A Golfer's Guide to Auburn

Championship Challenge at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

One of Jones' signature designs, the Golf Trail at Grand National, is challenging enough to attract the PGA Tour's Barbasol Championship, yet affordable enough for the leisure golfer. Play the Lake course in front of Lake Saugahatchee, which offers water views from almost every tee. The Links course is a bit more challenging, especially the par 4 18th hole. Both courses made Golf Digest's list of the top 50 affordable courses in America. Just want to practice your drives and putts? This public course offers a practice range and putting greens, as well as a restaurant/lounge for some after-game refreshment.

Inexpensive Fun at Indian Pines Golf Course

Sporting 18 holes with a par 71 rating, the Indian Pines Golf Course is one of the most affordable courses in the Auburn-Opelika area. It started as the private Saugahatchee Country Club, but the twin cities of Auburn and Opelika took it over in 1976, and it’s now host to the Indian Pines Invitational amateur golf tournament. You'll find the layout challenging but not overwhelming. Round prices include the cart, even at the Monday-through-Thursday nine-hole rate. Though this is a public course, memberships are available that include green fees for a year. If you're in town often, Indian Pines may just be your home away from home.

Golf Among the Tees at Auburn Links

Test your skill at Auburn Links of Mill Creek, considered the "most fun course to play in the Southeast," by Golf Digest. Ward Northrup designed this 18-hole, par 72 course beauty. Wander through a woodland setting, with trees as potential obstacles. Visiting in the fall? You'll be surrounded by hardwoods with branches bursting with color. Take to the green after 4 p.m. and enjoy Twilight Pricing, available daily. Want to do a bit of bragging when you get home? Visit the pro shop for an official Auburn Links shirt and assorted souvenirs.

Getting to and Around Auburn

If you're flying in to Auburn, your best bet is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, roughly 100 miles away (or a 1.5-hour drive via Interstate 85). The easiest way to get around Auburn-Opelika is by car, so pick one up at Hartsfield-Jackson or grab a shuttle from the airport to Auburn. If you choose not to rent a car when you arrive in town, catch a free ride on Gotcha (Green Operated Transit Carrying Humanity Around); you’ll be driven around by university students in electric-powered vehicles. The service provides local transportation near the university and downtown. The students work for tips only, which are appreciated.

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