Short Course
Owens Cross Roads, AL
Groups adding a second round without committing to another full-length 18
PRICENot confirmed
River Course
Owens Cross Roads, AL
PUBLIC18 HOLES
NTB VERIFIED · AUG 11, 2026
ACCESSPUBLICNo access assumption added
COURSE UNIT18 holesRTJ Golf Trail at Hampton Cove
Built from official course/provider information and available golfer signal. This is a researched NTB guide, not a claimed firsthand review.
CALL-FIRST NOTEStatic public rack rate not dependable — use live booking.Unknown stays unknown. Confirm date-sensitive details directly.
THE NTB TAKE
Why burn
the extra gas?
No bunkers sounds friendly until you get to the part where water is involved on 16 holes. The River is the oddball of the Hampton Cove trio, and that is exactly why some groups will pick it. You may not hit a single sand shot, but a loose tee ball can still become a donation to the local ecosystem. The flat floodplain setting gives it a different feel from Highlands. It is a strong second-course choice for a trip—and maybe the first choice for golfers who like unusual design ideas—provided north Alabama has not just spent a week underwater.
VERIFIED COURSE FACTS
- Format: 18 holes; par 72; approximately 7,667 yards from the back tees.
- Course character: Built on former soybean farmland in a floodplain. It is identified by RTJ as the Trail’s only course without a bunker; water affects 16 of 18 holes.
- Tee data: Official rating/slope reaches approximately 77.5/140 from the purple tees, with several shorter sets available.
- Access: Public, under Hampton Cove’s standard booking policies.
- Current price: Seasonal public rack rate not safely captured. Trail Card/member-program rates are not substitutes.
- Facility amenities: Shared Hampton Cove range, short-game/putting areas, pro shop and clubhouse food/bar.
- Contact/location: 450 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763; 256-551-1818.
CURRENT GOLFER SIGNAL
GolfPass shows roughly 4.2/5 from 38 reviews. Golfers generally like the layout, while rain/floodplain conditions can materially affect the experience. That weather sensitivity deserves a practical warning, not a permanent knock.
THE NTB TAKE
No bunkers sounds friendly until you get to the part where water is involved on 16 holes. The River is the oddball of the Hampton Cove trio, and that is exactly why some groups will pick it. You may not hit a single sand shot, but a loose tee ball can still become a donation to the local ecosystem.
The flat floodplain setting gives it a different feel from Highlands. It is a strong second-course choice for a trip—and maybe the first choice for golfers who like unusual design ideas—provided north Alabama has not just spent a week underwater.
Our Call: WORTH THE DRIVE FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT. CALL ABOUT CONDITIONS after heavy rain.
WHO’S THIS ROUND FOR?
- Architecture-curious golfers who want the no-bunker novelty
- Accurate players and groups that enjoy water-heavy strategy
- Hampton Cove trips playing more than one course
BEFORE YOU GO / CALL FIRST
Ask about rainfall, drainage, cart-path restrictions and any closed or affected holes. Confirm the live public rate, range availability and course maintenance. Bring enough golf balls to survive the water theme.
SOURCES + FRESHNESS
Here’s the paper trail.
This is research-only, not fake firsthand expertise. Access, rates and conditions can move, so check the date-sensitive stuff before making the drive.
PLAN A GOLF TRIP HERE
Huntsville / Hampton Cove
Build a Hampton Cove weekend around Highlands, River and the Short Course—then add nearby North Alabama golf if the group wants more.
NEED THE WHOLE TRIP?
Planning a golf trip? Let NTB build it for your group.
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