9 Reasons to Play Golf in Auburn-Opelika

With championship courses, scenic fairways, and plenty to enjoy beyond the greens, Auburn-Opelika, Alabama, has everything you need for a memorable golf getaway. Home to the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National and the beautifully redesigned Pines Crossing Golf Course, the area offers challenging layouts, year-round playing opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels. Add in excellent places to stay, a thriving food and drink scene, and two lively downtowns, and you'll find plenty of reasons to extend your trip beyond 18 holes. Here are nine reasons to make Auburn-Opelika your next golf destination.

1. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National

One of the biggest draws for golfers visiting Auburn-Opelika is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National. Set along the shores of 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, Grand National features three distinctive courses designed to take advantage of the area's rolling terrain, towering pines, and waterfront scenery.

Legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones designed or remodeled more than 500 courses worldwide, including work at Augusta National and Spyglass Hill. Grand National remains one of the most celebrated stops along Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, offering championship-caliber golf in a spectacular natural setting.

2. Award-Winning Course Quality

Grand National has earned national recognition for its exceptional design and playing conditions. Readers of Golf World once voted it the No. 1 public golf facility in America, and Robert Trent Jones himself described the property as the greatest natural site for a golf course he had ever seen.

With meticulously maintained fairways, challenging greens, and dramatic views, Grand National delivers an experience that appeals to serious golfers and casual players alike.

3. The Redesigned Pines Crossing Golf Course

Located along the Auburn-Opelika city line, Pines Crossing Golf Course offers another excellent option for golfers visiting the area.

Originally established in the 1970s, the course underwent a complete redesign, reopening with a fresh layout that blends its history with modern course features. The 18-hole, par-72 public course stretches 7,031 yards and offers multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels.

Upgrades include TifEagle Bermuda greens and TifTuf Bermuda fairways, providing durable playing surfaces throughout the seasons. With pine-lined fairways and a mix of challenging and approachable holes, Pines Crossing is a worthy addition to any Auburn-Opelika golf itinerary.

4. Golf Nearly Year-Round

One of the best things about playing golf in Auburn-Opelika is the opportunity to enjoy the game throughout much of the year.

Alabama's mild winters and long playing season mean golfers aren't limited to a few warm-weather months. Spring and fall bring especially pleasant conditions, while even winter can offer sunny afternoons suitable for a round.

Whether you're planning a spring getaway, a summer golf trip, or an escape from colder temperatures, Auburn-Opelika offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the course.

5. A Variety of Courses and Challenges

With three courses at Grand National and the redesigned Pines Crossing, golfers can experience a variety of layouts without traveling far.

Grand National's Links Course features rolling terrain, tighter fairways, and strategic doglegs, while the Lake Course brings water into play on numerous holes. The par-three Short Course offers its own challenges, with dramatic elevation changes, bunkers, and demanding approach shots.

Pines Crossing adds another 18-hole experience with pine-lined fairways and a balance of playability and challenge.

Together, these courses make it easy to build a golf trip around different playing styles, skill levels, and preferences.

6. Great Food, Drinks, and Post-Round Hangouts

A great golf trip doesn't end on the 18th green. Auburn-Opelika has plenty of places to gather after a round, whether you're celebrating a great score or laughing about the shots you'd rather forget.

The area's restaurants offer everything from casual Southern favorites to elevated dining experiences, while local bars and breweries provide plenty of options for an afternoon drink or evening out.

In downtown Opelika, Resting Pulse Brewing Company is a popular gathering spot for craft beer and a laid-back atmosphere.

For more ideas on where to eat, drink, and spend your time off the course, check out our guide to everything you want in a golf weekend.

7. Convenient Travel and Comfortable Accommodations

Auburn-Opelika is an easy golf getaway for visitors traveling throughout the Southeast and beyond.

Located near Interstate 85, the area is accessible by car from major cities including Atlanta, Birmingham, and Montgomery. Travelers flying into the region can choose from several nearby airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Find more information about getting to Auburn-Opelika.

For golfers who want to stay close to the action, the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National is located directly on the Grand National property. The resort offers convenient access to the courses, on-site dining, and a spa for relaxing after a day on the greens.

Additional hotels and accommodations throughout Auburn and Opelika make it easy to find a comfortable home base for your trip.

8. Southern Hospitality On and Off the Course

Great golf is only part of what makes Auburn-Opelika worth visiting. The area's welcoming atmosphere, locally owned businesses, and genuine Southern hospitality add something special to the experience.

Whether you're checking into a hotel, grabbing breakfast before your tee time, or chatting with locals over dinner, you'll find a community that takes pride in making visitors feel welcome.

It's the kind of place where a golf trip can quickly become an annual tradition.

9. Two Downtowns and Plenty to Explore

Auburn and Opelika may be neighboring cities, but each has its own distinct personality, giving visitors plenty to experience between rounds.

Downtown Auburn blends college-town energy with local restaurants, shopping, and the traditions of Auburn University. From Toomer's Corner to its lively dining scene, there's always something happening.

Historic downtown Opelika offers a different atmosphere, with brick-lined streets, antique shops, locally owned boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and cocktail spots housed in beautifully preserved buildings.

Whether you're interested in shopping, local craft spirits, or simply spending an afternoon exploring, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy Auburn-Opelika beyond the fairways.

Plan Your Auburn-Opelika Golf Getaway

From championship golf at Grand National to the redesigned fairways of Pines Crossing, Auburn-Opelika offers plenty of reasons to pack your clubs and plan a trip. With convenient accommodations, excellent dining, and two downtowns worth exploring, it's easy to turn a round of golf into a full weekend away.

Ready to tee it up? Explore more about golf in Auburn-Opelika and start planning your next getaway.