Sylacauga Country Club

The rolling clay hills of east-central Alabama create natural elevation changes that designer Jerry Pate exploited brilliantly, particularly on the downhill par-4 7th where your drive carries over a creek to a fairway that drops 40 feet toward town. Pine and hardwood corridors frame most holes without feeling claustrophobic, while the greens retain just enough of their original Donald Ross-inspired contours to reward precise iron play. Smart routing takes advantage of natural water features on five holes, including a memorable par-3 finish over a pond that's claimed more than its share of championship dreams.