reference and allows constant improvement for a lifetime. The Academy is based at the Birmingham site, however a mobile Academy van allows travel to all eight sites for providing the same comprehensive school programs at each site.

As a group, the complexes are attractive to a wide variety of individual tastes and preferences for golfing experiences. Each location has its own special mix of retirement amenities. Each complex has its own individual environment associated with its specific location. Tourists and retirees with distinct preferences can find their satisfaction if they take a closer look. Alabama could become the next golfer and retiree haven.

Huntsville's 54-hole Hampton Cove complex is built on 650 acres in a natural bowl, with a panoramic mountain backdrop and a Scottish style layout for the Upper Course and a Hilton Head layout with ponds, a river, and creeks for the Lower Course. These courses are located in the heart of a 3,000-acre residential development only minutes from downtown Huntsville, one of Alabama's oldest and more progressive cities. Huntsville is an oasis of cultural attractions for the residents in the nearby smaller communities such as Guntersville. The rural areas offer recreational lakes and small town attractions. Huntsville offers excellent medical facilities, continuing educational opportunities, and regional transportation services. Soon to open near this site is a retirement housing facility financed by RSA (Somerby) with 120 assisted living units, 120 independent living units, and 48 garden homes; all with 20,000 square feet of common living space for dining, fitness, and other recreational use. The Huntsville Chamber of Commerce maintains a web site with a good overview of the Huntsville area along with member hotlinks organized into categories such as real estate, hotels, banks, health services and many more. The city of Huntsville has a very informative web site featuring housing, weather, healthcare, recreation, tourist attractions, maps, and newcomer information.

Birmingham's 54-hole Oxmoor Valley complex is nestled around Red Mountain and Shades Mountain with the Ridge Course being hilly and having many downhill shots. The Valley Course winds between the mountains with numerous creeks, lakes, and trees. Jones had his choice of 600 acres from a privately owned 8,000-acre tract that will eventually be developed. Alabama's largest city, Birmingham is a business, health, cultural, and transportation center. There are some of the best medical facilities in the world led by the famous University of Alabama Medical Center and 22 hospitals. The surrounding independent small villages and towns provide attractive housing for retirees wanting quieter locations, yet easy access to urban amenities. Recreational opportunities abound in the outlying counties with many fresh water lakes and other natural attractions. Very close to the site (across from and in association with Samford University) there will open in March 1999 a retirement living complex similar to the one described above in Huntsville. This facility is also financed by RSA. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has the following information available on their web site: visiting, moving, and retiring to Birmingham.

The 54-hole Grand National complex is located on 1,300 acres of majestic woodland in the Auburn/Opelika area of east central Alabama. The courses surround a 600 acre lake with 32 holes bordering water on the gently rolling terrain. Auburn University offers an abundance of cultural and educational programs including major college sporting events. Opelika is a small historic city with uncommon cultural and recreational attractions as well as very reasonable housing opportunities. The East Alabama Regional Medical Center presents excellent health care for the region and Atlanta is only 90 minutes away by interstate highway. Opelika was ranked recently by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine as one of the 6 top new communities for retirement. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce provides information about retiring, recreation, and tourism in Auburn on their web site. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce maintains information about recreation, retirement, and demographics in Opelika on the their web site.

Mobile's 54-hole Magnolia Grove complex carves through 1,500 acres in the wetlands of Miller Park without disturbing the animals living on the 650 acres of golf. There is a jungle environment with incredible elevation for a course in the Gulf Coast region of the state. Mobile has trade, culture, education, and quality medical facilities for retirees. Stately homes are found near the city in the adjacent suburban and rural communities. The Mobile Bay and sugar-white beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast highlight the recreational opportunities. For current information about hotels, apartments, homes, maps, and statistics about the Mobile Bay area, please visit the Mobile Chamber of Commerce web site.

In southeast Alabama, Dothan's 36-hole Highland Oaks complex accents rolling hills with creeks and large moss-covered oaks. These courses will allow play in open areas, around water, and in dense areas and are centered within a large planned residential community well-suited for retirees searching for more structured living. Dothan is filled with the conveniences and amenities of larger cities, yet the friendliness of rural living. Fort Rucker, the U.S. Army Aviation Center with full services for retired military personnel, is nearby as are gulf beaches, state parks, and Florida. Dothan sponsors a flourishing civic ballet, concert association and little theater group. Reputable medical care with all specialties adds to the appeal for retirees. The Dothan Chamber of Commerce provides information and maps about the Dothan area on their web site. The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission also has an excellent web site with much information about recreation, tourism and retirement in the Wiregrass region of Alabama.

Greenville in south central Alabama just 32 miles south of Montgomery on I-65 is home to the 36-hole Cambrian Ridge complex. These courses are found on a beautiful lake with hills and valleys wooded with forests of pine and hardwood. The clubhouse is constructed on the highest point for miles and offers striking views of the fairways and entire area. Plans are for housing suitable for retirees to be developed near the golf complex. Historic Montgomery is easily accessible with its excellent health care, shopping, educational and cultural amenities, and regional transportation facilities. The Greenville Chamber of Commerce has information with links about accommodations, restaurants, and businesses in Greenville on a web site maintained by Alabama's Best.

Northeast Alabama's 36-hole Silver Lakes is located between Anniston and Gadsden near Jacksonville State University in Calhoun County. A series of spring-fed lakes in rolling topography with pretty forests surrounded by gorgeous mountains make this site one of the most natural settings for a golf course. A 500-acre planned residential community with 600 lots for large homes, mid-sized homes, garden homes, and golf cottages is developing around the golf complex. This quiet setting has easy access to necessary health care, shopping, cultural, and transportation amenities. The Talladega National Forest, the Coosa River, and Little River Canyon add to the natural attraction of this region. Detailed information about Calhoun County, including health care, transportation, tourism, and retirement can be found on the following web site: The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. The Gadsden Area Chamber of Commerce makes available on their web site information on contacting the chamber for information on retiring in Etowah County.

The newest site is located minutes north of Montgomery on Interstate 65 in Prattville. The Capitol Hill complex has 3 championship courses that play along a river and Cooter's Pond. There are spectacular views overlooking Montgomery on these courses and one course provides a traditional links layout. Prattville has all of the retirement amenities including the quality housing at reasonable prices. There is also easy access to the commercial, cultural, historical, recreational, health care, and transportation resources of Montgomery. This site will be the "hub of the Trail" with quick access to Greenville, Auburn-Opelika, and Birmingham. One could live in Prattville and have access to 198 holes of public world-class golf, reasonably priced within a one-hour drive. The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce has a web site with good information on recreation, lifestyle, and relocation in the Montgomery area. The Prattville Chamber of Commerce's web site contains demographics and newcomer information for Prattville.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is an innovative project in a state with an improving reputation for quality of life. Use of retirement funds to enhance retirement amenities and to create jobs is an interesting investment. As Sunbelt President Bobby Vaughan with such credits as working with RJR Nabisco and Pinehurst says, "These courses won't take a back-seat to any golf courses". As Mr. Jones said having designed 600 courses around the world, "As a collection, these are the best golf courses anywhere in the world". Alabama offers a moderate 4-season climate with year-round golfing weather.

Follow the "Trail" to Alabama for great golf, scenic beauty, and a wonderful retirement destination. Call 1-800-949-4444 for more information about playing golf on "the Trail." For a free copy of The Alabama Retiree Guidebook which has complete information about retiring in Alabama including descriptions of 94 communities, phone 1-800-235-4757. Alabama's retiree attraction program, The Alabama Advantage for Retirees, provides a web site on retiring in Alabama.