The Pines Of Chatom

The rolling terrain of southwest Alabama creates natural elevation changes that designer Jerry Pate exploited brilliantly, particularly on the par-4 7th where your approach plays downhill to a green guarded by towering longleaf pines. Water comes into play on half the holes, but it's strategic rather than penal—the best example being the risk-reward par-5 finishing hole where aggressive players can carry the pond for a legitimate eagle chance. At under $40 for 18 holes, this hidden gem delivers championship-caliber conditioning and routing that punches well above its modest green fee.